MULTI-TASK WITH HEADSETS

Hands-Free Communication


Headsets and headphones were developed to allow people to have private access to music, video games, telephones, and other electronic devices. Telephone headsets have been used in call and reservations centers for many years. Using a headset, be it wireless or corded, allows one to talk to customers on the telephone and at the same time use their computer, catalogs, or other media easily and effectively, thereby serving their customer in a more efficient manner. Most headsets today use bluetooth technology. They come in three basic styles: over the ear, behind the ear, and ear buds. With the advent of the cell phone, many find a wireless headset to have more use than just as a business application. Drivers may safely talk on their cell phones using a wireless headset. Busy moms and housewives can take care of their household duties and still talk on the phone. Call and reservation centers still use headsets, and most all business people find that using a headset to carry on telephone conversations will allow them to converse while tending to other duties or helping their clients. While headsets and headphones have many uses, this article will focus on use with telephones and cell phones.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology provides a way for different devices to communicate with each other using a short-range radio frequency. With this technology, cell phones can talk to headsets, PC's can talk to printers, etc. This technology is present in the most popular headsets and headphones today. Before you can use a bluetooth headset, your phone and your headset must be compatable with each other, or any other device you wish to use. If your cell phone isn't compatible, there are adapters available which will allow you to use a bluetooth headset with your cell phone.

Prices, Styles, and Other Information

There are literally hundreds of headsets you can consider. We can only cover a few of them here. A good place to check for more information is at C/Net Reviews. They review headsets based on price, manufacturer, form factor/style, other features, compatible cell phones, and more.

By Price

Under $30

Jabra BT350 can be found for as low as $20. Over the ear style, volume control, answer/end button, and acceptable performance level.
Cardo Scala 600 is priced as low as $29. Lightweight, great sound quality, built-in microphone, over the ear style, answer/end button.
Plantronics makes a couple of models under $30, including the M2500 and Explorer 320. Both received good reviews from C/Net.

$30-$50

Motorola H700 gets good reviews from C/Net for size, sound quality, and other features. Prices start at $39.
Samsung WEP200 is an ear bud style, features good sound quality as well as a built-in microphone,voice dialing, call waiting & call rejecting.


$50-$100

You'll find more models to choose from in this price range. Plantronic's Discovery 655 seems a good choice, costing from $64 and up, but with good sound quality, design and features. Priced at $54, the Nokia BH 200 offers good sound quality and is easy to use.

If money is no object, Plantronics makes 3 models for over $200, but you will undoubtedly find good quality for less money.

By Style

There are three basic styles of headsets: Over the ear, ear buds, or behind the neck styles. Over the ear is the most popular, and there are more choices with this style or form of headset. If you like the ear bud style, Sony Ericsson, Plantronics, Samsung and Nextlink all offer this style. Top rating-getters seem to be the Nextlink Bluespoon AX, Plantronics Discovery 640 & 655 models, and Sony-Ericsson's HBH-DS970. Most features include a built-in microphone, volume controls and mute buttons. Most behind the neck styles received poor ratings for telephone use, but were adequate for music.

Parting thoughts

You'll find many styles and price ranges to choose from when you are shopping for your headset. If you are already accustomed to using headsets with your music media, you'll be more familiar with the styles and know what you will be comfortable using. If you're not familiar with headsets for other uses, consider a visit to your local electronics superstore where you can talk to knowledgeable sales people and perhaps try out the headset styles before buying. If you're going to use headsets frequently, it's important to be comfortable with what you choose to use.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes