Customer Reviews

Jabra FreeSpeak Bluetooth Headset for Bluetooth-Equipped Phones

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I have the Jabra BT200....the UPDATED version...and I am quite pleased with it. It is light weight at less than an ounce, comfortable fitting behind the ear with the ear plug resting gently against the ear canal. Volume on the lowest setting it better than the volume coming directly from the Sony Ericsson T616.

In the last several months there has been a great deal of confusion regarding the BT200 because there are two versions of the headset. The original supports only the the headset profile of Bluetooth, while the later version supports both the headset and handsfree profiles.

The later version of the headset began to be shipped by jabra in June 2003 and carries firmware version 21B or higher.

You won't know you are getting the later version unless there is a blue sticker on the outside of the box that says, "Now compatible with Nokia 3650 and Siemens S55".

Even if you have a Bluetooth cell phone other than the Nokia or the Siemens, this is still the one to get because with the newer firmware, there are enhanced features for _all_ bluetooth phones.

If you get the later version, there will be a blue card in the box that says, "Enhanced Features".

Once you have completed "pairing" the phone by holding down the button with the phone icon AND the Volume Up button....remember, BOTH buttons must be held down to "pair" the phone...you will then have the following enhnced features:

..Last number redial (when not on a call)

..Rejecting an incoming call (when not on a call)

..Call-waiting (swapping between two calls)

..Putting a call on hold

If you have a voice dial enabled phone you will love that feature on the headset. I found I did _not_ have to retrain the voice entries on the headset to make outgoing calls.

Hope this helps.

I have been using this headset for about 2 months now, and have had very good results. It's comfortable, easy to operate, and most importantly - the wireless design keeps me using it whenever I'm driving. I can't speak towards battery life as I charge the unit almost on a daily basis.

The only drawbacks I can point to are:

- Because of the wireless design, it's easy to misplace

- It's a little big to wear anywhere but in the car without feeling like too much of a geek

- Every now and then, the unit loses it's bluetooth pairing with the phone - though I think that may be more of a phone issue. I simply have to re-pair it again.

Regardless, it has changed my habits concerning using a hands-free unit. I tried about 8 wired ones, and could never get myself in enough of a habit to plug it in and clip it on - plus they always got wrapped up in the seat belt.

Wireless is so much more comfortable. highly recommended.

I had the sad experience of buying this item from an internet retailer as an 'open box' return, supposedly inspected by Jabra, certified, and resold. Not true. The item arrived DOA and I got the sobering news from Jabra that the item was not under warranty. The retailer lied. Licking my wounds, I bought new, and have been thrilled since the conclusion of the 3 hours it took to charge the first time. Sound clarity is incredible. I have no ambitions to roam about the house, but I can roam about the room. And, being wireless transforms the experience of talking and driving. As a hard-core user of cell phones, I give this an unqualified 5 stars when paired with a bluetooth compatible phone. People I'm talking to are often surprised when they discover I'm on a cell phone. YES! They can hear me now!

I absolutely love this earpiece. It is more comfortable to wear for extended periods than the wired earpiece that came with my phone. I also have experienced trouble with my phone losing the pairing, however I agree that it is more likely an issue with the phone than with the earpiece. I just have to re-pair the device and it works fine again.

Also this gadget is great for being able to talk in restaurants and actually HEAR the person you are talking to. I can have conversations in busy, loud areas with no problem hearing the conversation from either party.

Although it is easy to misplace (being that it is pretty small), I've got quite a story to share on how to find it. I was in the mall and had my earpiece hanging from the handle of my purse. The earpiece fell off while I was shopping and I did not notice it until about 10 minutes later (and on the other side of the mall). I began retracing my steps to attempt to find it, and while I was looking for it someone called me. When I answered the call, I noticed that the phone had picked up the earpiece (meaning it was within 30 feet of me!) - I found the earpiece (whew) and went on my way. Pretty cool, unplanned feature for locating the device when you're stupid enough to lose it like I did. :)

I recently purchased this for use with my Sony Ericcson T610- and love it.

It's easy to use. I leave my phone in my purse and dial using voice command. The piece was bigger than I expected, but fit omfortably in/on my ear. When putting it on, it does not look large at all. Sound quality is about equivalent to speaking directly on the phone. No wires, more freedom of movement. The battery life is great, I usually charge every other day-- have not tested to see how long it will go before the battery runs out. There is a blue LED light that is on so you can visibily see that it is on.

It's definitely fun to own but also becoming an item of convenience in my life!!

The biggest dissapointment I had with this device is that the sound quality is about that of a radio. It may just be that bluetooth can't carry any more bandwidth.

Beyond that it works like a charm. I use it for a wireless headset with my phone as well as with iChat on OSX doing audio chats. I also use it to listen to MP3s off iTunes on my commute in.

Reception is only mediocre. There's always a little static on the line. I've found that if I keep my phone in my pocket while trying to use it, I get more static than I'm happy with.

I've been using this headset with my Motorola v600 phone for a few months now and for the most part I have been pretty happy with it.

Pros:
- Good battery life
- Easy controls
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time

Cons:
- Poor sound quality. I often hear popping and static on the headset regardless of how close I am to the actual phone. It's not horrible, but it can be annoying at times.
- Sometimes loses conneciton with the phone. I'm not sure if this is a headset issue or a phone issue but I thought I'd include it here.

Got it for free, had no expectations. Maybe that's not entirely true. I fell for the "free with phone" deal (which stuck me with a POS T610) because this headset sounded so good in theory.

Well, it actually works pretty well. Range is limited to 30-36", though this may be a function of my mediocre phone. Three-button interface is appropriately simple for blind operation, and voice dialing works just dandy.

However, it really should come with some sort of sock for the microphone opening as the slightest breeze renders you mute, according to parties on the other end. As delivered, this represents a significant limitation.

Otherwise, neato keen.

Not much can be said about the product that has not already been said. I love it and after sending the first defective one back to Jabra, they sent another one within a week and it works just fine... even on my non-bluetooth Nokia 6560. I have the adapter version. Everything but voice dialing works just fine and voice quality in and out is excellent... as good as the phone itself. I can leave the phone on the third floor balcony room and talk fine from the kitchen 20 feet away. I have dealt with tech support several times, and except for long waits on hold (800 number), they have been very knowledgable, professional, and helpful each time. Highly recommended if you hate wires.

Long known for their innovative and diverse headsets, the BT200 FreeSpeak is their first Bluetooth headset (www.jabra.com). This is the oddest headset you will ever see. At first, it's difficult to picture how it goes on your ear. You quickly get past this, however, and find that the Jabra goes on with just one hand. This is the most comfortable headset I have ever used, and even did some handyman work around the house for a few hours with it on, and hardly noticed it was there. The ergonomics are excellent, and the sound quality is good, with adjustable volume controls. The FreeSpeak supports the Hands-Free Bluetooth profile, and all the features, like voice dialing, work. The downside is that it takes about five seconds after you turn it on before it connects with the Nokia 3650. This is a problem with the Nokia, though, as other phones are much quicker, like the Motorola V600. After a few minutes of non-use, the 3650 will cut the connection, and you'll have to re-establish it to use the headset. There is no such problem with the V600. The V600 has it's own set of problems, though, like causing a crackling noise in the FreeSpeak. It's the V600, because you don't hear it with other phones. I quickly got used to it, but you'll have to determine how great an issue this is for you. You can leave the FreeSpeak on all day, as the standby time is rated at 96 hours, and typical talk time is 3 hours. Be sure to get a car charger, which is now easily and inexpensively available on ebay. Be aware that the lithium polymer battery is not user replaceable, and you have to return it to the factory after the battery finally dies in about two years. The non-replaceable battery is the only thing I didn't like about the Jabra BT200.