Strange Form Leads to Great Function
Written: Jul 15 '04 (Updated Jul 23 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: sound quality on both ends, volume
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: This unique style is very effective.
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| JBigDog's Full Review: Jabra Communications Freespeak Wireless Headset Fo... |
An advantage of a bluetooth cellular phone is the ability to “connect” devices to it without the use of wires. The two devises use radio-like signals to transmit information. The Jabra Freespeak BT200 is one such device. It is a wireless bluetooth headset. In my case, I use this headset with a Motorola v600 phone.
What’s in the box?
When you purchase this headset, you get:
-Headset
-Charger (with cord)
-Belt Clip
-Instruction Booklet
Why do you say the phone has a strange form?
This headset wraps around your ear, similar to glasses, but then continues to wrap around under your ear for about another inch in order to get the microphone closer to your mouth. The most unique feature of this headset is the speaker. Instead of placing a speaker over your ear, you actually place a gel tip into your ear (similar to music headphones that go into the ear). This tip can be rotated for both the left and right ear. While this tip may seem weird, I have actually noticed it makes it easier to hear the conversation and at the same time, reduces the amount of noise that can interfere with the conversation. My ear felt a little discomfort after my first few uses, but over time, I became acclimated to the feeling.
Is it easy to use?
A requirement of using bluetooth capable devises is the need to “pair” the said devices. The example often given is having the two devices shake hands. This “handshake” allows the devices to know that the other one exists and that it is okay to communicate with each other.
The Instructions with the Jabra Freespeak headset were very clear. I had no problems pairing the two devises. Basically, (after you charge the headset) you need to tell your phone to look for bluetooth devices. First, you hold down a button on the headset that has a little phone icon. After holding down that button, an LED light remains steady and your phone can find the device. You can then tell your phone to look for devices. Once the phone finds the device, you will be asked to input a security pin (this ensures that another person can’t set up a connection to use your phone) which is listed in the instruction booklet. And that’s it! You should be all set to go.
The headset has three buttons on it. Two of them are for controlling the volume. The other one is sort of an “all purpose” button. It turns the headset on and off. It is the button used for pairing the device. If also lets you use voice dial (if your phone has that capability). Basically, when your headset is on and connected to your phone, use can push this “master” button, say the name of the person you want to call, and viola, the phone dials. This feature requires that your phone has this capability, and it works for me on the v600.
How does it sound?
While using this headset, I have experienced no problems with people understanding me or me understanding them. In fact, people are unable to recognize I am on a bluetooth headset. (Note though, that if you stray too far from your phone, you will experience some static. I have also noticed some static if I’m using this next to a microwave or other similar devices.)
Also, while I have experienced volume difficulties with the earpiece on the Motorla v600 (http://www.epinions.com/content_147925470852), the same does not apply to this headset.
Battery life
The battery life is good. I am able to achieve several hours of talk time before requiring a recharge (which doesn’t even require that much time) and the instructions mention that several charge cycles are needed to maximize battery potential. I have been charging my headset about every other day.
The charger is very easy to use. You just connect the power cord, and slide the headset in. In addition, the charger acts as a belt clip. You can unplug the cord and attach the belt clip which will allow you to carry the headset with you.
Conclusion
All in all, this is a great headset. The sound quality is fantastic, the set up is easy, and the battery life is great. Free yourself from the wires!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JBigDog
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Member: S
Reviews written: 120
Trusted by: 132 members
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