Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

[Bassey]

Actually, I thought it looked more like 70s cyberman!

Anyway, checked the manual last night and found out how to turn the lights off whilst music is playing. Although, as the wife pointed out (in between fits of laughter) it's a definite safety feature whilst I'm out walking as the nights close in!

I already have a flashing red cycle light on my back. My main danger now is aircraft trying to land on me

[waveydavey]

[fowljr]

[Bassey]

Been out walking a few times in the headphones now (with the lights turned off!). The first time I stuck the phone in the left pocket of my shorts. Every time I took a step with the left leg the sound came on, everything I took a step with the right leg, the sound went off.

So, thinking the receiver might be on the other ear I swapped to the right pocket. Same problem but the other way around. It would appear the bluetooth signal is not strong enough to keep a connection whilst walking with the phone in trouser/short pockets.

So, the other night I placed the phone carefully in the top of my camel-pack (mini rucksack that just holds water with a pipe coming over your shoulder to drink from - for those that didn't know). Worked perfectly but, not being the most flexible of people, I couldn't reach the phone without stopping and taking the camel-pack off.

So not going too well.

However, the camel pack has a chest strap. So, I've comandeered the soft pouch that came with my Creative Zen MP3 player many years ago. This is a draw-string design so there are loops of cord hanging loose on either side of the opening at the top. I've threaded each of those onto the chest strap. There is no way they can slide off, even when the chest strap is un-fastened, becasue the cords can't slide over the clasps. The phone slides neatly into the pouch where I have easy access to it and will have a clear line-of-site to either ear.

I haven't had a chance to test it properly yet as I've injured the tendon that connects my big-right-toe to my foot (sounds pathetic but is really sore) after walking 10 miles on Sunday morning and then getting called out for a hill search at lunchtime - for nine hours!

Anyway. Hope this serves as a slight warning to those considering these headphones. Jacket pockets are probably okay, rucksacks etc are fine, trouser pockets are a no go. Which is a shame, because I could leave the phone in the living room and the headphones work fine in the kitchen - a good 5m away through a wall.

[cyclist]

Eek, that's bad. My similar looking Nokia set do fine with device in my trouser pocket (even jeans), or in a bag around the back of my waist. Weird about the through a wall thing though! I was idly thinking that the light effect on these might be just what I need when cycling home from work in the winter dark, but I'll give them a miss.

Hope the tendon recovers quickly.

[fowljr]

That's unusual, I've not experienced that with my current headphones, albeit different model...

[waveydavey]

Originally Posted by Bassey

Been out walking a few times in the headphones now (with the lights turned off!). The first time I stuck the phone in the left pocket of my shorts. Every time I took a step with the left leg the sound came on, everything I took a step with the right leg, the sound went off.

I have this with my Orbit 2 and the S9's if I put my phone in my pocket. I've put it down to the bluetooth on the Orbit 2 being weak as I've probably tried 5 or 6 WM6/6.1 devices with the S9's and it's the only device that has the issue (Does't happen on the Touch or the Kaiser for example). I've found if I have the Orbit 2 in my ruck sack on my back it's ok, or in the fram bag of my bike. Even on an arm strap it's ok, but no go for the trouser pocket.

[Bassey]

Yeah, a colleague has the s9's and a Touch Enhanced and doesn't have any problems. Also, the Jabra's were VERY cheap and, as I understand it, one of the very first bluetooth stereo headsets to support AVRCP - so it's fair enough if they aren't up with the latest.

[PocketChange]

I have the LG-HBS-200 Stereo Headset. They are a bit bulky, but the sound is outstanding. I can get about a 30 ft range from my device, and when I use them at home, I get most places in my house, while I have music playing on the pc.

Only downside is that the mic kind of tucks into the face a little, and my voice becomes muffled when talking on the phone. I'm aware of that now, so with a little adjusting, the mic is clear! Real easy to drop down and sit around the neck when not in use too!

[Bassey]

They look excellent and get good reviews on Cnet. Unfortunately, the only place I can see that does them in the UK is charging £65 (or $130), as opposed to just $30 in the US!

There's a reason we call it Rip-Off-Britain!