BlackBerry Tip: Top 10 things to look for when choosing a Bluetooth headset.

Bluetooth headsets have been around for couple of years now, and seem be growing more and more advanced. But for many of us, it still can be a confusing task to determine which Bluetooth headset is actually right for us. The team over at CNET reviews, writes some great reviews that cover various types of Bluetooth headsets.  But to help you narrow down the good from the bad, the team here at BlackBerryDreamBlog.com has put together the top 10 guidelines you should consider when looking for a Bluetooth headset:

1.    Audio quality – Crystal clear sound quality and volume control is a must, as it is useful during weak connectivity. Look for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Technology, Noise Reduction, Noise-cancellation, and wind reduction which lets headset speakers to automatically boost the listening volume level and balance the background noise.

2.  Comfort– Ease of use is another primary element you should take into consideration. If the headset has an ear clip, double check if it fits perfectly around your ear. If it has a boom, most likely, it has size selections to make it more comfy to wear. The “in the ear” Bluetooth is the least suitable option, however, its crisp sound quality and precision still make it a good choice if the positioning is not a concern.

3. Pairing – Device pairing is the power of Bluetooth enabled gadgets to search and identify other Bluetooth devices like mobile phones, PDAs, MP3 players, printers, etc. A great Bluetooth wireless headset should be able to instantly recognize and function with up to seven devices.

4. Range of use– Bluetooth devices must have a clear range of at least 10 meters or 30 feet, which is the standard range for Class 2 Bluetooth devices. To check, use the headset in both obstructed and unobstructed distances from the cell phone or other wireless device.

5. User-friendliness – Find out if it has a voice-activation feature, which is useful for hands free operation. Verify if most functions can be used that way, as it would keep you safe in most places if the device can be used hands free while driving.

6. Value for money– Bluetooth devices’ price tag can range anywhere from $20-$200, give or take. High-end items generally signify superb quality and better functionality. On the other hand, prices around $60-100 also offer high quality.

7. Battery life– The usual remark among Bluetooth users is low battery life. An efficient Bluetooth headset can last at least 8 hours of talk and play time, and 100 hours max when not in use. Also find out its charging time and method.

8. Compatibility– The headset should use at least Bluetooth 1.1 technology. 1.2 version is quickly catching up and becoming more widely-used, as it helps lessen radio frequency interruption through a frequency hopping selection, improving security.  2.0 version has been also launched on other devices, which has faster transmission and lower battery consumption.

9. Functionality – All features should be handy via either voice-activation or hands-on maintenance. Consider these following features: voice dialing, call transfer, last number redial, 3-way calling, mute, and volume control, to list some.

10. Look and style –Appearance may sound unimportant, but it’s actually a major factor to most. There are two main styles available for Bluetooth headsets: Boom or No Boom. Boom is a mouthpiece accessory that looks like something a telephone operator would normally use. While it’s quite heavy and bulky, it offers enhanced clarity. No Boom can either be “in the ear” headphones (less snug to wear but more secure), or headphones that are worn around the ear using a foldable clip.

Bluetooth technology is constantly developing as time goes by. Likewise, Bluetooth accessories are becoming more and more modern. So make sure to choose a wireless headset that is compatible with a wide array of Bluetooth versions and devices to allow greater usage and worthy of any future improvement.

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