Jason Dunn
03-25-2008, 03:00 PM
<img border="0" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/dht/auto/1205721822.usr1.jpg" alt="" /><br /><br />As a rule, I tend to find that Bluetooth sucks. Not the technology itself, but the implementation of the drivers and software. Configuration tends to be much harder than it should be, and I always find myself fighting to get even the simplest Bluetooth functionality set up. Not so with the <a href="http://accessories.skype.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=skype&id=ProductDetailsPage&productID=82968200" target="_blank">FREETALK Stereo Wireless Headset</a> - it just works. I was given this headset at CES in January 2008, and frankly I didn't think I'd use it. I've been using a wired Plantronics headset for over six years now, and the audio quality is superb. I figured I'd give this FREETALK headset a try, and I'm glad I did - I was amazed that I could just plug it in and it worked. The first time I connected it to my Windows Vista-based desktop, I had to go into the sound settings and tell the system to use the FREETALK to record and play back audio on, but on subsequent connections this setup is remembered. <MORE /><br /><br />Beyond the connect-and-go setup, the quality of sending and receiving audio is excellent - I use it in an MMORPG that I play once a week, and the other guys I play it with all have assorted headphone problems: one Bluetooth headset continually assaults us with bursts of static, another microphone is extremely hissy/noisy, and another one is hyper-sensitive, broadcasting everything too loudly (despite being turned down). The FREETALK just works, and even after five hours of gaming I haven't run into any problems with the battery lasting. It recharges using a proprietary connection, linked to the base station which itself is powered over USB. This means the headset recharges over USB - I recharge the FREETALK headset between gaming sessions and the charge doesn't dissipate. <br /><br />The headset <a href="http://accessories.skype.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayPage&Env=BASE&Locale=en_US&SiteID=skype&id=ProductDetailsPage&productID=82968200" target="_blank">sells for $79.99 USD</a>, which is a bit more than your average good-quality USB headset, but the FREETALK is definitely worth the investment. Great quality audio, hassle-free no-install setup on both Windows and OS X, and long-lasting battery life. What more could you ask for? I highly recommend this product to anyone that wants a wireless headset for PC audio.<br /><br /><em>Jason Dunn owns and operates <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com">Thoughts Media Inc.</a>, a company dedicated to creating the best in online communities. He enjoys mobile devices, digital media content creation/editing, and pretty much all technology. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his lovely wife, and his sometimes obedient dog.</em>