Comments on: Do You Bluetooth?

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:20 +0000

I used to use one a lot then I stopped driving as much for work. Once I wasn’t constantly using it – it seemed like every time I wanted it A) it’s battery was dead B) it was at home on the charger.

After a while I stopped looking for it… and haven’t really missed it.

By: Paul

Paul — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:34:25 +0000

I use a bluetooth for any cellular business call. I want an wired option but the Samsung Blackjack II does not have adequate connections for being able to be charged and have a wired earpiece at the same time. This is a massive failing of any phone (cellular or not) in my opinion.

By: Chris Davies

Chris Davies — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:26:21 +0000

I’ve got a fair few Bluetooth headsets lying around, but hardly ever use them. Firstly it was the having-to-recharge-yet-another-gadget issue, then I picked up some great Sleek Audio custom headphones and have been using those – with wire – instead. Sleek do offer a wireless streaming adapter (which uses Kleer rather than lossy Bluetooth) but since it doesn’t support a microphone I haven’t been using it with my phone.

It’s a relatively null point, though, as I tend to use my phone more for messaging – email, SMS, Twitter – than voice calls these days.

By: Nameless

Nameless — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:41:53 +0000

I use Bluetooth, but I don’t use a Bluetooth headset.

Rather, I find it a useful means of making quick, easy wireless data transfers between devices. I also have a Bluetooth GPS receiver, and my two Wiimotes are definitely Bluetooth-driven. If I had the money, I’d probably add a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse to that.

The technology’s far more useful than just wireless headsets. How to help the average person realize that is another question entirely.

By: Andre Kibbe

Andre Kibbe — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:24:50 +0000

Now that even HTC is incorporating 3.5mm jacks, I see the back-to-the future trend being wired hybrid stereo headsets.

By: Kal

Kal — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:23:34 +0000

I’d say my use is about the same as a year ago. I have a Plantronics Voyager 855, which I love, since it’s the smallest, most discreet stereo BT I’ve ever seen. My main use is on the subway or walking in the city, where I listen to music and/or watch Slingplayer. It’s also a must for taking/making calls in public, since the speaker on my HTC Touch Pro makes even small tasks (like listening to vmail) all but impossible.

I generally take notes from calls on my handheld when I’m out of the office, so that’s impossible of course without a headset.

I’m actually a little worried that I won’t be able to replace my Voyager (which isn’t holding a charge too well these days) with something as small. I haven’t seen much that comes close.

I never use BT headphones in the car. I have a Moto BT car adapter for emergencies, but mostly I use it for listening to music, voicemail, and navigation.

James is absolutely right about mobile phones while driving — using handfree is not one iota safer than handheld. AAA Foundation studies show that driving while on the phone (with or without handsfree) is so distracting that it’s comparable to driving after having had a couple of drinks.

By: Ricky B

Ricky B — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:49:57 +0000

I’ll vote that I did… but that’s a recent change for me. I almost never used my old headset, but recently got one that is little more than a standard 3.5 audio to bluetooth adapter with a mic. I use *that* one all the time, primarily because my phone lacks a 3.5 audio jack itself and I like listening to music on it.

Previously, the hassles of pairing and keeping the headset and phone charged separately wrecked the whole experience for me.

By: Stephen Feger

Stephen Feger — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:15:01 +0000

Agreed. I listen to a lot of music on my phone via Slacker (8330). None of the stereo BT headsets have really impressed me with the sound (though the Jabra BT3030 comes closest), so I used a hybrid headset as well.

By: James Kendrick

James Kendrick — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:53:49 +0000

That’s a good law for everywhere, IMHO. Studies have shown, however, that the use of a headset while driving does not make users drive any better. It’s the call that is the distraction, not the handset.

For that reason if I get a call while driving I DO NOT ANSWER IT. I wait until stopped, listen to the voicemail and then call back if needed. It’s why foregoing the headset is working for me. YMMV.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:50:51 +0000

Actually, it already *is* illegal in some states and even in some cities where there isn’t yet a state law.

By: phil

phil — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:40:46 +0000

James in the UK, use of a mobile phone without a hands free or bluetooth headset while driving is illegal. Can not be long until this happens in the States.

By: Susan

Susan — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:37:53 +0000

I like using my bluetooth headset with my iPhone 3Gs so my hands are free. I especially prefer using it in the car. Just easier, plus I hear better. I use a Sound ID 200.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 19:20:26 +0000

James, wish you would have included an option for “Switched to wired”. I got on the bluetooth bandwagon and then got off because of the wired set I picked up.

I used to have two bluetooth devices, one for voice and the other for music. The over-the-ear for music didn’t do calls very well and I found I liked being able to listen to music while not on the phone. Instead of carrying two devices, I downsized to one that gives me decent music and decent voice at a fraction of the cost.

Yes, I have to untangle the wires from time to time, but at least I don’t have to remember to charge it or carry two pieces of equipment to fit my particular mood.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:41:00 +0000

In the car and at home I use A2DP bluetooth. (At home only for the times I want to listen to Pandora instead of a specific CD).

Otherwise though, I use a wired Etymotic stereo headset (hf2) to get near total noise isolation with great sound quality and a microphone and mic/playback control button.

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:39:03 +0000

I used to wear my Lubix LC1s every day, all the time. but that all changed with my phone plan (unlimited to prepay) and the fact that my new main phone no longer supported A2DP.

By: Thom

Thom — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:52:34 +0000

I think a small but significant reason for the decline in usage has to be the negative perception of indivduals wearing such headsets. No one wants to be that annoying person talking to a headset in line at the Starbucks anymore.

But I think a bigger reason just has to be that more and more cars integrate the phone into the cabin tech.

Of course, maybe Bluetooth headsets are just a fad.