Latest Observations

Some new headsets seem to be hitting the market but they don't seem to offer much in the way of substantive improvement so far.  The main new headsets are the JawBone, the Blue Ant Z9, and several from Motorola, Plantronics, Jabra and others.

I have just completed my review of the Qstick Evoc headset (March 4,2007)

Qstik was kind enough to loan me a unit for evaluation.  It has taken me a little longer than usual because of work commitments and demands on my time.  I have finally completed my evaluation which you can read here.  I hope to also do an evaluation of the Invisio Q7 but it appears to still be unavailable and my guess is that they have not been able to resolve the technical issues as it is now almost 3 months late coming to market.

Jabra JX-10 Review On Line!

I just completed my review of the Jabra JX-10.  Click here to go directly to the review.  It is a very attractive headset but it fell short of my expectations.  I suggest you read the review and see if my sound clips match your requirements.  I did perform a software upgrade that is apparently not generally available to the public but I couldn't tell any significant difference.

Well...my Motorola Q Review is now posted!

Anyone interested in purchasing a like new BB 8700c in the original special gift box provided by RIM.  I have an 8700R that RIM provided me and a 7290 the government provides so I really don't need a third BlackBerry.  Email me at johng@barjohn.com if you are interested.  It was used less than a week and is in like new condition.  It is not unlocked.  I am asking $299 or best offer.  I accept PayPal for payments.

I have just completed (1-16-06) a series of tests in wind conditions varying from 15-20 knots with occasional gusts of 25 knots.  I have added the sound files to the appropriate places including the seven headset shoot out.  The results may surprise you.

I have now tested theBoom wired headset and the ety*com wired headsets for noise cancellation as these two headsets are considered the gold standards by which other headsets are compared for noise cancellation.  TheBoom is clearly the winner with the best overall sound and noise cancellation.  In the recording below you will notice that you cannot hear any background noise.  Additionally, it has a built in wind sock for wind noise reduction.  I haven't yet tested that feature but I plan to.  Here they have samples sounds.

Here is my own noise test and I am extremely impressed.  It clearly beats every noise canceling mic/headset on the market.

I also tested the ety*com wired headset to get a baseline on it and compare it to theBoom.  I include its sound recorded in the same environment here.  While it isn't quite as good as theBoom, it is close and beats out other designs by a good margin.  At the same time it is smaller and less obtrusive so perhaps the tradeoff is worth it.  As you can hear in my test of the Custom AX2 that uses the ety*com, it does an excellent job.  Here you can hear the combination.

I have changed the layout for my web site to reflect its direction and intent better.  I will no longer include my criteria in reviews but keep the link for the criteria at the top of the table for each area such as Bluetooth Headset Reviews.  This will cut down on the text and I hope make for easier reading.  I will be adding the recordings of the headset speaker to reviews having now found a microphone that is capable of being coupled to the tiny ear pieces on the headsets.  I don't yet know how well it will reflect what my ears tell me but I am hoping that this will allow you the reader to hear what I am describing rather than just reading my subjective and often inadequate description.

I have added a link to the RIMarkable web blog as I find it to be an excellent and informative blog.

Nokia just Announced Three New Headsets at CES

Very interesting in that they are much smaller than the Nokia headsets I have seen before.  While two still have the prong ear-hook, one is designed with an optional ear-loop but is actually an in the ear design.  These and the new Motorola headsets appear to be interesting candidates for a review.  For more information click here to read the MobilBurn article.

                BH-900, BH-800 & BH-200                                                                    BH-800

Motorola Just Announced Two New Bluetooth Headsets at CES

The more interesting one is the H5 Miniblue that goes into the ear and uses a mic and speaker in the ear canal to play and pick up the conversation.  This may result in superb noise cancellation.  Here is their announcement:

LAS VEGAS– 3 Jan. 2006 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today is unveiling the Motorola H5 Miniblue Bluetooth Headset, a ground-breaking product that sets a new standard in miniaturization for Bluetooth headset form and function.

Motorola is showcasing Miniblue as part of its rapidly evolving vision of Seamless Mobility at the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Central Hall Booth 8545, where visitors can experience innovations that enable enriched wireless communications, home entertainment, and on-the-go productivity.

Both stylish and innovative, Miniblue is equipped with an in-ear speaker and microphone that picks up your voice through your ear canal. The design greatly reduces ambient noise and enables crystal-clear communications in noisy environments. Weighing only 0.26 ounces and measuring 33 x 41 millimeters in diameter, the H5 Miniblue headset is small enough to ensure a comfortable in-ear fit.

“Miniblue takes Motorola’s Bluetooth leadership to the next level and brings the benefits of this technology to consumers in new ways,” said Bruce Hawver, vice president and general manager, Companion Products Group, Motorola,Inc.. “Miniblue’s breakthrough design embodies our passion for delivering wickedly cool and compelling devices and experiences in wireless communications.”

Motorola’s smallest Bluetooth headset to date, this petite and discreet powerhouse comes equipped with a portable charging base to re-charge on the fly and provide protection when the headset is not in use. The Miniblue with its portable case makes an elegant and stylish solution for seamless communication.

Additionally, they have also announced the new H605 that also appears to be an interesting design.  It is rumored to be available in January of this year.  This is their description:

Clearly, there is more exciting new products to become available this year.  Pricing and availability on the Miniblue have not been given except to say that it will be available in the first half of 2006.

H5 Miniblue Manufacturer's info        H605 Manufacturer's info

Custom AX2 Initial Review Now Ready

I just completed and posted my initial review of the Custom AX2 made by a Howard's Forum member, Bob (Mr Wiskers).  He has taken a Nextlink AX2 headset and modified it.  The modification consists of adding a patented noise canceling microphone, the ety*com to the AX2 and adding a Jabra ear gel.  Here is a description of how he makes his custom Bluetooth Headset:

It was easy to make. The pocket where the mic sits on the Ax2 is almost the perfect size for the ety*com boom. All I did was take an Exacto knife, trim the Ax2 case a little, soldered the wires on ( damn these things small ), and hot glued the boom to the lower case. The cover just pops back on. Simple as a senator.

If you've read any of my posts on the ety*com (https://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er22.aspx .), then you know I think it's best headset on the market. I think this combo is the perfect combination with (1) great noise rejection, (2) best form factor, (3) clear, static free reception. Err, well as Meatloaf once sung " two out of three isn't bad ". Seriously, I think the Ax2's Bluetooth is about as good as it gets at this stage of the game. I tried it with four different phones and the results varied wildly. Good thing they have this Bluetooth "standard" thing. Otherwise you might have a small group of whackos come up with something like this http://www.plantronics.com/north_am...041/prod5010012 that works so well it makes you want to cry. Anyways, the mic output, when coupled with the Ax2, is not quite as clear as with the wired ety*com, but I still rate it as very good. You would have to hear them back to back to detect the difference.

I really like this thing. I ordered custom ear molds from http://www.westone.com/ #26's for it. You guys should really spend a few bucks and try these ear molds. You'll never go back to the Jabra's.

Picture of Custom AX2 Headset

My review will have pictures added once I get my camera back from my wife.  She took it to work so it will probably be tomorrow before I can post more pictures.  Since not everyone wants to get a soldering gun out and try and solder such fine wires I have talked to at least one company that might be willing to either take the parts and assemble them for a fee or actually purchase the parts and make the custom unit themselves.  Bob explained to me that he owns an automotive shop and works in a very high noise environment and had not been able to find any headset other than the wired headsets (the ety*com and TheBoom) that he could use in the environment and still communicate on the phone with his customers.  None of the Bluetooth headsets he tried produced adequate noise cancellation when using an air gun or operating the car lift.  He let me listen to how the ety*com headset actually allowed him to converse under the very high noise level.  He indicated that with his combo unit and an LG cell phone the background noise vanished.  When used with a Motorola phone he had the results were not quite as good.  I will test with the 8700 and the 7290.  It should be an interesting test.

Another Headset to Be Tested in January

I just got word from Cardo that they are going to send me a Scala 500 to review.  I have had numerous requests to review this headset so now you will get to hear how it sounds and compares.  It is certainly priced right and if it performs well it may become a new contender.

Some Idle Thoughts

I was sitting here looking at some reviews and a question came to mind.  Why would any manufacturer build a GSM phone today that didn't support 850Mhz, 900Mhz, 1800Mhz, 1900Mhz and 2100MHz so that it is truly a world phone?  Building some models to use different subsets seems to me to be an added cost to the manufacturer that now has to maintain and sell different phones in different markets and a pain to the consumer that travels internationally.  Then, adding EDGE or UMTS (1900Mhz and 2100MHz) support or both would be easy.  One phone for the world, one set of software and components for support.

Another thing I was thinking about.  Why is it that Smartphone reviewers (me included) don't start out with the most important thing first?  Namely, how well does it work as a phone?  My future reviews will always start by telling you how well it works as a phone.  Who cares about the other stuff if you still have to carry a separate phone?  You might as well buy a good PDA and a good phone in that case (With BlackBerrys email capability is equally important but again you can get a BlackBerry that is email only to go with a separate phone).

If you have any comments on my reviews, please feel free to email me with them.  If you have done a review you would like me to publish as a guest reviewer please email it to me with your permission and I will post it on this sight.  ...John

I have added links to Amazon.com for products on the recommendation of several readers.  I don't endorse any particular vendor and you should select your vendor on the basis of price, customer service and reliability.  If Amazon offers the best deal then by all means buy from them as it helps support this site.  If not, don't.

John