JayBird JB-200i-01 Bluetooth Stereo Headset for iPod (Black)

The category of stereo Bluetooth earbuds continues to grow at a rapid pace, with plenty of mobile accessories makers hopping onboard now that more and more music phones are offering A2DP streaming. One such company is JayBird, which focuses entirely on Bluetooth headsets and adapters. JayBird debuted in 2007 with the JB-100 headset and has since delivered a follow-up in the JB-200i, a similarly designed set that includes an iPod adapter. At $159.99, the JB-200i is priced higher than competition from Jabra and Plantronics, but the fact that the transmitter is packaged with the headphones may make it a better value for iPod owners. This headset has its pitfalls, but if you can get a comfortable fit, it's a worthwhile consideration.

One thing is for certain: the JayBird JB-200i offers a nice, low-profile design--especially compared with the Etymotic Ety8. The bulk of the earpieces are contained in the two crescent-moon-shaped units that curve behind the ear when worn. Passersby probably won't even notice them, particularly if the user has long hair. To keep the bulk to a minimum in the previous model, JayBird elected to not offer playback controls on the headset. With the JB-200i, you get three buttons on the right earpiece: one that plays and pauses music as well as starts and end calls, and two more that alternate between volume controls (long press) and track shuttle keys (short press). A thin cable, meant to be worn behind the head below the hair line, connects the right to the left ear piece. The left unit features a small battery contact panel, which connects to a corresponding section on the included charging dock.