| Bluetake iPhono Plus Bluetooth Headset | ||
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Product: Bluetake iPhono Plus Bluetooth Headset Bluetake has put themselves out for making fine Bluetooth products, and they continue to expand their line with the iPhono. Previous wireless headphones have been plagued with the same problems of early wireless keyboards: low battery life, poor quality, and signal issues. Bluetake’s iPhono Plus is the latest offering in Bluetooth headsets, and their attempt to break the mold of previous headsets. Box Contents-
Specifications-
Features-
The iPhono is a simple device consisting solely of the unfolding headphones, a flip-out microphone, and 3 buttons. Power, volume up/down, and a universal button are all that live on the side. This certainly simplifies things when you are mashing buttons while wearing the headphones. The battery charges in a few hours via USB, and lasts for about six. Operation is permitted with all Bluetooth phones and computers, however there is a transmitter module you can purchase to use the iPhono with any audio source. The headphones feel weak and flimsy unfolding up, but once resting on your ears they are quite sturdy. The wrap-around design of the headphones is very comfortable. By using soft rubber guides instead of hard plastic, Bluetake has made a very ergonomic device. Weight is not a large issue either. While the weight is derived from the battery’s size, it’s apparent in the mediocre six-hour life span. I expected to be able to pair the device easily with the included dongle and XP drivers, but this was not the case. I needed to install Toshiba Bluetooth stacks, and the Bluetake manager suite. Then I was confronted with two ominous choices: to use the device in either “headphone” or “headset” mode. As a “headphone” the sound quality is much improved than in “headset” mode. I was unable to detect any noise or signal problems at 20 feet from the dongle, and enjoyed a decent bass response. The quality isn’t on par with higher quality headphones, but it’s very pleasant considering it comes without wires. While this is fine for listening, I wanted to try out the microphone. As it turns out, the microphone is only supported under “headset” mode, and the quality of both input and output drops dramatically, due to the fact that the device switches from stereo to mono sound. Upon returning to “headphone” mode, the microphone kicked out, and the audio quality immediately jumped to normal. This is fine for use on a mobile phone, but on a computer I would like better sound quality and the use of the microphone. Conclusion- With shaky drivers and poor quality as a headset, it’s hard to recommend this device. Maybe the next revision will address some of these simple issues, but until then it’s a fine piece of hardware with lackluster support. If you want it for your Bluetooth phone, it will work alright, however it’s a bit large for a hands-free set. Go ahead and get it if you must have the latest Bluetooth toy, but I’ll stick to my wired headset until the technology improves. Maximum CPU gived the 3 / 5 Pros- + Great design Cons- - Have to choose between quality audio and no mic or lesser audio and mic quality |
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