Guide to Bluetooth Headsets

Bluetooth technology has cut back significantly on those tangles of wires at our computer desks, and Bluetooth headsets have freed us from our constant need to deal with more wires connecting our heads to our cell phones, PCs, and laptops.

The promise of the Bluetooth headset is wireless, hands-free use of our cell phones, complete with stereo sound and voice capability. iPods and select computers can also be connected through adapters and PC Bluetooth headsets.

Consider the following issues when shopping for a Bluetooth headset:

1. The appearance. Is the Bluetooth stereo headset a pair of wireless headphones, or one or two earpieces, for instance?
2. The price. For high-quality, stereo sound and noise cancellation technologies, you will pay more. Basic models cost less, and still provide a simple, hands-free, Bluetooth experience.
3. The comfort wearing it in or around your ear. Is it heavy or lightweight? Does it fit securely? Can you wear it in either ear, or only on one or the other?
4. Does it multi-task? Some PC Bluetooth headsets can take calls on Skype, for instance, and from your cell phone. Some stereo Bluetooth headsets can switch between music and voice calls seamlessly.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find your Bluetooth mobile headset at an online retailer advertising discounts

Online retailers can connect you to a broad range of products at varying prices, whether they are their own products or links to those of other merchants.

I recommend: PriceGrabber.com lists prices at a variety of merchants offering a variety of products, including Motorola, Jabra, Aliph Jawbone, Plantronics, and Samsung. Click on the specific Bluetooth phone headset to see the price list and links to the retailers. Wirelessemporium.com organizes their diverse offerings by brand of cell phone, including all of the majors.

Review the selection of Bluetooth headsets available from major electronics retailers

Some people prefer to stick with the major retailers since they represent a trusted resource to buy from. Harder-to-find, specialty products can also be found at these locations.

I recommend: Best Buy mobile and J&R Electronics both offer several versions of a stereo Bluetooth headset. You can also find one for use with an iPod, through an adapter, at the J&R World website.

Try a cordless Bluetooth headset for your PC and laptop

Some PCs and laptops may need an adapter to utilize Bluetooth capabilities. A warning, however: Apple computers that are Bluetooth enabled do not advertise compatibility with Bluetooth headsets, and users have reached mixed results using them.

I recommend: If your PC is not Bluetooth enabled, try Aftermarket Cellular for the Jabra Stereo Bluetooth PC Adapter, or this Jabra through Dell link, to remedy the problem and convert your bluetooth headset into a USB Bluetooth headset. Shopzilla.com provides links to these and other laptop and PC Bluetooth headset accessories. HeadSetPlus.com also offers a number of PC Bluetooth headsets. Note: these links are to products for Windows-based environments, not Mac.

Shop for an Apple iPhone Bluetooth handsfree headset

One million iPhone 3G smartphones were sold in the first three days of their debut in 2008, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal. Find Bluetooth headsets for the iPhone below.

I recommend: The Apple Store offers a choice of Bluetooth headsets for the iPhone, made both by Apple and other manufacturers. AT&T sells the Apple Bluetooth headset for the iPhone, as well as Bluetooth headsets for a variety of phones on their Bluetooth page.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Connect your Bluetooth stereo headset to your iPod or computer using an adapter. Some models of computer headsets come with the adapter, or you can purchase the USB-port adapter separately.

The official source of Bluetooth Headsets is the Bluetooth Headsets page at Business.com