I’ve been using a Bluetooth headset for a while now, and the review probably could have covered a couple areas for new buyers:
(1) There are two versions of the Jabra headset. The old version (the one I have) has a more limited range than the newer version. This becomes an issue for me when I’m biking, because if I put my Sony Ericsson T68i in my bike jersey’s back pocket then it has trouble communicating with the headset. Placing the T68i on the top tube of the bike or near the handlebars (like in a bento box) is the solution. The newer version of the Jabra headset also supports an additional bluetooth profile that allows you to listen to music from forthcoming bluetooth MP3 players through the headset.
(2) This may seem obvious, but both the Jabra and the Bluespoon get nasty when you run/bike with them. You need to clean them very carefully or replace them frequently if you’re going to excercise with them. Unlike low-end headsets, these things have a lot of moving parts that will start to stick if you let sweat cake on them. Despite this minor problem, I ride/run with them anyway.
(3) Sony Ericsson’s “boom” bluetooth headsets work the best for talking while cycling. However, the longer boom arm will catch on your helmet strap.
Excluding the fact that people think you’re crazy when they see you talking to yourself, there really is no downside to ownership. I’ve been very happy with mine, and nearly all of my friends own them too.
I saw the Jabra headset for $70 mail order a few weeks ago, and, of all of the headsets, I’ve been most happy with it. It’s the “value” headset, so I feel less guilty about doing anything I want to it. And it just takes it. I’ve worn the Jabra for the entire season (since February), and I am surprised it has held up so well. I expected to be forced to replace it much earlier.
For you geek-o-philes, Bluetooth has other tangible benefits. I use bluetooth on my T68i phone to allow my laptop or PDA to wirelessly use the GSM/GPRS network for Internet access. For $10 per month to TMobile, it gives me the ability to have unlimited access to 150kbps wireless Internet connections at most major cities in the U.S. and even not so major cities. If you’re Hawaii bound, GSM/GPRS works pretty well in Kona!
When I travel outside the US, I can buy a local area GSM SIM card for the phone to get really cheap local calling and international long distance. In Europe, these are typically available for less than 10 EUs for at least 100 minutes and in Asia they are even less expensive.