Once an alien appendage, headsets could become as second nature as cell phones, as more cities require them if you use your phone while behind the wheel. Once you try them there, you might find yourself unable to live without them on a home phone. (If it has a standard 2.5 mm jack, most headsets will work there too.)
A few variations were put to the test recently by one casual cell phone user (this reporter, Wendy Donahue, hereafter known as “she”) and by her husband, a salesman who has been using a headset to do business in the car for more than five years (hereafter known as “he”).
She rarely talks more than 300 minutes a month on her cell phone. He talks in excess of 1,500 minutes a month.
Their preferences might surprise you.
1. OVERHEAD: Plantronics M175 headset, $39.99 at Verizon stores.
Mechanisms: A somewhat retro over-the-head set, like a Walkman, has a padded earphone that sits on the ear with a boom microphone.
She says: Padded earphone is comfortable enough for long-term use, and sound and voice are transmitted crystal-clearly. Because of its more rigid structure, stuffing this headset in the glove compartment is a little more challenging than with other headsets. Despite that, Eve Mayer, manager of handsets and accessories for Verizon Wireless, uses this one devotedly, partly because she loves the volume and mute controls.
He says: No chance he would submit to this headgear.
2. OVER EAR: Jabra EarWave Boom, $29.99 at Verizon.
Mechanisms: Comes with two sizes of ear gels that nestle into the ear canal, one shallower and one deeper, with a hook that wraps over the top and behind the ear. Boom is in fixed position, with a “call answer/end” button on it.
She says: Excellent noise cancellation, especially with deeper gel if you don’t mind the invasion of personal space. But this tester felt like a klutz trying to secure the piece over her ear, even after practice. (Full disclosure: This ear earned the nickname “Dumbo” in grade school.)
He says: He’s informed that this one tied for best over-the-ear model in Consumer Reports’ testing. But one thing that these two testers agree on is a dislike of over-ear styling.
3. UNDER EAR: Plantronics MX150 Flex Headset, $29.99 at Verizon.
Mechanisms: Foam ear bud that gently clamps to earlobe. Boom-style microphone is adjustable to maximize voice quality. Has “call answer/end” switch.
She says: Her favorite, even though “call answer/end” feature doesn’t work with her LG phone. The ear clamp and boom microphone feel the most secure and reliable, compared with the often-cheaper in-line microphones positioned on the cords that dangle below chin. (Earrings are accommodated by adjustable lobe clip and microphone.)
He says: He’s told that this was rated “best lobe clip” head-set by Consumer Reports. But he dislikes boom microphones, preferring in-line mikes-“they don’t look as goofy,” he said. And they’re easier to put on and put away in a hurry, he argues, even if it means he occasionally has to lift the mike closer to his mouth and raise his voice to be heard. (She doesn’t get it.)
4. WIRELESS: Motorola HS850, $99.99 at Verizon.
Mechanisms: This wireless headset has Bluetooth technology that requires no tether to your phone, within a certain distance (about 30 feet), if you have either a Bluetooth-enabled phone or an adapter ($50) that will work with newer phones.
She says: A little creepy. Boom microphone is short, yet picks up her voice as clearly as wired headsets do. Earpiece goes over the ear but is easy to position. The imagination runs wild with the possibilities of chores and chatting that could be com-pleted simultaneously. (Her phone, however, is too old for an adapter to work. She is due for a trade-in….)
He says: Cool and compact. He notes that this uses less battery power than a typical wireless headset, because of its flip-out microphone that automatically turns off the headset when flipped back in. But he’s sticking with his under-lobe clamp/in-line mike model for now-the Plantronics MX100 for $19.99. (Did we mention she doesn’t get it?)
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AP-NY-10-05-05 1610EDT
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