blue tooth stereo headset review

Why didn't I think of that ??? - well, actually, I did. About two years ago. Not that I had any interest in patenting or developing it, but I did think of it - I swear...

What is it? The blue tooth stereo headset is a wireless stereo headset set. A blue tooth dongle transmitter plugs into any audio source with a standard 3.5mm jack (plug). That's the idea - a universal blue tooth dongle that can plug into any source - CD player, MP3 player, iPod, anything, and transmit the audio signal to a stereo wireless blue tooth headset. An alternative to the blue tooth stereo headset, would be a blue tooth receiver dongle, that I can then plug any wired headset into - coil up the wire and drop the dongle and wire into my shirt pocket.

Well finally somebody has developed my idea, and it's from a name brand you know - Logitech. I found this little item on the Logitech website. It hadn't been released yet, but it was couple months overdue. So I knew it wouldn't be long. There was already a model available specially made for the iPod. I'll go into the difference between the two in a little bit, but the point here is that the availability of the iPod version meant that the delay was not due to any blue tooth technical issues.

The difference between the Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 has volume adjustment buttons right on the headphones. The iPod model has these same buttons form volume, plus buttons for play, pause, and track selection. So the MP3 version is actually simpler than the iPod version. See the pics below.

The manufacturing quality of the unit looks good. The headphone, with battery and blue tooth receiver built in weighs in at a few ounces and gives a solid, confident feel. Its weight is not enough to wear out your neck or anything like that. If you have a big head like our tester does, then the headphones can feel a little tight, and become uncomfortable after several hours continuos use - but adjusting its placement takes care of that.

The transmitter dongle plugs directly into my MP3 players or my computers CD jack. Anything with a standard 3.5mm jack. Adapters can be fond at any electronics store to fit the dongle to a 1/4 inch jack. The dongle comes with an optional pigtail cord. This can be used in case your player has any controls that get in the way, or prevent the dongle from plugging into the player all the way. Also, the 3.5mm plug on the dongle sticks out the middle of the dongle, but it has a slider mechanism so you can slide the jack to the side, which might help with any controls that get in the way. The power button on the Logitech Bluetooth Headphones dongle can be difficult to press and hold, but that's something you get used to easily.

The manual is brief, and has a few omission - such as how to turn the power off, and the fact that the dongle has a slider mechanism for the jack.

Speaking of power, both the headset and the transmitter dongle must first be charged up before use. The unit comes with a power charging bud. The wire splits off in a Y with a plug on each wire so you can charge both the dongle and the headset at the same time. See the pics below. The charge took less than 4 hours, and an amber LED on each unit goes out when the charge is complete.

Once the transmitter dongle is plugged in and the headset is in place, it's time to get them communicating with each other. On the headset, you press a large button for a couple of seconds, until you hear a beep play in the headset. Then you press a little button on the transmitter dongle until you hear the headset play another beep, and you should be hearing your music or podcast.

The sound quality is good. I'm no audio file, so someone with an expert or professional ear might differ. But for me, any loss is negligible. The sound is a little on the bass side compared to wired headphones, and there are no controls on the headset for this. If your player has a treble adjustment, then you can easily correct for this. Current princing

The battery life is quite satisfactory. Although I haven't timed it to make sure it lasts it's advertised 8 hours, I believe it does meet manufacturers specification. That's not bad considering the size of the two devices. The range of the blue tooth signal is also good. I haven't used a tape measure to test, but its range is at least 30 feet, and I'm quite sure it's more.

The ability to walk around my office without being tethered to a device is terrific. I used to constantly snag the wires of a wired headphone - ripping the stupid thing off my head and sending the MP3 player flying across my keyboard - ridiculous! Needless to say, that doesn't happen anymore. Wonderful - no more looking like a doofus. Anyway, enjoy the photos below.

I use the Logitech blue tooth stereo headset with my Radio YourWay (RadioYourWay or Radio Your Way) by PogoProducts.com. A great little gadget that records voice, AM and FM radio, and lin in. It plays MP3 files too. It's like a Tivo for radio. Look for a review of the Radio YourWay on articles-and-reviews.com soon.

Price and availability blue tooth stereo headset for MP3at Amazon - part number 980415-0403.

Price and availability blue tooth stereo headset for iPodat Amazon - part number 980397-0403.

All in all, I'd highly recommend the Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 and the Logitech Wireless Headphones for iPod blue tooth stereo headset.