Review: My New Toy: BH220 Bluetooth Headset

[sUnShInE]

In my constant frenzy to 'cut all the wires' (ie, integrate as much bluetooth and wifi into my life as possible), I ordered the new 8comwireless BH220 digital BT headset last week.

It arrived today, and so far, I couldn't be happier!

Not only is the thing super-tiny, but it was totally inexpensive ($40US) and works like a dream. I won't write up a review of this, since many others have done it so well already. I was sucked in by this one on ATrueReview.com, which made me pull out my credit card.

I recommend reading this review and the ones on their website, and will only add three things:

1.) This headset is seriously and totally plug and play. I charged it up for the requisite 2 hours, paired it, and was ready to roll;
2.) Unlike the Jabra's, which are going for upwards of $75US per, the price point is what really pulled me in. Props to the manu for recognizing that hole in the market; and
3.) The thing is so tiny and works so well, many of my colleagues are totally jealous -- so don't be surprised if it goes on back-order!

With this third note in mind, I paired it with my cell, ran a movie trailer, and walked out of my office and down the hall to check out the range. I had gotten about 30 yards when someone stopped to say 'hello' and ask me a question. My hair's gotten pretty long, so it seemed to have been partially obscured, but then the woman I was talking to asked me 'what that thing [wa]s in my ear'.

The sound is great out of the mic too. I called a friend of mine, who couldn't even tell I was on a headset. I can't wait to get home and listen to iTunes while I cook! (Yea, I'm silly)

Oh, and shipping was pretty damn fast too. It got here in less than a week. I was expecting a back-order.

Overall: 3 thumbs up! (Loan me a thumb?)

[TadW]

That is cool, Sunshine. I remember my first experience with a Bluetooth headset (from Motorola). I put it on a chair in the basement, then went upstairs (two floors higher) with my cell. Later, someone called me. Before I was able to get to my cell, someone from downstairs picked up the headset and answered the call. A really powerful little device

[sUnShInE]

The big "getting used to" factor will be making sure I don't take it off.

[hacker]

As a long-time user of all things geek, including many Jabra and other headset accessories and models, I can say I like the look and features of the BH220, and the reviews look positive... but there's one drawback (for me):

I've got 20/5 vision (basically an Elf), and I am very sensitive to light. I wear my Oakley sunglasses most of the day and into the evenings. My night vision is exceptional..

One thing these reviews all forget to mention, is that the wraparound models of Bluetooth headsets (incidentally, there's a great Bluetooth headset roundup on CNET) do not compensate for wearing any sort of eyewear or sunglasses at all. Many of them wouldn't work at all, or work very uncomfortably, with sunglasses, or those that wear eyeglasses. Some of the headsets even have MOST of the headset tucked behind the ear. Not good.

Power, battery life, range, size, mean nothing, if I can't use it during the day, when I have my sunglasses on. I don't want to have to take my sunglasses off to make calls either. Forget driving to customer sites or heading into the sunset drive at the end of the day, without protective eyewear.

Out of all of the existing Bluetooth headsets I have to choose from (and I haven't made my decision yet), I'm leaning heavily towards the Nextlink Bluespoon Digital Gold unit. Not only is it the only digital Bluetooth headset out there (even has noise cancellation and 2 microphones), but it is the lightest, with the best sound quality and the best battery life. It also doesn't have any sort of wraparound gadget, and doesn't cover your entire ear or cheek with a boom or wraparound earpiece, and it looks somewhat more aesthetically-pleasing than most of the others.

But it is probably one of the most expensive headsets also. Everyone has different needs, and thats why there are so many choices.

[Bob Russell]

Nice comments. I'm hoping to get one like this someday. Of course I don't have a bluetooth phone or PDA yet, so it's a moot point.

But, why are we talking battery life at all? Shouldn't you be able to just drop one of these on a charging cradle at nite and charge it like all our other favorite gadgets?

[sUnShInE]

As an eyeglass wearer myself, I can tell you that the most impressive feature of this unit, to me, is the ability to customize the wearability of it.

[sUnShInE]

Originally Posted by BobR

Nice comments. I'm hoping to get one like this someday. Of course I don't have a bluetooth phone or PDA yet, so it's a moot point.

But, why are we talking battery life at all? Shouldn't you be able to just drop one of these on a charging cradle at nite and charge it like all our other favorite gadgets?

Well if you're out on the road all day, you'll need to charge it more often. They only get like 4 hours talk time. But if you're in a car, you can use the car adaptor...