Bluetooth headset basics

Bluetooth headsets, which offer a convenient and user-friendly wireless connection between a headset and a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone, are now an "in" feature for frequent gabbers. To help you get familiar with Bluetooth, here's an overview of the technology and products:

Bluetooth headsets have become must-have accessories for cell phone fanatics. The benefits of these hands-free, wireless devices are obvious, particularly in the wake of state and local laws that require the use of a headset while driving. And just as the number of headsets has exploded, the number of Bluetooth cell phones has increased as well. Integrated Bluetooth is now present in a broad range of cell phones--from high-end smart phones to low-end functional models. Of course, cell phone Bluetooth usage is not limited to just headsets--you can also use Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly, connect to the Web, transfer files, and more.

Bluetooth basics
In Bluetooth technology, two devices communicate with each other over low-frequency radio waves in the 2.4GHz range. No cables or wires are needed, and the only requirement is that both devices be Bluetooth compatible. Unlike infrared (IR) ports, the connected devices don't need to be in direct line of sight, but they do need to be relatively close to each other. And like a wireless Infrared transfer, Bluetooth doesn't cost anything beyond the initial investment in the devices.

Pairing up
The process of connecting devices via Bluetooth starts with pairing , a procedure wherein a Bluetooth-enabled phone and another Bluetooth device search for and recognize each other. Once your connection is made and secured via a PIN (personal identification number), the two devices will "talk" to each other and exchange information. You can connect as many as seven devices simultaneously at speeds of 500Kbps and higher. Bluetooth does have limitations, however. Its range is limited to 30 feet, which makes it good for connecting a handful of devices but not appropriate for an entire network of computers--you're better off with Wi-Fi for a network.

Headset design
Most mono Bluetooth headsets can be grouped into two categories: models with a boom and models without. A boom is an extended microphone that arches toward the mouth and looks a bit like a telemarketer's headset. Though the mic's proximity to the mouth can result in better audio clarity, boom headsets have a tendency to be on the bulky side. Though models such as the Jabra BT500 and Motorola H605 are designed to rest behind the ear, other headsets such as the EverWin SLX-800 fit over the ear. And it's worth noting that not all boom headsets are bulky. The Motorola H700 's boom mic folds away to a more compact size.

Headsets without a boom have become more popular in the past couple of years. Not only are they more compact, but they also tend to have more fashionable designs. For example, Nokia offers the BH-801 , which is small and slender, while Jabra has received much acclaim for the JX10 with its elegant and compact form. Motorola has also joined the fashion game with headsets such as the minuscule Motorola H9 Miniblue and the Motorola Razr H3 , which looks quite a bit like the Razr cell phones. One of the most stunning headsets we've seen come our way is the Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset , which is styled by industrial designer Yves Behar and has DARPA-approved noise-shield technology as well.

What's more, an increasing number of headsets fit directly into the ear rather than just resting against it. As a result, they don't need to be worn with ear loops or other equipment. Examples include the aforementioned Motorola H9 Miniblue, the Bluetake BT400GL Bluetooth headset , and the Plantronics Discovery 665 , all of which won excellent ratings from CNET due to their stylish and compact designs. Keep in mind, though, that some users may not like the feeling of a headset's earpiece resting in their ear canals. It's important to check a few styles to see what is most comfortable for you.

A more recent Bluetooth headset design innovation has been the inclusion of LED screens. The BlueAnt Wireless V12 LCD Bluetooth headset and the Tekkeon EzTalker Digital both feature a tiny little display for caller ID. You can't see the display when the headset is on your ear, but it can provide useful information when you're not wearing and you receive a call.

Stereo Bluetooth headsets generally look and feel a lot like wired music headphones. There are quite a few earbud-style stereo headsets that come with a pendant-style controller for taking and placing calls or interacting with the phone's music player. Examples include the Plantronics Pulsar 260 and the Sony Ericsson HBH-DS970 Bluetooth headset, both of which earned high marks for comfort and sound quality. The Motorola O Rokr Stereo Bluetooth eyewear takes the earbud style a step farther by incorporating two small earbuds to the sides of a pair of Oakley sunglasses.

We tend to be fans of behind-the-neck headphones because of high comfort and sound quality. Examples include the Samsung SBH-170 and the Motorola S9 , either of which would be ideal to wear during sports activities such as working out in a gym or a vigorous run. There aren't too many stereo Bluetooth headsets in the traditional earpad style these days, though we did like the Plantronics Pulsar 590a .

A few Bluetooth headsets combine several different functionalities into one design. The Jabra BT8010 is both a mono and stereo Bluetooth headset--simply attach a secondary earpiece to the main mono headset and you immediately get stereo sound. The Kyocera Wireless Bluetooth headset with Speakerphone comes with--you guessed it--a little portable Bluetooth speakerphone.