infoSync Reviews Jabra BT200 Bluetooth Headset

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/n/3767.html' target='_blank'>http://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/n/3767.html</a><br /><br /></div>"Through delivering headset technology to among others Siemens and Motorola, GN NetCom - the company behind the Jabra brand name - has already proven its worth in the most scrutinizing of circles. Thus, it does not come as much of a surprise that the most recent version of its BT200 (also known as the FreeSpeak in North America and certain other markets) headset is not only comfortable and versatile, but also performs excellently."<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/jabra_bt200_01.jpg" /><br /><br />Jorgen has written a solid review on the Jabra BT200. I have to admit that while some of my experiments with Bluetooth have actually worked, I currently have no desire to use a BT headset - I think they're still too big, and make people look a little...silly. That's just my opinion of course, but I won't wear one until they get much smaller, to the point that when placed behind the ear they can't be seen from most angles. If I received a lot of phone calls, I might be convinced to use one, but I place calls much more than I receive them, and even then I doubt I ever use more then 100 minutes of voice time per month with <a href="http://www.fido.ca">Fido network</a>. I'm all about that data through - email, IM, Web, SMS.<br /><br />What about you? Do you have a BT headset? Did it live up to your expectations?

[csterns]

This is a great device and not all that big and is very, very comfortable. As a former user of wired headsets this is God sent. I cannot tell you how many times I have stepped out of the car forgetting I was connected to my cell phone with it dropping and dragging behind me like a tin can tied to a bumper. Not to mention the number of times it snagged on something and snapped. Ouch!

I have two of them. One that went with my T68i and now one with my Siemans S56 which Jabra is reconfiguring and updating to both work with the Siemans S56.

Since I do talk alot two of them will last the day. California is getting ready (as I imagine most states are) to pass a NO talking on cell phones unless you are using handsfree or a headset so if you're going to have use something this is the best bet.

[Wojo]

I completely agree with you on the size of most BT headsets, they are too big. Now, there is this little thing called a Bluespoon. This would be my choice if I could justify the $300 price tag :(

http://www.nextlink.to/bluespoon/index.htm

I almost forgot to mention that this has the longest talk time (4-6hrs) and standby (200hrs) time then any other BT headset 8O

[Shadowcat]

I have a old Ericsson model which is admittedly a bit big. I don't use it much now but I can see that it would be very useful when driving or riding a bike though (I have neither at the moment).

[Zensbikeshop]

I have the Motorola headset which is circular about 1.5" in diameter. It's inconspicous enough for me - but I only use it in the car where it is fantastic.

With voice dialling, answering and more with my T68i I never have to take my hands from the wheel.

I've never used any headset "in the street" wired or otherwise - though I think people who walk round with a wired handsfree in their ear when tehy aren't on a call are w**kers :D are they really that busy it has to be there just in case!

http://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/2557/1d/commerce.motorola.com/consumer/QWimages/acc_98405.jpg

[dangerwit]

I had this very model using an adapter for a non-bluetooth phone (Thank you Sprint).

The headset was very nice to use, lightweight, you hardly noticed it. The buttons were awkward, but I would've gotten used to them.

But, do NOT get this for non-bluetooth phones. It actually added more work to make calls and answer the phone. You had to turn it on, then use your phone to dial or answer! Give me a break.

I envisioned using this in my office, so I could go to a nearby meeting, get a call, and not need the phone. OR, keep the phone in my eVest and not need to take the phone out to answer a call. Wrongo.

Anyway, if I had a bluetooth phone, I'd certainly use this if it could answer calls and use voice dial without extra steps.

My $.02

*Phil

[iPaqDude]

I use the Jabra with my T68 - and love it. Still get funny looks ("mom! - look at the funny hearin' aid!" and "Hey! look at the geek!") but am getting to where I ignore them....

Quality of sound is excellent, after a while you don't notice the extra weight. Works well with the voice commands on the T68. I wish the battery would last a little longer but it's adequate, and I have rigged up a charger in my car.

My vote - 4 out of 5 styluses.... :rock on dude!:

[merlin]

I use the Motorola headset. It works very well. They say I look like a Cyborg!!
Even with the radio on and window open in the car it still recognizes my voice. Once in a while I need to reset it, but I'm not sure if it's the fault of my T68i or the headset.

I used the Bluespoon headset for about a month but sent it back because of a faulty battery. The battery gradually died until it only lasted 5 minutes after a full charge. Also I found it to be slighly painfull to press the buttons since it pushes it into your ear.
I think they have a newer version out now, but I'm going to wait a bit for the tech to get better.

[ricksfiona]

I used this particular Jabra and it worked great for about 3 months. Then the static on it got so bad... I stopped using it. Quality was very bad. Goes to show that you get what you pay for.

When I get a new Bluetooth capable phone, I'll probably go for the Bluespoon or Motorola units.

[beq]

Darnit I really want that new Bluespoon Digital model out now (with DSP processing, noise cancellation, AGC, all that good stuff)! Comes in silver or gold (vs. silver/blue/black for original), and only for $50 more I think. Can already imagine how much better it would work in the car or outside...

Problem is, we'd already bought 3 of the original Bluespoons from Expansys :( The good/bad news is, someone just broke one of them (split open from being squashed in a briefcase). Just the sort of justification to upgrade :)

[ddwire]

I would use one if Sprint made a BT phone but I won't bother if I have to use that large adapter. I have thought about buying the toshiba 2032, a SD BT card and the Jabra but the SD BT cards dod not support the head set profile.

Dan

[tato68]

I use the BT200 with my T68i and it rocks :way to go: I get a lot of looks, but they are of envy! Lots of people comment that it is way cool and about time to break the cable!

Later...

[dMores]

you forgot to provide the poll option "i had a bluetooth headset but dropped it on the floor and now i have face-oil on my phone again".

my phone bill went up ever since i got my sonyericsson hbh-30, i never wanted to call using my land-line anymore.
the bluetooth headset was a blessing. gosh i miss it!

:|

[hifiguy]

been using the Jabra w/ T68i since october and its been pretty much flawless. works the best while driving since there's less interference than at home (e.g. at home the t68i must be on the same side of my body as the headset). i love being able to type w/ 2 hands *and* talk on the cell at the same time. :wink:

if that no-cell-while-driving law passes in CA the Jabra is definitely the best way to go...lowest BT headset price, aethetically pleasing, and non-intrusive.

highly recommended!

[bucho]

I've had mine for about 6 months with my T68i and I enjoy using it. I can understand some people not liking the size, but this is worth getting it even if you just use it in the car. I can pick it up, put it on and voice dial without taking my eyes off the road for even a second...

The only problem I have is that you can only pair it with one phone/device. Does anybody know if the Bluespoon headset can pair with more then one device at a time?

[Mona13]

I used the Jabra with my T68i and loved it. Now I use the non-bluetooth one with the Sprint Sanyo 5300. I really like it a lot. There are more steps to using it, but since most of my conversations are long, that's not a problem.

I purchased the cig charger, but there is only one problem, you can't use it while you are talking using the Jabra. What a waste!

Since I talk a lot, I would very much like a way to charge it while still being able to talk. That way it would be ready to go when I reach a place that I am unable to charge it.

[Thomas Foolery]

I have this jabra, and a S/E HBH-60. I like the S/E better, it's more comfortable, smaller, and doesnt have that "ear-cheese" thing going on.

[jutae]

Is it possible to pair this headset and an Ipaq 3955? I read somewhere that using a registry hack you could pair it with a 5400.

Jutae

[DerekTheGeek]

I don't think Jason is giving Bluetooth a fair shake here. I have been using Bluetooth for about a year now and I find it works great. Keep in mind it is a cable replacement and thats it. I have never had problems bonding with Bluetooth devices. I have used both the Jabra BT200 and the Motorola Bluetooth headset and they both work great. It allows me to be completly hands free in the car. No worries about my headset cord getting tangled in the seat belt or not being long enough if I need to turn my head to check the blind spot when changing lanes.

- Derek

[beq]

What's going on, I just found out my new iPAQ 2210 can't seem to use the Bluespoon (i.e. no headset profile support)!? I thought since the iPAQ 3900 (or something like that) this has always been supported??

Would I need the 5550 instead?

[Janak Parekh]

What's going on, I just found out my new iPAQ 2210 can't seem to use the Bluespoon (i.e. no headset profile support)!? I thought since the iPAQ 3900 (or something like that) this has always been supported??
No released iPAQ has officially supported it to date. There's a registry hack for the 5450 that enables it.

Would I need the 5550 instead?
I did read somewhere that Headset Profile is indeed part of the 5550's listed supported profiles, but I can't for the life of me remember where.

--janak

[ctmagnus]

You wear dentures already? j/k :wink:

[beq]

What's going on, I just found out my new iPAQ 2210 can't seem to use the Bluespoon (i.e. no headset profile support)!? I thought since the iPAQ 3900 (or something like that) this has always been supported??
No released iPAQ has officially supported it to date. There's a registry hack for the 5450 that enables it.

Would I need the 5550 instead?
I did read somewhere that Headset Profile is indeed part of the 5550's listed supported profiles, but I can't for the life of me remember where.

--janak

Thanks for the info! Strange why it's not included in their Widcomm package...

[Abba Zabba]

I have the BT200 and found it to be an almost flawless device. I currently have it paired to the t68i and that works perfectly. But I tried getting it paired to my new NOkia 3650, but with no luck it doesn't seem to work. From what I have read over at howard forums, you can send it back to Jabra and they'll sendyou a new one that should work :roll:

[clinte]

No released iPAQ has officially supported it to date. There's a registry hack for the 5450 that enables it.

That's somewhat strange because the BQP list shows that both 5450 and 5550 support the headset ag profile. That it's not very easy to find is something different

I also found this on PPCP:

IPAQ 5455 Bluetooth Headset Profile: "through a change in your registry settings on your iPAQ 5455, you should be able to hear the sounds from your iPAQ on the headset. The only comment is that the quality is not that good yet and all headsets are only one earphone (mono)."

5400 Series Somewhat Hidden Bluetooth Headset Profile:

-HKL\Software\Widcomm\BtConfig\Services\005
-Change "Enabled" from 0 to 1.
-Make sure you backup first.

mPhone 2.0 Professional - Bluetooth Headset Supported
mPhone has now added a must want feature for us who use the IPAQ 3870. Although the IPAQ 3870 does not support the BT Headset profile - Mobem has once again outdid itself by adding a bluetooth dialing and transfer to the headset. There is now a dial function when you click on a name. (I don't know if the software is PPC 2003 ready?)

http://www.pocketpcpassion.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=174992#post174992

Thanks for the info! Strange why it's not included in their Widcomm package...

Widcomm's Bluetooth Stacks support the Bluetooth Headset Profile. It also depends what stack (version) is used. Why HP/iPaq hasn't implant the headset profile or at least not very useable in all there models is another question.

The BQProduct list shows.....

-the 1940 series have no headset profile support
-the 2200 series have no headset profile support
-the 5450 series support the headset ag profile
-the 5550 (HP iPAQ PDA with PPC2003, Product ID : PE2030 B and PE2030 A) support the headset ag profile

Bluetooth Qualified Handheld Devices: to check which BT product supports which profile you could check the B(luetooth)Qualified)P(roduct) List > Check the details "i" link on the far right of each product
http://tinylink.com/?ZYcukrOWV8

I don't get it why not every mobile handset/handheld with built-in Bluetooth has support for the headset ag profile?????

[Johan]

I use the BT-200 that has a bluetooth transmitter and it works with the DECT wireless phone in the office and the headset itself is also paired with my Ericsson T-39. So no matter if I'm in the office or on the go and can use the headset.
The transmitter you plug into a 2.5 jack on the DECT does not provide as good quality as when using the headset with the T-39. Otherwise I find the BT-200 very comfortable (also you can crank up the volume so it works in noisy enviorments).

[squeeze]

I use the Nokia HDW-2 (http://www.nokiausa.com/nokia_accessories/item_details/1,6384,product:HDW-2,00.html) for my Nokia 3650 BT camera phone. The two were made for each other. The 3650 requires a BT headset that supports the "handsfree" profile and not the "handset" profile. The Jabra will not work on the 3650.

The HDW-2 supports both profiles and supports multiple pairings...I have mine paired with my Nokia and my T68i.

It's small and lightweight and doesn't cost very much...Expansys US has it for $88 USD.

Check out the HDW-2 (http://www.nokiausa.com/nokia_accessories/item_details/1,6384,product:HDW-2,00.html) here.

[kagayaki1]

I don't get it why not every mobile handset/handheld with built-in Bluetooth has support for the headset ag profile?????

Answer: Cost for physically adding item, and cost for testing and support. Just think of all the things that have to go into a new feature being supported. Manual, marketing dept., engineering, testing, etc.

[SubFuze]

I've got one of these and I love it. Very comfortable and the sound quality is very good. Most people that I'm on the phone with don't even know that I'm using it and just assume I'm talking into the phone. Also, most of the people who have noticed me using it in public have been very positive and curious about it. It's not really that big and it's very light and comfortable, I'll try to scan and post a couple of pictures of it on my ear later...

[SubFuze]

http://members.aol.com/subfuze/Jabra-Front.jpg
http://members.aol.com/subfuze/Jabra-Side.jpg

From the front, it's really not all that noticeable, but from the side/back it does look a little large. Not that big of a deal to me... It's worth it for the convenience and comfort.

[eric linsley]

Well i love my jabra as well
However my boss form my old job "compusa" hated it when i wore it.
Although we always sold more of em when i did.

ANy way i loved using it till i lost it.
;_; say by by $100

well its not that bad i did find it a month later in the same spot i left it 0_0

i couldnt believe it was still there IN THE STORE

:)



well see yall

[beq]

If somone has a Bluespoon Digital model, please do post here your impressions. I want to know if it is truly the perfect headset. And when they mention speaker AGC, do they mean automatic volume depending on ambient noise?

FYI I can't imagine now any other headset that I can put on quicker than the BS (heh BS). Takes me a mere fraction of a second to nudge the spring into my ear notch w/ my index finger. Not that the Motorola or Jabra were bad mind you...

P.S. Actually what would be perfect is if there's a way I can latch on the BS directly to the phone to store when not in use, or even a miniature belt clip for it...

[freitasm]

Yes, I like the Jabra too (and Infosync posted the review the same day I was going to post mine, so I deciced to wait).

Anyway, the device is great, but you might want to have a look on my review (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=1140) to know more about their (lack of) support :evil: