Product review - The Gadling Big Bluetooth Bonanza
Got Bluetooth? In this review, I'm going to take a quick look at 5 different Bluetooth headsets - but I need to point out that this is not a "best of", I won't be announcing a "winner".
Instead, I've picked 5 different headsets that all do something special. It could be a great noise canceling feature, or an innovative way to charge the device.
Here are the 5 headsets that grabbed my attention:
- Plantronics Voyager 835
- Plantronics Voyager 855
- Lubix UBHS-NC1
- MobileEdge M100 PowerSmart
- Jabra BT3030
Plantronics Voyager 835
The Voyager 835 is the newest allrounder from headset maker Plantronics. On the outside, the headset looks like any other unit out there, but 2 things make it worth a position in this review.
The Voyager 835 has 2 microphones, and a the Plantronics AudioIQ noise canceling system. These technologies means you'll be able to make a phone call without the other end thinking you are calling from the moon.
The headset is also one of the most comfortable of the ones I tested. Its clear ear clip and molded earpiece made it a real pleasure to wear, and even after a 40 minute phone call it felt just fine. One notable item missing from the package is a set of spare earpieces. For some reason, Plantronics decided not to include them with the Voyager 835. Of course, if you take good care of the headset you'll never need them, but I can't help feel that a spare set of parts would make more sense.
The Voyager 835 charges using MicroUSB, the newest format plug popping up on phones from Nokia, Motorola and RIM (Blackberry). Included in the box is a pretty slick car charging adapter that functions as a charger and dock for the headset when you are not using it. This $20 charger is currently included for free with the headset.
Gallery: Plantronics Voyager 835
Price: $119.95 (MSRP)
Manufacturer: Plantronics
*
Plantronics Voyager 855
The Plantronics Voyager 855 can be converted from a normal "mono" headset into a stereo Bluetooth headset. The Voyager 855 also features a sliding boom microphone for getting closer to your mouth, and for picking up the call. The buttons on the headset can control compatible stereo Bluetooth devices, allowing you to skip tracks, play and pause your music. And, just so you know; stereo Bluetooth does not work on the iPhone or iPod Touch. Apparently Apple does not believe in the wonders of listening to cordless music.
The Voyager 855 also features the Plantronics AudioIQ system, which greatly improves the quality of your call.
The headset also supports Multipoint connections, which is a slick way of saying it can be connected to more than one device at the same time. This feature means you can be connected to your phone and a Bluetooth music player, and still be able to listen to music while you wait for that important phone call from your broker.
Just like the Voyager 855, this headset charges using MicroUSB, and the package includes a USB charging cable and wall adapter as well as several replacement earpieces and a spare ear clip for converting the stereo headset to mono.
Gallery: Plantronics Voyager 855
Price: $149.95
Manufacturer: Plantronics
*
Lubix UBHS-NC1
This wacky looking headset combines a bold fashion statement with a pretty ingenious design - the 2 halves of the headset connect using a strong magnet, allowing you to wear the it as a pendant. When you want to listen to music, you simply split the unit in half and wear it like any other headset.
Like the Plantronics Voyager 855, this headset supports Bluetooth stereo. On the back of the headset are 2 rocker switches which are used to change tracks, control play/pause, adjust the volume and pick up/hang up a phone call. Unlike most other headsets - the Lubix uses a normal on/off slider switch, which is a heck of a lot easier than having to hold down a button for 3 seconds to turn it on.
The Lubix may lack some of the noise canceling features found on the other headsets, but it really makes up for that with some astounding sound quality when used with stereo Bluetooth. The NC1 also supports 3D audio, which provides a really interesting effect to your music.
The Lubix UBHS-NC1 charges using a proprietary charging plug, but a USB cable and wall adapter are included, as well as several different earpieces. Also, like most headsets in this lineup, the NC1 has support for multipoint connections.
Later this week I'll give you a second look at the Lubix UBHS-NC1 with the new Lubix iPod Bluetooth adapter.
Gallery: Lubix UBHS-NC1
Price: $54 (promotional price from Lubix)
Manufacturer: Lubix Mobile
*
Mobile Edge M100 PowerSmart
We've mentioned Mobile Edge here on Gadling before, but mainly for their excellent checkpoint friendly bags. In addition to these bags, the company also offers a lineup of travel gadgets. One of those gadgets is the new M100 PowerSmart Bluetooth headset.
The M100 is special thanks to an ingenious folding design. When you are not using the headset, you simply fold it flat and attach it to the included lanyard clip. When in the "off" position, you get a whopping 60 days standby time out of the headset. The headset comes with an AC adapter and a very clever L shaped USB plug.
The M100 is also pocket friendly - when in the standby position, the headset locks the call button, preventing one of those embarrassing phone calls made to friends by mistake.
Audio quality is quite outstanding, mainly thanks to the flanged earpiece, which keeps the headset nice and snug in your ears, blocking outside noise.
Gallery: Mobile Edge M100
Price: $79.95
Manufacturer: Mobile Edge
*
Jabra BT3030
The Jabra BT3030 looks more like an ID tag than a Bluetooth headset. Complete with a chain for around your neck, the BT3030 is the only headset in this lineup that connects to a pair of regular headphones. On the front of the BT3030 are buttons for volume, music control and call control. On the bottom of the unit is a miniUSB charging plug and on the top is a microphone.
The combination of a built in microphone and a headphone jack means you can use this Bluetooth device to listen to music using the included headphones, or any other (noise canceling) headphones you want, and use it to make phone calls.
The headset comes complete with an AC charger, chain and plastic clip, in case you don't want to wear it around your neck.
Gallery: Jabra BT3030 headset
Price: $79.99
Manufacturer: Jabra
Like travel gadgets? Check out these other cool gadgets we recently reviewed!
Filed under: Gadling Gear Review
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Wayne Baumgartner Feb 11th 2009 2:49PM
The only negative thing with the 835 is as Scott mentioned, the lack of extra eartips with the headset. And the reason that you don't get any extra eartips is because they were not meant to come off and be replaceable. So that is about the only bad thing with the Voyager 835, and the same with the Voyager 520 & Explorer 370... that type of ear tip and ear loop is made onto the headset and is not replaceable. But other than that... The 835 is a great looking headset. It's very lightweight and the sound quality is actually pretty good. Not only is it a good looker, but it's also a good performer! I'm not sure if it blocks out quite as much background noise as the Plantronics Voyager 510, but it's certainly a lot sleeker looking and not as bulky. Another cool feature is that the Plantronics 835 has multipoint technology, this lets you pair your headset to two different devices at the same time. So that let's me use the headset on my cell and also on my pc for SKYPE (pc must have bluetooth or you need a bluetooth USB adapter to connect to computer). The 835 also has 5hrs of talk time, which is even more than most cell phones. So that means you can spend less time charging and more time using... And that's always a good thing !
Cleona Feb 13th 2009 2:12PM
I normally don't use the cell phone at all during driving but if I had to buy a bluetooth headset..I would go for the Jabra headset. Having an ear piece is still even distracting (to me).
I just read that a headset company is offering a free bluetooth headset if you were caught driving while talking on the phone. You can read more here
http://www.dealio.com/blog/2009/02/freebie-alert-bluetooth-headset-giveaway/
sn Mar 24th 2009 9:43AM
Bluetooth is somewhat safer to use when driving
however one is distracted.
That said, this ad or review is the best I have ever seen. The text and photography are surpurb.
about 99.9 % of the time when i click on to the blurb when I log on, I have not idea where the informaiton is that I clicked onto.
Lane Mar 24th 2009 6:51PM
Does the bluetooth also work as a hearing aid? I have trouble with mine and have to put it in the shop a lot of times, So I was just wondering because that's what I need is double speakers so it would be able to get loud because of my hearing problem?
Thank You
Lane
Ken Spain Mar 25th 2009 11:18PM
Lane, I am 50% down on my hearing and work with the VA on my aids from time to time, but I have to use a bluetooth, and the one for me is the Plantronics P 510 , and I pulled the foam pad off and found a piece of very small rubber hose that fits perfectly over what was left on the bluetooth, and this goes deeper in my ear, and is near perfect for my condition. I run the volume on low to medium and its fine. Get one and I will send you the small hose . Hope this helps you. KEN SPAIN. Ft Wth , TX
JT Mar 24th 2009 7:19PM
none of them really work.
The only one that does is the type that attaches to the phone by a plug not wireless bluetooth
stephen Mar 24th 2009 11:26PM
bought a 2000 mb but did not buy a phone from them. it is designed for a motorola nphone of that year., the car has a speaker and microphone concealed in the headliner. is there any way to harness these useing a current phone.
bobby Mar 25th 2009 9:29AM
We are a distributor with over 400 models of bluetooth products in stock at all times. call our office for all your wireless and bluetooth needs
we have product for all budgets,some headsets as low as $15.00
718 859 2220
Steve Mar 26th 2009 2:35AM
I found that the voyager and explorer models arenot compatible with lower end phones. I received one as a gift and had nothing but trouble. Upon checking the Plantronics website, I found it was not to be used with my LG 5000 series phone. Check before you buy!
KELLIKO1 Apr 30th 2009 10:17PM
That's why I went to the Verizon mall shop - I knew they would have the most compatible earbuds for my phone and I was right.
Whatever phone you have you can just check out their website too, for compatible models.
Karen Apr 19th 2009 10:29AM
I often receive a phone call from a friend of mine using I believe some type of wireless bluetooth. The call goes into an echo mode along with a lot of noise. I can then hear myself speaking which is annoying. Is this normal and why am I hearing myself speak while talking while not using a wireless headset myself?
Linda Apr 20th 2009 1:40AM
I have a problem with finding a bluetooth that fits my ear snug enough. I have had 3 different types and none of them adjusted well to my ear. They are just too big..or prehaps I have small ears, I don't know. The ear piece just slips away from my ear and I have to hold it to my ear. Do any of the bluetooth devices you tested have adjustable capabilities? Thank you for any guidance you may offer me.
Linda
ikele Apr 30th 2009 12:45PM
From all the products I tried (I tried them all) Cartel's bluecarphone is still the most comfortable and safest legal way to use a cell phone while driving because you can dial and talk on speaker without holding your cell phone in your hand and that BTW is what the cops get you for. Check it out www.bluecarphone.com