Bluetooth headsets make up one of the fastest wireless markets here in the US and around the world. Headsets with Bluetooth wireless technology are capable of working with a variety of other Bluetooth enabled devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and digital music devices (like the iPod). Unlike conventional headsets, Bluetooth headsets do not require wires of any sort, but rather receive information from your portable device through 2.4GHz radio waves. The range of communication for most headsets is somewhere around 10 feet, which is usually plenty long.
Not surprisingly, there are a wide variety of Bluetooth headsets out there, and it really comes down to tastes in styles and preferred features as to which one is right for you. You'll want to make sure, for instance, that your Bluetooth device - whether it be an iPod, laptop, or PDA - will work with your chosen headphones. Here we list below some of the most popular Bluetooth headsets and their relevent features.
Logitech Mobile Bluetooth Headset
Logitech's Bluetooth headset is a real competitor in the market. It is a solid product with a dependable brand name, fully capable of providing sound connection between your cell phone and the headset. The device is entirely compatible with most major Bluetooth phones, but you may have to look into its compatibility with other devices. Like most headsets, the device can clip easily to either ear. It comes with an adjustable, swing-out boom that includes a noise-blocking microphone. The battery unit is rechargeable and is capable of giving you about 7 hours of talk time.
Motorola Bluetooth Headsets
Motorola currently has two stylish Bluetooth headsets on the market: the HS810 and HS820, and one soon to be released: the HS850. The HS810 and HS820 are very similar in style and shape.
Both devices are, of course, Bluetooth enabled and can thereby communicate with Bluetooth 1.1 compliant devices, including handsets, PDAs and computers. The device is compatible with the Motorola V600 and V710 phones. The HS810 and HS820 both weigh about 20 grams, and the HS820 has a slightly longer talk time range of 6 hours, compared with the HS810's 5 hours max. They both can run on standby for 100 hours. The HS820 has the ability to communicate with your phone up to 33 feet away, and is equipped with a couple nice features: conference call and voice dialing. The HS810 sells for $99.00 and the HS820 for $79.00.
Information concerning the newest headset by Motorola, the HS850, has just recently been released. Those lucky enough to have tested and reviewed this device have, so far, given it high marks. Like it predecessors, the HS850 has a simple yet attractive design. The main casing is black, with silver around the control area (image below). One of the more innovative features of this device is the flip-on connection system that enables the headset to connect with your phone as soon as you flip it open.
Jabra FreeSpeak Bluetooth Headsets
Jabra, a leading provider of hands-free communication devices is optimistic about its newest headset the Jabra FreeSpeak FS258 released recently in Malaysia. Weighing only 23 grams, the FS258 is the lightest behind-the-ear device produced by Jabra. The company is encouraged by a new trend in the US towards banning the use of cell phones while driving is some states, such as New Jersey.
Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on Bluetooth wireless technology, please visit our Bluetooth headset webpage.