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View Full Version : Apple Bluetooth Headset. An accessory for you new 3G iphone. Here's my spin!


i robot
07-08-2008, 07:04 AM
Well I’ve passed the 500 post mark before the iphone 3G came out (little private target). Now as a fully fledge evangelist I thought I would give a review of an apple product, the Apple Bluetooth Headset. As its also an accessory for the 3G iphone I am putting this in the 3G iphone section as there will be a lot of new 3G owners who I think should be aware of the pros and cons of this little beauty before they get carried aware on iDay 2. Of course the mods may move it.

Apple Bluetooth Headsethttp://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/hero-bluetoothheadset.jpg

Well I thought apple had done it again a Bluetooth Headset to match the form and function of their many other lovely products. Well at least they gave us form! The set looks fantastic, its slick, its smooth, you almost want to take it to bed with you….and you might end up doing this as you barely notice this headset is on after 4-5 minutes, its so light and comfortable. However, even this, maybe its strongest asset can prove troublesome. Because it’s held in your ear using only the friction between your ear and the bud, it can fall out and like some ear buds it certainly won’t suit all ears sizes (elf to giant). In fact, if you don’t like the apple ipod/iphone earbuds for size or comfort you will probably not like this earpiece.

The next point is the size, oh how I loved the size and the polished black finish but then I remembered (after I bought it) how easy it is to find a ‘small black thing’ when you mislay it, which has happened to me twice in 3 months. AHHHH! It’s not easy and I am very careful my gadgets. Finally, in this section I just wanted to mention the rubber ring that surrounds the earbud, my one is starting to look a bit flaky as pieces start to fall off.

OK now on to it’s decidedly weaker side, function! Well you may look good wearing this thing but it won’t last long! Why? Because it will spend more time on charge than in your ear. I had read this myself in reviews but thought it couldn’t be that bad. I even replaced my first one, but my second was still as poor. Basically, if is not in my ear while driving then its on charge and don’t expect to chat all day on it. Next there’s the reception at first I thought it was the iphone’s bluetooth but then I tried my old plantronics headset and the sound quality way fine. Occasionally I’ve had to change it to the ear nearest my iphone (in the car) to stop the reception dropping. Next, is an important issue you have to use your phone to call the number, even the last call. Like most people I try to limit holding my phone while driving if at all…..the one button does all approach certainly fails here!

I don’t want to end this on a downer :frown: so I will highlight that the pairing between the apple Bluetooth headset is a breeze. The charging status indicator would be cool also if it wasn’t for the fact that the charge is sooo poor. But hell at least it warns you that the juice is gonna run out VERY SOON.

Well to sum up

Pros-:laugh2:
Looks Good
Light
Pairing simple
Battery indicator on iPhone while in use and while charging

Cons:angry:
Poor reception
Poor Battery Life
Easy to loose
One size fits all (not)
Rubber ring around ear bud already damaged

hellspawn2
07-08-2008, 07:08 AM
Nice review!

adnurahs
07-08-2008, 08:51 AM
Thanks for the review. Sorry you had to experience the horror, but you took one for the team and I thank you!! Now we all know.

iMerlin
07-08-2008, 09:49 AM
I would agree with most of your review however I have never had an issue with reception or battery life. Granted I dont spend countless hours on the phone, but I use it whenever I am in the car and Ive never had a problem.
To your point about size and how it easily falls out of your ear. I agree completely. This headset should not be purchased if you plan on walking around with it. I use it solely for the car and even then it falls out sometimes. I put on 2 of the little earbud cushions they give you with iPod headphones and that seems to help a lot. Cloth seems to stay in my ear better than the plastic.

i robot
07-08-2008, 09:57 AM
I would agree with most of your review however I have never had an issue with reception or battery life. Granted I dont spend countless hours on the phone, but I use it whenever I am in the car and Ive never had a problem.
To your point about size and how it easily falls out of your ear. I agree completely. This headset should not be purchased if you plan on walking around with it. I use it solely for the car and even then it falls out sometimes. I put on 2 of the little earbud cushions they give you with iPod headphones and that seems to help a lot. Cloth seems to stay in my ear better than the plastic.

Hi iMerlin I take you points on and I am sure they are valid. The earbud cushion is a good idea. Although on the reception I have tried 2 of these boyos and am always getting a slight background hiss. Remember that hiss off the old cassette tapes in between songs (maybe your not of that age), a little bit like that. I still have mine although I am thinking of giving it to the wife with my iPhone 1 because the pairing is so easy and I am going back to my plantronics.

iMerlin
07-08-2008, 10:00 AM
Hi iMerlin I take you points on and I am sure they are valid. The earbud cushion is a good idea. Although on the reception I have tried 2 of these boyos and am always getting a slight background hiss. Remember that hiss off the old cassette tapes in between songs (maybe your not of that age), a little bit like that. I still have mine although I am thinking of giving it to the wife with my iPhone 1 because the pairing is so easy and I am going back to my plantronics.

Yeah robot, Ive read a lot of reviews about poor reception with it but Ive never had that issue. Who knows? Im kinda thinking about picking up the new Jawbone myself, but my wife will kill me if I keep buying gadgets. I have about 3 BT headsets. She already has one she is going to use with the v1 iPhone when I hand it down to her on Friday. So I cant give her mine. So I think Im stuck with it.

ColsTiger
07-08-2008, 10:35 AM
I agree on all points. And let me add that the rubber ring will definitely fall off in the very near future. Mine has been gone for months now. :(

Zanthe
07-08-2008, 11:02 AM
Sounds like the thing sucks LARGE.

jarofclay73
07-08-2008, 11:12 AM
I already have a Bluetooth headset... can't I just use that?

i robot
07-08-2008, 01:42 PM
I already have a Bluetooth headset... can't I just use that?

of course you can use other Bluetooth headsets. I posted this review in this section at this time due to the release of the new iPhone. We all know at times like this we can make on the spot decisions especially with sales people doing their pitch.

kevlar08
07-08-2008, 01:46 PM
it doesn't look to appealing to me, there are way better forms of headsets on the market

i robot
07-08-2008, 04:22 PM
Yeah robot, Ive read a lot of reviews about poor reception with it but Ive never had that issue. Who knows? Im kinda thinking about picking up the new Jawbone myself, but my wife will kill me if I keep buying gadgets. I have about 3 BT headsets. She already has one she is going to use with the v1 iPhone when I hand it down to her on Friday. So I cant give her mine. So I think Im stuck with it.

Well I guess I struck lucky as my wife really likes the look of it......and who am I to argue:wink:

aknightstale41
07-08-2008, 04:37 PM
I wonder why they just didnt add a simple around the ear wire like my plantronics has, you dont even see that when wearing it.