Apple Bluetooth Headset

Anything further than 15 inches, yes INCHES away from the phone and the static makes your conversation OVER. Took my unit back and got it replaced, replacement has same issue. Check over the forums at Apple Support - everyone is having the same issue. Don't dare put the phone in your pocket while using headset or your conversation is finished.

I picked up the Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset yesterday. The odd thing is they seem to be in VERY limited quantity in Apple's retail stores. I contacted 4 stores in NY/NJ and only one had them (Garden State Plaza, NJ) and they only had 2 in stock. Weird... I dunno if they are selling well or stores haven't really been getting full shipments. But nevertheless...

It is quite expensive, however. $129 for a Bluetooth headset that simply allows you to turn it on and off, end a call, hold a call, return to a call, and charge in a dock with your iPhone. Unfortunately, no volume switch :( My guess is that Apple, as they aspire to, wanted to kep the device small and simple and light: which they did to amazing effect. The piece is black with a minimalist button on its ear piece end. It is extremely light, the lightest Bluetooth headset I have ever felt. The ear piece is basically the iPhone/iPod headphones earpiece. Its seems to fit OK in my ear(s); you can place it in either ear for use.

When you use it with the included dock and connect your iPhone to sync or charge as well, you will get a neat-looking screen on the iPhone that shows you both the charging of the iPhone AND the headset. Pretty snazzy display! Out of the box as soon as you place the iPhone in the dock along with the headset it pairs automatically; no searching for pairing buttons or wondering if it will pair correctly or you will have to start over. This is a wonderful little feature as I am always having issues pairing these things, like I did on my Treo(s).

You can also use the headset with any other bluetooth-enabled phone. I tested this out on a friend's Treo last night and it seemed to work without a flaw. The quality in my ear of the sound, both with an iPhone and a other phone seemed just fine.

It is packaged in a box that looks exactly like an iPhone box. It comes with a user manual, travel charging cable that can be used to charge iPhone as well, 2 foam ear covers (like the ones for the iPod/iPhone headphones, and the special dock.

When all is said and done, this is a minimalist-looking, very workable bluetooth headset, with simply basic features, that pairs and charges seemlessly with your iPhone. If you have a few extra bucks I woudl recommend it. If you already have a Bluetooth headset that you are comfortable with and works well, I would say stick with it!

I have had my Apple Bluetooth for a couple of days now. The sound quality is fine so far! I love the look, it is sleek and light. It's comfortable too, and I normally HATE Apple headphones. I think the value is fine considering you get a dual dock and travel charger included.

Make sure you read the directions though! Mine may have paired automatically, but I didn't know that they wouldn't work in the cradle and I spent some time thinking I got a defective one. I did need to read the instructions to make it work properly. A quick two minute read would have saved some frustration. The Bluetooth disconnects when both the phone and headset are on the charger and you have to make sure you push the button on the headset to take calls once you take it out. You can put the phone in the charger and leave the paired Bluetooth out of the charger to answer the calls if you like, but both cannot be in the charger at same time to answer with the Bluetooth.

I LOVE that I can see the charging status on the headset!

The standby time seems MUCH longer than my old Plantronics 655. It is lighter and much more comfortable. I ordered a Jawbone and hated the bulky fit and cheese grater look.

I have been lucky, my iPhone and Apple Bluetooth headset have all delivered as promised. I am sure some have had technical issues, but mine have been flawless.

I say try the Apple Bluetooth if you aren't happy, just return it. I am definitely glad I found mine!

Sound Quality: This is pretty bad. Its clear and crisp when its good, but sounds like static on a radio when its bad. Jawbone has fuzzy sound, but does not get worse. I have had both.

Comfort: Very comfortable( for me). Just like the iPod headphones in size and style. I gave it a four because its is not tight in my ear and slips out.

Functionality: What you would expect from any other headset. I find that the talk button is much easier to press than on the Jawbone. I like this. Simple yet functional.

Design: This headset looks very nice. Slim and compact. I like the black. Does not look ugly like some other headsets. It looks like a small black bar. Love the way it looks.

Value: Nice for maybe 60. The quality is not worth the money. If you are like me and love the iPhone, it is worth it because it complements and completes the iPhone style. Its part of the iPhone, and I love it just because of that. Value without dock 2. With dock 4 or 5.

Overall: I love it because it feels like it belongs with the iPhone, because of the way the software reacts with the hardware. Other headsets feel like a third party PS2, Gamecube, or Xbox controller would. I hope you can understand this. Even though other headsets may be better, they don't feel right.