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Bluetooth on the bayou
By Kent German
(March 15, 2005)
New, exciting cell phones aren't the only products to debut at CTIA 2005. This year in New Orleans we also saw the rollout of several new Bluetooth headsets that raise the bar in both form and function. And with Bluetooth becoming a more common feature in new handsets, the ever-lagging United States is finally catching up to our Bluetooth-loving European cousins.
Plantronics Tahiti
Plantronics got a jump on the competition when it announced three new models a week prior to the show. The premier model, with the code name of Tahiti, offers a sleeker (0.3 ounce) and much-improved design over the company's M3500 and is designed to appeal to those who are always on the go. While it uses a traditional corded wall charger, it also can be plugged into a tube-shape, pocketable charger that runs on an AAA battery. Alternatively, you can power the headset via your cell phone's battery using one of four included adapters (Plantronics says it has compatibility with 92 percent of Bluetooth mobile phones). Promised talk time is 25 hours, and availability is scheduled for fall 2005.
Jabra BT350
Plantronics also announced the Tonga, which is a lower-tier alternative to the Tahiti. It lacks the multiple chargers, but you get 9 hours of talk time in a compact, over-the-ear design. Motorola announced a new and eye-catching model as well: the H500. Though features are mostly what you'd expect for a Bluetooth headset, if it performs as well as the company's other models, we shouldn't be disappointed.
If you've avoided using a Bluetooth headset thus far because you don't want to be mistaken for a telemarketer, Jabra has some good news for you. The company that brought us the innovative BT800 unveiled the striking JX10, which, at 0.3 ounce, is without a doubt the smallest headset we've seen to date. Not only is it extremely cool-looking, but it also promises 4 to 6 hours of talk time. The company also announced an update to the BT250. Though the two models share a similar feature set, the new BT500 offers a sleeker design.
Jabra JX10
In addition to the JX10, Jabra has made efforts to branch out into new form factors. Two new models, the BT130 and BT350, fit over the ear rather than behind it. The entry-level BT130 promises 3 hours of talk time and comes with three changeable faceplates in different colors. On the other hand, users with more expensive tastes can go for the BT350. Though the basic form factor is similar, the silver BT350 sports a vibrating alert and as much as 6 hours of talk time. All the new Jabras are scheduled for release this summer.
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nüvifone™. The navigation phone.
