Buying a Bluetooth headset

As far as multi-tasking people are concerned, the Bluetooth headset is probably one of the best inventions ever produced. Gone are the days when you have to frequent the chiropractor’s office for bad posture and a strained neck. No more tripping over wires or putting up with annoying speakerphone noise. If you have too much on your plate, going hands-free is a godsend. A Bluetooth headset allows you to talk on the phone while driving, cliff-hanging, doing paper work, typing on the computer or baking a blueberry muffin.

Choosing a Bluetooth headset need not be difficult, but having a good ear fit along with easy to access and understand controls for volume and answer are among the primary considerations. For 2010, here are three Bluetooth headsets that are making waves.

Aliph Jawbone Icon
$87.99 – $114.50
The Icon series is the latest addition to Aliph Jawbone headset collection. This high powered affordable headset is made for extreme environments. It has NoiseAssassin and Voice Activity Sensor technology for excellent voice quality. It comes with an iPhone battery meter, customizable dial and audio apps, allowing you to do caller ID, know your remaining battery power and a whole lot more. It has 4.5 hours in talk time and comes in 6 versatile designs, from posh to sporty.

Plantronics Discovery 975
$99.99 – $119.82
Plantronics, one of the leaders in audio devices released Discovery 975 as an upgrade for the already robust Discovery 925. This new model now has dual microphone as well as wind reduction and noise canceling features. It has helpful voice prompts to let you know your Bluetooth connection, battery and mute status. Most of all it has a very comfortable fit; you can wear it for hours on end. It also comes with a special casing that shows your current battery and bluetooth status. The only setback would be the miniature control buttons. Still, the Discovery 975 remains a popular choice among Bluetooth headset users.

Bose Bluetooth
Manufacturer Price: $149.95
One that is making quite a buzz is the Bose Bluetooth headset, released in the market as of November. It is the manufacturer’s first one-ear Bluetooth headset, guaranteed to have the same noise-cancelling technology and excellent voice quality you enjoy in Bose headsets. The Bose Bluetooth Headset boasts of easier call controls, as well as a microphone that selectively chooses the user’s voice minimizing background noise. It has three ear-tip sizes for a more comfortable wear and a protective case. It is quite a splurge for $149.95 but the reputation of Bose should make it a bestseller.

Steve Dotto is Canada’s most respected geek. For over 15 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve has entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology. Steve has a passion for understanding the social impact of technology. His DVD Cybersafe with Steve Dotto , teaches parents and caregivers about the opportunities, dangers and challenges of social networking.