Three new Bluetooth headsets reviewed

Three new Bluetooth headsets reviewed

With California's new hands-free law going into effect this week, more people than ever are looking to wireless products to ensure they don't miss a single second of telephone chitchat. Here's how three newer-model headsets compare.

Also don't miss this prior roundup of four headsets, most of which are still available.

Plantronics Voyager 520

Once you get it to fit properly, this simple headset is quite comfortable. The flexible plastic ear loop stays comfy around your ear for long stretches of time. Design-wise, the Voyager 520 is nothing special. In fact, it's a little too busy for my tastes. The audio quality is about average, though the 520 promises noise-canceling technology that can scrub out wind noise. My test calls were a mixed bag, often relatively static-filled and less distinct than when I was talking on the cell without the headset. Range was comparably low, only about 20 feet from my phone, before becoming so filled with static that I could no longer understand the other party. Pricing, on the other hand, is really good: It lists for $100, but can be found for considerably less if you shop around. Bonus points for a clip system that lets you attach the headset to your car's A/C vent so it doesn't get smooshed while it's charging. (USB and cigarette-lighter chargers are included, but not a standard wall power charger.)

Plantronics Discovery 925

This is Plantronics' high-end headset. It even comes with its own leather case that doubles as a charging base. The design is unique and striking-I like it a lot-but it may be too futuristic for conservative dressers. One thing to note: No ear loop. The Discovery wedges into your ear courtesy of a rubber tip that holds it in place inside your ear rather than reaching around it. I found it somewhat less comfortable than the ear-loop method, but several tips are included to help you find the right fit. I was not entirely thrilled with the volume control system. Rather than up and down switches, a button lets you move among three levels, cycling through them over and over. The maximum volume was echo-filled and almost deafening. Otherwise, quality was just average. Incoming audio sounds better than outgoing, but both are acceptable. Range is par, too, about 22 feet before cutting out. Finally, USB and wall chargers are included, but no car charger. List price is a heavy $150, but  you can find it for half that online, which makes it an awfully good value.

Jawbone

Now just known as the "New Jawbone," this headset is similar in look to the last generation Jawbone Aliph, just smaller. A lot smaller, in fact. Slip it on and you'll barely notice it's there. The concept is the same as before: The little white nub on the hidden part of the device rides against your cheek and can detect when you're talking. It uses this vibration and noise-cancellation technology to theoretically offer clearer audio. Alas, I found this Jawbone wasn't any clearer than the Plantronics Voyager, but perhaps that's more of a statement about how noise-cancellation technology has improved across the board. As with the Discovery, there are only two volume buttons here (both are hidden under the plastic shell), and volume cycles through a series of levels instead of letting you shift up and down. Range is good at 25 feet, max. A/C and USB chargers are included, along with a collection of ear buds and ear loops to help you find the right fit. Now the bad news: It's $130 and not much cheaper from third-party outlets. (Don't be fooled; the old Aliph is now on deep discount and is easily mistaken for the New Jawbone.)

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