Best/clearest head-set?
Aug 2, 2007 | 3:41 pm
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sacramento
Programs: UA 3MM, former GS; Bonvoy Lifetime Plat; MHC Lifetime; Tar Heel forever
Posts: 12,175
Best/clearest head-set?
I need to get a new phone. And that's really all I want. I don't need music. I don;t need net access or email. I just use it for phone calls and occassional text messages.
What is important to me is that I get a good hands-free set and ear piece. A constant complaint for me is that I can not hear the caller well when I am using a hands-held phone.
Are there some ear pieces/head sets which you would recommend as being very good?
What is important to me is that I get a good hands-free set and ear piece. A constant complaint for me is that I can not hear the caller well when I am using a hands-held phone.
Are there some ear pieces/head sets which you would recommend as being very good?
Aug 2, 2007 | 4:16 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
If you're looking for a headset, the Aliph Jawbone noise-cancelling set is supposed to be tops. I've ordered one, but haven't received it yet. There's another thread about the Jawbone somewhere around here.
Aug 2, 2007 | 6:44 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA 3mm Plat
Posts: 10,068
If Bluetooth is what you need, then I second the Jawbone report. I have had one for a few months now. After some initial problems with fit, I have to say it is very superior: good volume coming in, great noise cancellation for your outbound sound.
Aug 2, 2007 | 8:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: BNE, Australia...not too far from the nearest Qantas Pub err Club
Posts: 3,636
[wistful]
For the past few months I've been using the Nokia wired handsfree - far better sound quality and "responsiveness" than the Bluetooth...
[/wistful]
Aug 2, 2007 | 8:42 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: SEA
Programs: UA 1P, SPG Plat
Posts: 162
For wired, my recommendation is the Ety-Com. I think you can get one for ~$35.
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er22.aspx
Positives: Excellent noise rejection with the microphone. In-ear design for the earpiece means that you can hear the other party no matter how loud the environment is.
Negatives: In-ear earpiece may not be comfortable for some (think Shure in-ear canalphones). Microphone placement is important, and there is a narrow range where it works well (which is why it isolates so well).
http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er22.aspx
Positives: Excellent noise rejection with the microphone. In-ear design for the earpiece means that you can hear the other party no matter how loud the environment is.
Negatives: In-ear earpiece may not be comfortable for some (think Shure in-ear canalphones). Microphone placement is important, and there is a narrow range where it works well (which is why it isolates so well).
Aug 11, 2007 | 1:39 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Programs: UA Lifetime 1K (3.52MM BIS miles) AA EXP (3.64MM)
Posts: 1,097
I have a question regarding power up/connect time from headset to phone.
I am not one to wear a headset all the time so will a bluetooth headset be able to power up & connect during the 4 or so rings that I get during an incoming call?
I am not one to wear a headset all the time so will a bluetooth headset be able to power up & connect during the 4 or so rings that I get during an incoming call?
Aug 11, 2007 | 5:37 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Newport Beach, California, USA
Posts: 36,062
The headsets that I have (a Jawbone and a Motorola HS805, turn on within a second or two and connect instantly after that.
Aug 11, 2007 | 5:53 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: San Francisco
Programs: AA 3mm Plat
Posts: 10,068
I use the Jawbone. With my phone, it is not instantaneous. If I am on a call and I want to switch to headset so that I can type while talking, it will take 2 - 4 seconds to activate the headset and another 4 - 6 for my phone to recognize it and for me to "accept" the recognition.
Usually, I will put the earphone on, activate it and watch the handset. When I am asked to accept, I in turn ask the person I am speaking to hold just a sec and indicate acceptance of the head-set/hand set relationship. After that it is a just second or so.
In short, your phone will have something to do with how seamless it is to activate the headset.
I do love that Jawbone.
Usually, I will put the earphone on, activate it and watch the handset. When I am asked to accept, I in turn ask the person I am speaking to hold just a sec and indicate acceptance of the head-set/hand set relationship. After that it is a just second or so.
In short, your phone will have something to do with how seamless it is to activate the headset.
I do love that Jawbone.
Aug 12, 2007 | 11:04 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: UA Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 112
My cellphone geek friend swears by the NxZen headset. You can check out the audio samples testing here--pretty cool.