Plantronics MX500i 3-in-1 Headset

Plantronics MX500i 3-in-1 Headset
Overall Rating: 10/10
Acquired May 2007

Overview: I initially purchased this headset to replace my IPEVO Free-1 phone, (which stopped working after a few months for no apparent reason). I was looking for a completely hands-free option, and I'd used other Plantronics devices at work. I work from home, so having a headset that I can use with either my cell phone or my cordless house phone was necessary. This model also has a USB adapter to use for VoIP calls, and it works great with Skype.

Upside: The Plantronics MX500i looks good, works very well, and is comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time. The inline mute / volume controls are a great feature, too. When I'm on long conference calls, it's great to be able to mute my line so any background noise near me doesn't disturb the call. There's also a microphone sensitivity switch. If you work in a quiet environment, or just tend to speak softly, you can increase the gain on the headset microphone so others will hear you without having to raise your voice. The headset is also very lightweight, and you can switch ears in less than a second. I should also include the price in the list of Upsides: at $30, this headset was very affordable, especially considering the USB adapter is included in that price. I've seen other USB adapters for more than $30 without a headset.

Downside: I really can't find anything to complain about with this device.

Specifications: This headset come with a USB adapter for use with a PC, and a standard 2.5mm headset jack to plug into a cordless or mobile phone. Other features:

• WindSmart microphone reduces unwanted wind or fast motion noise when moving quickly
• Clear sound for internet and other calls, unique design, comfortable style for all-day wear
• USB adapter included for Internet phones. Also works with cordless, IP and most mobile phones
• Unsurpassed, all-day comfort with lightweight under-the-ear Flex Grip design
• Easily adjust volume and mute with one-touch controls, perfect for a noisy home environment
• Single-ear design for easy side conversations and listening to your surroundings while working
  

Verdict: The Plantronics MX500i has proven to be a solid investment, and I have recommended it to several friends and colleagues. If this ever breaks, I'll buy another immediately. If you need a corded headset for use with a cell phone, cordless phone, VoIP calls, or even online gaming, look into the Plantronics MX500i.

Aliph JawBone Bluetooth Headset

Aliph JawBone Bluetooth Headset
Overall Rating: 8/10

Acquired June 2007

Overview: I got my JawBone as an upgrade from my Motorola HS850 headset. The JawBone promised better sound, a cooler look, and of course, the noise-cancellation feature. I've been using it now for several weeks, and it's been working great. So far, no one has had any trouble hearing me. In fact, they haven't even noticed that I've been using a headset! The device itself came in an acrylic case, with the JawBone on display like a tiny sculpture. The headset came well-equipped: in addition to the headset, there's a USB cable (for charging, not data), a USB-AC adapter, two left-side ear loops, two right-side ear loops, and four different ear buds.

Upside: The biggest upside is the noise cancellation. It really does work. There's a small rubber "button" that rests against your jaw. When the button detects movement in your jaw--that is, when you're talking--it boosts the microphone. When your jaw stops moving, the microphone is muted. This greatly reduces background noise.

Downside: Even with all of the ear loops and ear buds to choose from, I couldn't quite get an ideal fit. It's not too bad, but I feel like it should be better, considering all the options. I dropped my rating from a 10/10 to an 8/10 because of the less-than-perfect fit. Also, since the most important and unique feature--the noise cancellation--is dependent on contact with your cheek, it can waver in effectiveness if the device should swing away from your face.

Verdict: The JawBone is a stylish, high-end bluetooth headset. While it might be a little bulkier than some others in its price range, it's the only headset with an effective noise cancellation system. If you're going to make a lot of calls from noisy environments, like city streets or while driving with the windows open, you'll really appreciate how well the jawbone works.