Blackberry Smartphone: Headset

Showing posts with label Headset. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2011

Jabra Supreme Bluetooth Headset Review

by Mendy on November 11th, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Review: Jabra Supreme Bluetooth Headset
Rating:
Price: ~$99.99 at Amazon.com

The Jabra Supreme is the latest and greatest Bluetooth headset available for hands-free dialing and voice activation. This headset is extremely easy to use. Powering on the headset consists of simply flipping open the microphone. Upon doing this for the first time after the initial charge, voice commands instantly guide you through the pairing to your phone. Subsequent powering-on of the headset results in a greeting of “Power On…Connected”.

Receiving Calls: Upon receiving a call, the headset announces “Call from …” and announced the caller’s name if in your address book, or the number calling. You may use the Answer/End button or wait for the tone, and speak “Answer” or “Decline”. This is great for driving.

Placing Calls: Voice commands allow you to speak the name of the caller. As always, I had difficulty with the proper contact being identified while using voice commands, and found myself tending to stick to the more standard method of dialing from the phone.

Overall Thoughts: The sound quality is pretty good on both ends. Callers did not realize I was on a headset, and I was able to hear them quite clearly. The headset is quite comfortable with the foam cover over the speaker sits flush against your ear. The voice instructions, and simple flipping open/closed to turn on/off prove quite useful, especially for those used to staring at the blinking lights on their headset attempting to determine what it’s doing.

The only con I found was the ear loop. While the speaker and foam cover sit flush against your ear while being worn, I felt the ear loop was insufficient to keep the headset from moving around while you moved. This caused me to try moving less while wearing my headset, something which I shouldn’t have to pay attention to. At no point did it actually fall off or even come loose, but it was something that bothered me while using. Then again, I find this an issue for all headsets with similar loops, so it appears to be a personal issue.

Conclusion: If you want a simple, easy to use headset, this headset is for you. With it’s flip open/closed to turn on/off, and voice commands, all the guesswork is removed when using this headset. Once again, this Jabra headset has great sound quality and a good look.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Plantronics Improves on Perfection with Voyager Pro HD Bluetooth Headset

When I got my first Plantronics Voyager Pro I few years back I fell in love. It was a super comfy Bluetooth headset that simply worked and the battery lasted forever. Plantronics then gave it a marginal update with the Voyager Pro+ with A2DP and a voice controls. Now they have tuned the mix just a little bit more with the Voyager Pro HD.

The Voyager Pro HD adds a slick Smart Sensor technology that recognizes when you place it on your ear. It will automatically answer calls or transfer calls back and forth between your phone and headset based on this sensor. They also have their Vocalyst voice and text service on command and a few other tricks.

The Voyager Pro HD is available now on Amazon for $99 and you can read more on the Plantronics website.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Review: Etymotic Research MC2 Noise-Isolating In-ear Headset and Earphones

Etymotic Research MC2 Noise-Isolating In-ear Headset and Earphones
Cost: $99 @ Amazon
Rating:

Etymotics is well known as the company with a CUSTOM-FIT program for personalized ear molds that provide a perfect fit. They also happen to sell earphones. Their newest release, the MC2 (a universal follow up to their MC3 iPhone version), claims to be the world’s most accurate noise-isolating headset + earphones under $100 for the cost‑conscious consumer.

As far as noise-cancelling, when the earpieces are properly in the ear, you are happily removed from the noise around you. It blocks out most of the sound and allows you to clearly hear your most recent playlist. I have tested these earphones while listening to my latest obsession, Adele, and I have been able to hear her croon to me perfectly clear, well below maximum volume on both my phone and my computer. Using these definitely prevents me from hurting my eardrums on the subway. They are a bit on the pricier side. A non-audiophile like me would normally think twice about spending that much for earphones. Additionally, there is a nifty Send/End Button that, depending on your device, may also mute a call. Always a pro to have an option like that attached to your earphones.

There is much left to be desired when it comes to the fit of these earpieces. Etymotics gives you an array of buds to try to your liking, but I have yet to find one that fits me best. I have not tried their custom fit program. There are two sizes of the 3-flange eartip, or what I refer to as the plunger type buds that seal in very tightly. Etymotics explains you must take out very gently and slowly to break the seal. There are people who may prefer these tips, but it’s something you must get used to. The Foam eartip you must rub between your fingers to compress the foam before inserting into your ear. These fit and block out all noise from the surrounding, but I wish they were shaped a little less boxy and a little more rounded on the edges to fit more comfortably in the ear. The Glider eartip Etymotics states must be pushed in simply to the ear canal. These are the least fitting buds, as they fall out almost immediately, every time.

In short, it’s worth a shot to try the earphones out, especially if you are inclined to try or have used Etymotics Custom-Fit Program. They are a bit on the pricier end, so if you are having trouble with the ear pieces, you may not benefit from the noise isolation. All in all, these are far superior than the typical iPod pain-inducing earphones.