Many Bluetooth Headsets are available on the market today. They come in all shapes and sizes, some with more features then others, but all claim that they deliver the best performance that money can buy!
I've had the pleasure of trying one of the newest on the market, and with all of my recent traveling, I've had the chance to really put it to the test.
Thanks to Bryan Tan at Wireless Ground.com for providing a review sample.
Photo above can be clicked for full size image.
Specifications:
| Bluetooth Compliance: | Bluetooth version 1.2 specifications |
| Operating Range: | Up to 30 feet (10 meters) |
| Talk time: | Up to 10 hours (subject to phone) |
| Stand-by time: | Up to 300 hours |
| Weight: | 12 grams |
Introduction:
In my everyday work I spend many hours on the road. I also spend many hours each week on my cell phone. As we all know, talking on the phone and driving can be a dangerous combination, and many states in the US will now issue tickets if you're caught chatting and driving.
With the debut of the wireless headset, holding your phone up to your face has almost become a thing of the past! We've all seen people walking around who appear to be talking to themselves, but as they turn their heads, you then notice this little contraption attached to their ear.
With the introduction of Bluetooth technology, the task of wireless communications with a cell phone, Smartphone or PDA, has become a very easy thing. Now the market is flooded with all types of wireless devices in all shapes & sizes, and all price ranges. I'm happy to have had the chance to try the Southwing SH505 Bluetooth Headset, and the following are my opinions of this product!
Small Size!
Aesthetics:
The SH505 BT Headset is relatively small in size as compared to others on the market. It can be worn with or without a detachable ear clip, but as it is a cleaner / less noticeable look without, I found that it would fall out of the ear too easily with a sudden movement. I found myself using the clip most of the time.
For me, comfort is a big factor with something that I will wear for an extended period of time. I found that I could wear the headset and be comfortable longer without the ear clip, but just had to be careful not to drop it during a conversation. With the ear clip in place, I had no problems with it falling out, but the comfort level was dramatically decreased.
With or without "Ear Clip"
Functionality:
I've tried many, and own a few, but the perfect BT headset for me will combine looks, comfort and functionality all in one cost effective package! The SH505 Headset has come the closest in fitting that scenario for me!
Setup / pairing was about as easy as can be. First paired with my BT phone, and then with my pda, both took less then a minute and a half without issue! The incoming sound quality was very good. One of the best that I've tried. However, I was not as impressed with the outgoing quality. If used in a place where the background was quiet, the receiving party described the sound as average to good! But if driving with the windows open (even a little), the quality was described as below average to bad!
The feature that I liked the most was the "touch sensitive" volume control. A light tap on one side of the headset will increase the volume, and a tap on the other side will decrease. This was much easier then "feeling" for a slider or wheel. I was also able to increase the volume to a level that enabled me to hear in a slightly noisy environment. Although only able to listen in mono, the volume & sound worked well when listening to music from my pda!
Another nice feature was the ability to program the headset button to dial a favorite number. Since I call my office often when on the road, this was very handy for me. In addition, the SH505 comes with a PC program where volume ringtones, button programming and even device updates for newer phones can be accomplished!
Value:
Prices of Bluetooth devices have dropped, and you can now get a BT headset for as low as $20. However, most times you will "get what you pay for", and quality will not be so good! With a regular price of $89.95, the SH505 BT Headset is a little on the high side, but features like the touch sensitive volume control and the PC link application set it aside from the others. At the current Summer Sale price of $49.95, it is a much better value. However, the website does not give details of when this sale will end!
Pro's:
Easy / fast setup.
Small / compact design.
Good incoming sound quality.
Fast USB / power supply charging.
Unique touch sensitive volume control.
PC application for easy updates / programming.
Programmable button for favorite number.
Con's:
Below average outgoing sound quality in noisy environments.
Below average comfort with ear clip.
Slightly high regular sale price.
4WinMobile Rating:
85%
Conclusion:
With all of the Bluetooth headsets available on the market, the Southwing SH505 was one of the better ones for me! For everyday use in the office or at home, it is a very good device. However, some improvement is needed for use in noisy environments. The unique touch sensitive volume control is a great feature, and makes adjustment quick & easy. Although the normal price is a bit high, I would very much consider buying this device at the current sale price!
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