You could win a Plantronics Discovery 975 BT Headset. Details @ end of this post!

More and more, we hear about talking on cellphones (and smartphones) while driving becoming a big no no. I have to say that I agree with that decision. I’ve had more than enough near misses that I would have liked to experience. Mostly because someone is on their phone, rather than having two hands on the wheel. There are obviously two decisions to consider; don’t use your cellphone/smartphone or use a headset. There are more Bluetooth headsets around than you can shake a smartphone at. Some look sleek and elegant, but have poor audio quality, while others look clunky, but sound great. A few lucky headsets benefit from the best of both worlds. I’ve had my fair share of Bluetooth headsets over the years. Perhaps I’m being picky, but a small part of me always wonders if there is a better sounding device out there. I want crisp clean sound! I want an ear drum delicacy! I want power and pizzazz without being pretentious!

Ingeniously Simple. That’s what Plantronics is calling their new Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset. Within its elegantly minimal design, sound is mastered using Audio IQ and WindSmart Technologies. Like the sound of it so far?

I have stated the following fact many, many times before; music is a huge part of my life. From singing along to Raffi when I was quite young, to playing in several high school bands as a loud and proud band geek, my love for music rivals my love for the BlackBerry smartphone. So rather than have these two loves fight for superiority, I made it my mission to have the two work together. BlackBerry? Check. Micro SD loaded with music? Check. The perfect way to listen to music on my BlackBerry? Pending. I've found my perfect wired headset to listen with, but wires aren't always a viable solution. On my desk, with my wireless keyboard and mouse, there's not a wire to be seen, and I would prefer to keep it that way.

If you dig through CrackBerry Bluetooth reviews, you'll find a review for the Motorola S9 from way back. They were beautifully designed and performed well. Improving upon near perfection, Motorola also offers amazing audio delight with their MotoRokr S9-HD (yes folks, high definition) Stereo Bluetooth headset. Now that the music is playing, and the creative juices are flowing, let's see what this headset can do.

For years now I've been a big fan of the Aliph 'Jawbone' series Bluetooth headset. Not only for its stunning design, but for the quality product and sound clarity. Naturally, when Kevin asked me if I would like to do a review of the brand-new Jawbone PRIME, I was all over it like nobody's business. In my review I'll step you through the product and provide you with a few good pictures of the new device... and by the end you may even be convinced to pick one up (you won't regret it - this is my favorite headset to date).

Side note: I'm not going to bore you with all of the initial setup instructions, how to pair the device with your BlackBerry etc... Lets face it, we all know how to do that, and if you don't, I'm happy to report that both headsets here come with very clear instructions on how to do so. Let's get down to it!

As more and more states pass laws requiring that drivers use Handsfree devices - the choices for Bluetooth shoppers are almost staggering. Headset or speakerphone? Built in Bluetooth or use a peripheral? Responding to consumer needs and concerns - BlueAnt Wireless has updated one of their more popular products and made it even easier to use.

Last year, I was very pleasantly surprised by the BlueAnt Wireless Supertooth Light Speakerphone. It was so far ahead of others that I had tested that it eventually earned the coveted place of honor as the best of the best in my wife's car.

Well, the ST3 (SuperTooth 3) is even better - and, it is staying in my car!

For those who know me, they will agree that I love to have music playing all of the time. For relaxation, exercise, even work (don't tell the boss) - it enhances the day. Yes, even as I write this review, I have music playing in the background. Sometimes, a hands free headset just doesn't cut it. If I leave my desk to go to the printer, or to make something in the kitchen, I may forget that I'm connected to my Berry. Mix well with a dash of gravity and you have a great recipe for disaster. My solution? A stereo Bluetooth headset. There are a few types out there. The kind that works the best with me, are the wired headsets over the wrap around.

I've now been a long time user of Jabra's BT3030, as its own review shows me walking in style. I'm always on the look out for the newest accessory. Sony Ericsson's HBH-DS970 Stereo Bluetooth headset looks to be a solid contender. It's sleek look and features have caught my eye. Looks could be deceiving, so let's see how it measures up shall we?

My biggest pet peeve involves people who talk on the phone while driving. Yes, I’m talking to you! Cell phone use while driving is being banned in more and more places, so what are you going to do now?! Even though I would prefer to see you cry, I would suggest that you look into getting into a BlueTooth Headset. If you search through CrackBerry.com, you will find countless reviews and member testimonials for various headsets of all shapes and sizes.

You can look at this as either the light at the end of the tunnel…or another headache added to your BlueTooth confusion.

BlueAnt’s V1 Bluetooth headset is the first of its kind. Powered by BlueGenie™ voice interface, the V1 is the world’s first voice-controlled headset. Though I have seen quite a few headsets in my day, this little guy intrigued me. With the V1 talking to me, and I to the V1, I was hoping that we wouldn’t engage in a battle of wits….as I am unarmed.

With features like voice isolation technology, dual microphones and quick access to GOOG-411 (Google’s free 411 service), this may keep your hands off of your BlackBerry and back on the wheel.

I must say I was excited at the prospect of a stereo bluetooth headset for my Curve.  I had only recently started listening to music on my BlackBerry, and had run into big issues with my standard iPod earbuds.  Whenever I removed them from my device, I would lose sound on calls until I reset my phone - a big problem for me.  So as I pulled my new Samsung BHV700 Stereo Bluetooth Headset out of the box, I was eager to get started.  

Looks Good, Sounds Better!

Waaaaay back at CTIA, Kevin shared with us some of the ultra sexy accessories that were coming out. One of these happened to be the Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset from Plantronics….. I’ll wait for you to stop drooling….

The technology of Bluetooth Headsets has been evolving at a rapid pace. High quality, noise canceling Bluetooth headsets can now be had for around $100.00. last year, Aliph took the world by storm with the introduction of the Jawbone with state of the art DSP technology. I recently reviewed the new Jawbone 2 and it certainly set the standard for Noise Cancellation headsets.

Now, Australia's BlueAnt - the manufacture of some of the highest rated headsets on this site - enters the DSP world with a new twist.  Their Z9 headset had won rave reviews last year – now it has been updated to the z9i.  Don't be fooled by its diminutive size, this is an amazing piece of technology wrapped up in a very small package. Is this the new king of the Bluetooth hill? Read on for my thoughts and a comprehensive review.

About a year or so ago I was able to review the original Aliph Jawbone Headset. At that time, I said "This is the best Bluetooth Headset I have ever used." The only other headset that even came close was the BlueAnt z9 - but the Jawbone was the winner - for lots of reasons.

My only gripe at that time was with the size and "comfort" of the Jawbone. It was big (relative to the Z9 and other headsets) and tricky to find a comfortable fit while wearing glasses. Well, now the Jawbone2 comes along and the first thought that many of us have is "how do you make the best even better?" The answer seems to be "you improve on just about everything." There is now no second place in the world of Bluetooth headsets - there is the Jawbone2 - and everyone else. This headset is truly remarkable in just about every way.

Music & Talk Meets the Streets

Okay okay, so I may have doctored the image a bit, but hey I want to look cool too!! It’s time to give your music and calls a little attitude. A uniquely designed stereo bluetooth headset has hit the pavement and has made heads turn. Jabra has taken a more stylish approach for the Jabra BT3030 . At first glance, it’s obvious that they have adopted a dog tag design, complete with a chain. Previously, I stated that I preferred a wired headset for listening to music, as I feel they offer a better sound quality. I see this as an opportunity to wean myself off of the wires, well sort of, and see if Bluetooth can finally win me over. In the ever evolving world of Bluetooth technology, a headset cannot survive on looks alone. Can Jabra bring on the funk AND the function?

Bluetooth is everywhere – you can’t go down the street or on the highway without seeing dozens of folks walking around with their Bluetooth headsets – chatting away.

Bluetooth Stereo Headphone/Headset combos are also becoming more and more popular. Not much new and “revolutionary” has been brought to the table – until now. The Jabra BT 8030 is a very unique and perhaps “groundbreaking” device. It functions as a Bluetooth Headset, a Bluetooth Headphone and as Bluetooth Stereo Speakers – that is a bunch of versatility in one device.

My continuing quest for the perfect Bluetooth headset has guided me to the BlueAnt V12 LCD at ShopCrackBerry.com for $59.95 (MSRP of $79.99). I have heard great things about BlueAnt headsets, so I decided to give this one a try. The V12 boasts a LCD screen that serves as caller ID, and a vibrating ring function. I have found that to be very useful, and will go into more on that later.

The Only Bluetooth Headset with the BlackBerry Name On It! 

Innovative and sleek, the Blackberry HS-655 delivers Plantronics technology in a stylish BlackBerry livery. With 128-bit encryption for enhanced privacy and digital signal processing the HS-655 features advanced technology in one of the most attractive packages out there. The fact that it bears the BlackBerry logo means you can be assured it is optimized for use with most BlackBerry devices. It is also compatible with the BlackBerry Power Station, making for an ultra-convenient charging solution.

A Great Wireless Headphone/Headset Combo!

The more technologically advanced our BlackBerry devices get, the more we can begin to replace other gadgets and eliminate the need for multiple devices.  Now, I’m not yet ready to ditch my iPod – but I am getting closer.  Now that I have a 4GB Memory Card (and soon an even larger one) I can take quite a bit of music with me on the road.  My BlackBerry also has a feature built in that my iPod does not – A2DP – or Stereo Bluetooth.  What is so cool about this? With the right headset, I can stream Stereo Bluetooth music – that’s right – no wires and great sound.

Enter the Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Stereo Headphones. These guys have a built in Microphone (which extends when needed) so it functions as a Bluetooth headset for phone calls, but it also supports Bluetooth Stereo. This is the future, I am convinced of that – should it be in your “present?” Read on for my thoughts.