Bluetooth head sets: opinions wanted

[Cinema Face]

I've always thought that they look kinda geeky. When people use them, it looks like they're talking to themselves. I've never taken them too seriously until now.

I'm at the stage where I'm considering investing in one. I have never used one before and know nothing about them. Some people tell me that they suck. Others tell me that I have to get a really good (read: expensive) one with noise cancellation.

I thought I'd ask for some opinions on whether they're worth it and which one to get.

I don't know if it matters what phone but for what it's worth, it's a Samsung M300 (cheap but does the job). I have trouble with the idea of paying more for the headset than I did for the whole phone.

Opinions?

 

[markvee]

I've always thought that they look kinda geeky. When people use them, it looks like they're talking to themselves. I've never taken them too seriously until now.

I'm at the stage where I'm considering investing in one. I have never used one before and know nothing about them. Some people tell me that they suck. Others tell me that I have to get a really good (read: expensive) one with noise cancellation.

I thought I'd ask for some opinions on whether they're worth it and which one to get.

I don't know if it matters what phone but for what it's worth, it's a Samsung M300 (cheap but does the job). I have trouble with the idea of paying more for the headset than I did for the whole phone.

Opinions?

I had one and didn't like it.

For me, a plug-in earpiece is more reliable (The plug-in gets power from the phone while the bluetooth earpiece must be separately charged).

The plug-in is cheaper in case you need to replace it.

Plus, I found incoming sound and especially outgoing sound to be clearer with the plug-in.

 

[Keebler Elf]

While it's undoubtedly helpful when driving, it also undoubtedly makes you look like a geek. Sorry, it does.

 

[ig-88]

I don't have one, and I can't help but be annoyed by people using them in public.

IMHO, I think it's rude to walk around in public, talking into thin air, with a bluetooth earpiece on. Or standing outside a building, looking like a nutcase talking to yourself.

99.99999999999999999% it is not business-related or an emergency.

And I think people wear them as a status symbol to show how important they think they are, or how technologically advanced they are.

 

[JEFF247]

I have a Motorola and ONLY use it in the car when I am ALONE. It is great for calling in the car but you do look like a tool if you wear it outside the car!!!! I even wear it on my right ear so that people outside the car are less likely to see it!!! You do look like a jackass walking and talking with one!!!! The Jabra BT500 is a Consumer Reports Best Buy in the Jan 2008 issue.

 

[OnTheWayOut]

I use a Logitech for work. It's great for talking while driving or if I have to talk on the phone while working, frees up both hands to perform what the guy on the phone is suggesting .... no more putting phone down, performing task, picking up phone to continue convo.

Yes, I look like an idiot walking around talking to "myself" and people are constantly looking at me like I've flipped. But for work it's just what the doctor ordered. I also use the right ear so as to be more inconspicuous while I drive and remove it as it becomes slightly uncomfortable after too long. I find it easy to slip it on the ear with one hand while driving and push the button to talk .... haven't missed a call yet doing that.

 

[Mack Bolan]

Samsug WEP 410 from Wirelesswave is the best one I've used so far. It's small, fits in your ear and you can hear in loud places. Charge last for ever and it's quick to charge up.

 

[wileyc]

Whatever you do, do not buy a Bluetooth headset that has a hinged microphone. I went through a few Motorola units where the switch in the hinge would die after a while making it unusable. I've since switched to a single piece Motorola that cost around $40 bucks refurbished.

Since my radio in my car died a while ago I replaced it with a bluetooth enabled radio as well.

 

[Never Compromised]

I bought a referb Motorola had XS Cargo for $18.00 and use it only in the car. I have a Moto phone, so the two use the same charger, which means that I charge up the headphone when I leave the car, keep the phone charging when I am in the car.

Sound quality is not quite as good as the wired headphone.

If you want the latest geek thing, a new device was shown at the Consumer Electronic show in Vegas that picks up the vibration of your voice via your bones, and apparently very little outside noise. Cost will be about $150.

 

[Cinema Face]

Whatever you do, do not buy a Bluetooth headset that has a hinged microphone. I went through a few Motorola units where the switch in the hinge would die after a while making it unusable. I've since switched to a single piece Motorola that cost around $40 bucks refurbished.

Since my radio in my car died a while ago I replaced it with a bluetooth enabled radio as well.

LOL. Now you tell me. I just bought one like that. It's the Motorola H700. It works well. I hope it stays that way for a while.

I originally bought a Nokia one. It was bulky but worked well for about 3 days and then died. I replaced it with the Moto.

Yes. I think they look geeky. I do a lot of driving for work lately so I thought I'd get for driving or hands free talking. I try to avoid wearing it in public.

 

[bogo]

I bought one with new phone for under 50 it is great for driving, aided by the very good voice recognition software in phone. Sound quality is fine. Phone is LG Shine, blue tooth has a Telus label.

 

[WinterHawk]

LOL. Now you tell me. I just bought one like that. It's the Motorola H700. It works well. I hope it stays that way for a while.

I originally bought a Nokia one. It was bulky but worked well for about 3 days and then died. I replaced it with the Moto.

Yes. I think they look geeky. I do a lot of driving for work lately so I thought I'd get for driving or hands free talking. I try to avoid wearing it in public.

Just remember to keep it with you and don't leave it out in your car when it gets cold. I've had a couple and they always broke in the winter time because of whatever plastic switch is inside breaks when it gets cold.

IT SUCKS big time...