ie8 fix

CNET Archive

Find more recent Headset products

MSI FT200 Bluetooth headset (07/07/2005)

MSI FT200 Bluetooth headset

Entered CNET Catalog: 07/07/2005

SKU: 0816909007947

Manufacturer: MSI Computer Corp.

Manufacturer description

MEGANET Free Talk FT200 not only provides wireless solution but also stylish design. You may enjoy wireless communication experience without any wire inconvenience. Now leave your mobile phone in the pocket or bag while FT200 handles all your calls with ease. Extended talk times, standby times, and a slim earpiece are added features to continuously enjoy the true wireless freedom. MEGANET Free Talk FT200 will be your best companion of your cellular phone.

Product summary

The goodThe good: Affordable; stylish; solid battery life.

The badThe bad: Uncomfortable fit; difficult to pair; poor audio quality.

The bottom lineThe bottom line: While we like its low price and stylish design, an uncomfortable fit and patchy performance mar the MSI FT200 overall.

Average user rating: 0 stars

Editors' review

  • Editors' Choice: No
  • Reviewed on: 09/21/2005
MSI is one of those companies that makes so many products in so many different categories that it's bound to strike out every now and then. Unfortunately, that's exactly the case with the MSI FT200 Bluetooth headset. While we appreciate its low price of less than $50, its performance, fit, and feel are subpar. In other words, you just about get what you pay for.

The MSI FT200 sports the traditional over-the-ear fit, with a flexible ear loop that can be switched for either ear. While it was simple enough to put on, the fit was loose, and the boom slipped to and fro when we moved our heads. On the other hand, the FT200 weighs just 0.5 ounce, and its design is sleek and relatively stylish.

The controls on the MSI FT200 are simple and easy to use. On the top is a volume up/redial button, as well as an unusual power switch that we rarely see on Bluetooth headsets. On the bottom is the volume down/redial button, while on the side is a multifunction button that turns the headset on and off, handles pairing, and controls calls. There's also an LED near the tip of the headset.

We tested the MSI FT200 with the Palm Treo 650. The pairing process took a few frustrating tries, and callers often complained that they had a difficult time hearing us. Additionally, volume on our end was too low. Calling features were basic but respectable, with support for last-number redial and voice dialing. On the plus side, the FT200 exhibited good battery life. MSI promises up to 5.5 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby time, which was consistent with our experience. All in all, however, you're better off paying a bit more for a model such as the Tekkeon EzTalker Mini.

User opinions

Select a User Opinion to view: 1
User Rating:
4.5 stars

out of 1 user reviews

works for me

Pros: low price, easy to pair, very comfortable to wear

Cons: my wife likes it so much she took it away from me.

Review: I picked up this little gem at newegg.com and right out of the box (after a 4 hour first charge) paired the unit to my wifes nokia cell phone w/ no problems at all. I only noticed that there is a little sound distortion, but that was due to the volume being set too hig. after adjusting, problem went away.

About CNET Archive

Welcome to the CNET Archive, a library of product reviews, user opinions, videos, specifications, and manufacturer descriptions for products no longer offered by the manufacturer or most retailers. Here you will find information on replacement parts and replacement ink cartridges. Read what others had to say about that used laptop you are considering buying. Take a trip down memory lane as you browse and reminisce about your favorite old video game or that first digital camera.

MSI FT200 Bluetooth headset specifications

  • General
  • Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
  • Width 0.8 in
  • Depth 2.7 in
  • Height 0.7 in
  • Weight 0.5 oz
  • Recommended Use Cellular phone
  • Additional Features Volume control
  • Headphones
  • Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
  • Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
  • Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
  • Sound Output Mode Mono
  • Microphone
  • Type Built-in
  • Microphone Operation Mode Mono
  • Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
  • Remote Control
  • Type None
  • Wireless Link
  • Radio Frequency Range 2.4 - 2.4835GHz
  • Modulation Type GFSK
  • Transmission Range 33.0 ft
  • Power
  • Power Device Battery charger
  • Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable - Lithium polymer
ie8 fix
ie8 fix
  • Recently Viewed Products
  • My Lists
  • My Software Updates
  • Promo
  • Log In | Join CNET