To Bluetooth or Not to Bluetooth?

I’m considered a high tech person by everyone who knows me, except when it comes to my cell phone. I don’t download ring tones. In fact I picked my current phone because it actually sounds like an old fashion phone when I receive a call. But like many other Americans I am more connected to my cell phone then I would like. So when I finally went hands free I was reluctant to try Bluetooth wireless headsets.

I tried the wired headset, but I soon found several problems. First the cord keeps getting in my way. Secondly my phone requires a special connection so to get the headset I want I have to buy a converter for the headset. Finally I hate ear plugs and headsets just look bulky and I feel like a telemarketer.

I finally broke down and bought a Plantronic 320 Bluetooth wireless headset. I was impressed. First there was no wire to get in my way. When I’m in the car or at home I don’t have to be attached to my phone. I can actually be up to 17 feet away and still answer my calls.

There were some draw backs. First the reception started to break up if I got more then 10 feet away. Also I hate ear buds. They really hurt my ear after a while. Now that I’m hooked on Bluetooth I had to find the perfect headset.

I finally came across the Motorola HS850. Price wise it was only about $10.00 more then the Plantronic, which was about $59.99. What I like about the HS850 is that it’s very light weight. At first it’s a bit too light weight. It took a few days for me to get over the feeling that it was going to fall off my ear. There is nothing the sticks in your ear. It sets on top of your ear secured by a soft ear hook. The range is 30 feet from the phone. I get a clear signal from 30 feet when it’s fully charged.

I can easily switch between hand free and the phone by simply opening and closing the microphone on the HS850. I don’t have to go through the setup on my phone. I can place calls from my HS850 without touching my phone. I just setup my phone for voice activated dialing and with one touch I can call anyone in my phone book without touching my phone. To be fair the Plantronic 320 was also able to handle voice activated calls. The draw back is that the feature is too complicated to use.

I basically use my cell phone to make calls. So when I add an accessory it had better add value to my lifestyle. The Motorola HS850 does that. For example I would never buy a pair of Bluetooth enabled sunglasses. Unless I only make calls in the bright sunlight, I really have no use for that particular device. But if you spend a lot of time at the beach, it may be something to look into.

One thing I did find out abut having a Bluetooth enabled phone, is that you have security concerns. When you add a Bluetooth device you have to make sure you hide your phone ID signature. Otherwise people with other Bluetooth devices can access information on your phone without your knowledge.