Curious how to use the headset and mic controls that come with your new iPhone or iPod touch? With them, the stock Apple earbuds let you take calls and control music even while your iPhone or iPod is tucked away in your pocket. For some more information on how to use your headphones please stay with us after the break.

Below are a list of functions you can perform completely on your headset:

Single Click

• Answer an incoming call.
• Hang up a single call
• Swaps calls (multiple calls)
• Play/Pause Music

Double Click

• Reject an incoming call
• Skip Track (while playing music)

Triple Click

• Previous Track

Press Once and Hold

• Activate Voice Control (Only On iPhone 4, 3GS, and iPod Touch 3rd/4th)
• Hangs up current call (multiple calls)

Press Twice and Hold

• Fast Forward Music

Press Three Times and Hold

• Rewind Music

The new headset mics come with +/- buttons to adjust volume, for music or calls.

Did you find these controls useful? Are there any I've missed? If you know of any other mic controls, let us know and we'll add it to the list.

Tips of the day will range from beginner-level 101 to advanced-level ninjary. If you already know this tip, keep the link handy as a quick way to help a friend. If you have a tip of your own you'd like to suggest, add them to the comments or send them in to dailytips@tipb.com. (If it's especially awesome and previously unknown to us, we'll even give ya a reward...)

What earphones do you use with your iPhone or iPod touch? Yesterday I confessed that I hated my Apple earbuds. Many of you agreed. The TiPb store has a bunch of cool iPhone headset alternatives. Some of you also told me what you like to use and recommended others. I want more. I want to see what are the most popular earphones among our readers, and if it varies for travel, home listening, gaming or other activities?

So what earphones do you use?

Since the iPad doesn't have a USB port or SSD card slot (can I say "grrrr!' again?) Apple sells a Camera Kit that's supposed to let you plug in your camera or card and transfer your pictures and video -- but also used to work for low power USB keyboards and Skype/VoIP headsets. I say "used to" because with iOS 4.2 that no longer seems to be the case.

Mark Gurman from 9to5mac has done some tests:

The essence of the issue with the connection kit and iOS 4.2 is that connected devices that require power of more than 20mA will no longer work. That means that many USB keyboards (Apple’s included) will no longer work with the iPad, as well as USB flash drives. When the user connects a device that is not self-powered and requires more than 20mA of power from the iPad they get the following alert: “The connected USB device requires too much power.”

Support for those devices was unofficial but it was useful. Worse news for photographers, power-hungry cameras seem to be having issues as well. And really, what good is a Camera Kit if your camera won't work as you've come to expect? Hopefully this is a bug and Apple will fix it in iOS 4.3 (I'm adding it to my list!)

We spoke about this on the last iPad Live podcast, and we've gotten some angry emails and tweets about it already but if you're having any issues with your iPad Camera Kit, give us the details in comments.

[9to5mac]

I took the maximo IP-HS5 iMetal isolation headset with me to WWDC 2010 this year, figuring it was a great way to test them out on both my iPhone and iPad. And it was. Due to "enhanced security" I had to be at the airport hours early, which meant hurrying up and waiting most of that time. Luckily I had a few podcasts and audio books on my iPhone so I queued those up to tied me over.

Now, low-bit rate talking isn't the best indicator of sound quality, but I have found many headsets over the years didn't handle just such low-quality talking very well. Some were never loud enough, many were never clear enough. The maximo ip-hs5 on the other hand did a good job. (In a fair bit of turn-around, I even used them to record both iPhone live! and iPad live! from on location in the hotel).

Sitting behind me on the plane were a pair of pre-schoolers who's parents biological creators lacked the custodial fortitude to ask them to stop kicking the chairs of those of us in front of them or screaming at the top of their lungs. So, I was also able to test out the iMetal's isolation and while I don't think anything under full blown cans could have drowned out the poor, boundary-deprived kids behind me, they did a great job of muting the overall ruckus.

I've mentioned before that my grappling-mangled ears have a hard time keeping buds in, and no size ever seems to stay in place long. However, the iMetal have a snap-on lanyard so if -- or when -- they fall out, they stay around your neck and you don't end up dragging them embarrassingly behind you.

As to music, I listened to everything from instrumental soundtracks to rap to pop to alternative while I did my writing and the sound quality was great given the budget price of this headset. There was good base and surprising subtlety and while I'm far from a golden ears they did sound a tad better to me than Apple's in ear headset.

Speaking of which, instead of white plastic the iMetal have black cord, so it's a very different look and feel. I like both.

Maximo also provides a handy carrying case, keeping the iMetal safe and protected from pocket to packing. Nice.

So if you're looking to up your in-ear iPhone or iPad game without breaking your bank account (remember, high end models can run several hundred bucks), maximo IP-HS5 iMetal isolation headset are worth checking out.

The iPad Camera Kit has started showing up in the wild and while its name indicates it's intended use as a way to import digital camera pictures and video into the iPad, it looks like there's some surprise support for USB keyboards and audio headsets along for the ride.

For those unfamiliar with the Camera Kit, it's two small dongles, one of which is an SD/SDHC card reader and the other is a straight-up USB port. It's the latter of the two that's creating the stir.

It sounds like not all UBS keyboards are supported, mind you, just the low-power ones which makes a certain amount of sense given the realities of a portable device. (Apple's own USB keyboard with mini mouse-hub of its own, for example, apparently need not apply).

While there's nothing in the settings to control it, USB headsets seem to be working for Skype calls as well. Frankly, we weren't expecting that but we certainly do welcome it.

Nothing else is working at this point, however. No game controls, external hard drivers, etc.

Now we just need it to work with the iPhone...

[TUAW, TidBITS via Engadget]

One of our favorite Bluetooth headsets, the BlueAnt Q1, has just gotten an major firmware update that enables A2DP audio streaming along with some other fixes and small functions.

• The Q1 now includes A2DP audio streaming, so you can listen to music, podcasts, and hear turn-by-turn direction information from a phone GPS application. If your phone or GPS application supports A2DP simply start playing music or launch the GPS application and the audio will automatically transfer to the Q1.
• In response to customer feedback BlueAnt made it even easier to end a call: now you end calls with a single click of the BlueAnt button.
• Double-clicking the BlueAnt button during a call now switches between Voice Isolation Standard and Max.

The update process for your Q1 headset to firmware version 8.19 is a quick and painless. Simply head on over to BlueAnt's website, download the updater tool, and following the directions. The update currently can only be done on Windows machines with an Mac update tool coming soon.

[Via WMExperts]

The BlueAnt Q1 voice controlled Bluetooth headset for iPhone [$109.95 - iMore Store] is the higher end version of the BlueAnt V1 I tested last month, and came away impressed with. How impressed? It's a piece of hardware I would recommend it to anyone in the market for a new bluetooth headset. Now that the good folks over at BlueAnt were nice enough to send me the Q1, will I make the switch? For all of the juicy details follow us after the break!

Similar to the BlueAnt V1, this new and improved Q1 boasts many accessories in the package. Along with the sleek gunmetal voice-controled headset you get large and small earbuds, ear hook, USB cable, AC adapter, and a quick start guide.

In my V1 review I mentioned that the Q1's improvements may not warrant the higher price to upgrade. I can now honestly say I was wrong. From a first glance, the Q1 looks much more visually appealing to the eye but it does not stop there. The Q1 measures 2.16 inches long while weighing in at .30 oz without the optional ear hook attached and .38 oz with it attached. These specifications help make this headset, hands-down, the most comfortable headset I have ever used. Even with the ear hook attached I can easily go a full day wearing it and not feel any discomfort. With the different sized ear buds and the ear hook you are bound to find a great comfortable fit. The controls are kept simple, you have the volume up/down buttons and the BlueAnt button which acts as power on/off, answer/end calls, and enables voice command.

Now lets get to the good stuff - performance. The BlueAnt Q1 simply out shines all of the competition I've tested in the performance category in every way except for battery life. My biggest complaint is that the headset gets 4 hours of talk time and 100 hours of standby. Sure that does not sound bad but when the Q1's older sibling, the V1, gets one more hour talk time and 100 hours more of standby time... it makes me wonder how BlueAnt dropped the ball on that one. Moving on let's break down the key features.

• Voice Control with the BlueGenie™ Voice User interface
• Multipoint technology allowing you to connect two handsets at once
• Voice Isolation Technology
• Revolutionary Noise Suppression and Echo Cancellation
• Custom internal wind-shields reduce wind noise to whisper

The first thing I noticed with the improved voice control present on the Q1 was speed dialing. On the V1 I found voice speed dialing worked a bit less than perfectly. I'm happy to report that on the Q1 it works flawlessly. You simply go by your favorite contacts stored within your iPhone. A simple tap of the BlueAnt button and a voice command of "Speed dial 1" will call the first contact stored within your favorites. Not only can you use voice commands for speed dialing but other things such as checking your battery life, answering/ending phone calls, calling back the last incoming call, redialing your last outgoing call, etc... A great feature that 99% of the time understood what I was saying and completed the task.

Another feature, called multipoint technology, is one that some of you out there can appreciate while others will have no use for. Multipoint technology simply means that you can connect two phones to the Q1 at the same time and answer whichever one happens to be ringing. A nice feature for those of you dual-wielding 2 phones such as your beloved iPhone and say your Blackberry. I know with my previous headsets it would be a pain to have to repair the headset to another one of my phones so this is a welcomed feature.

The biggest improvement I have noticed coming from the V1 to this Q1 is all of the voice isolation technologies that are being implemented within the headset have been improved. When I was in a room with complete silence the person on the other end of the line would hear me crystal clear. The big test was how would it perform in a noisy situation. I am happy to report it faired pretty well. While the BlueAnt Q1 does not use a similar technology to the Jawbone's noise assassin, the DSP technology in the Q1 does it's job extremely well. The headset places all ambient noises and makes them sound very distant while raising the sound level of the users voice. Not a single caller complained about not being able to understand me or hear me loud and clear. The biggest improvement over the V1 was made in the wind-sheilds. Living in Chicago I had a great environment to test this out. While all wind noise was not erased, the caller on the other end always was able to hear with me clarity, even with a strong city wind smacking me in the face. Job well done.

Overall the BlueAnt Q1 voice controlled Bluetooth headset for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS is a excellent, top quality headset that should not be passed up if you are in the market for a top of the line piece of technology. Buy it now!

Learn more and purchase @TiPb's Store >>>

The BlueAnt V1 Bluetooth Headset for iPhone 3G/3GS [$68.92 - iMore Store Link] has been a pleasant surprise as I did not think I'd find another Bluetooth headset that I would prefer over the highly regarded Jawbone PRIME.

For the full scoop follow us after the break!

The first thing you will notice is the amount of goodies that BlueAnt has given you in the package. Along with the actual headset you get a rubberized metal ear hook, translucent ear hook, small and large rubber ear gels, small and large foam tips, gooseneck USB cable, USB adapter, USB car charger, AC power adapter, and last but not least the manual/quicks start guide.

With all of that said, lets get into the fit and performance of the V1. The V1 weighs in at a light .35 oz and is 1.5-inches long. Some headsets can just be flat out annoying after a long period of use, not the V1. It is honestly the most comfortable headset I have tried to this very day. It is so comfortable you may just forget you are even wearing it! BlueAnt claims you will get 5 hours of talk time along with 200 hours of standby. I've found that those times are pretty accurate but If you find that 5 hours of talk time is to low for what you need, you can always take advantage of all of the charging options you are supplied with. One thing I did notice was that when my headset was running low on battery, alerted by an audible tone, the person on the other end would claim they could not hear me anywhere near as clearly. It was an odd occurrence that would only happen with the battery drained.

Minus that particular issue, the V1's dual microphones offer superb voice clarity. While it does not have that amazing background noise cancelation feature of the Jawbone headsets, the V1 does have DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that BlueAnt calls Voice Isolation Technology and it works well. The V1 provides outstanding noise suppression, wind noise reduction and echo cancellation. There are two modes available while you are on a call - Voice Isolation Standard and Voice Isolation Max.

The feature that really makes this headset stand out from the rest is it's voice user interface which allows you to control most of the V1's functions with your voice. Pushing one button activates the voice recognition technology and gives you control of all the functions of the V1. If you need assistance, just say "What Can I Say?" and the headset will tell you the commands you can use. When you have an incoming call you will be alerted by the V1 telling you who is calling via telephone number. Unfortunately it can not access your phones contacts to read back names but beggars can't be choosers.

Overall, I found the BlueAnt V1 to be a high quality headset that is worth every penny of it's low price. Sure you can spend $100 plus on other headsets such as the V1's younger brother, the BlueAnt Q1, but why bother when they share almost the exact same features?

My Jawbone is now collecting dust as the BlueAnt V1 is now my new daily driver.

Learn more and purchase @TiPb's Store >>>

With WWDC 2009 right around the corner, there is excitement in the air. The iPhone OS 3.0 software and a highly possible next generation iPhone are right around the corner. Now what does this have to with the Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth Headset? The answer to that question is simple - A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). Finally A2DP is coming to an iPhone near you... unless you still plan on keeping that first generation iPhone. (Sadly, for A2DP, you guys will need to upgrade to a current 3G model or the soon-to-be-announced next generation hardware.)

So, iPhone 3G owners, what better way to get a jump on things than by picking up the Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth Headset?! It is available in TiPb's sibling store WMExperts for a cool $69.95. After the break, a full review!

Design

The Voyager 855 consists of two pieces: a headset unit, which is where you will find all of your controls, and the detachable earpiece, which is what you will use to turn the 855 into a stereo headset - pretty crafty indeed.

The headset is sleek and stylish with its black coating with silver trimmed accents. The mic boom slides out to bring the microphone closer to your mouth. That not only makes it easier for the person with whom you are speaking to hear you, it's also a way to answer and end calls - more on that a bit later.

Next up is it's size. The Voyager tips the scales at mear .53 ounce (11 Grams) so it is surprisingly on the lighter side compared to other headsets available. It measures 2.25 inches by 0.5 inch by 0.6 inch. So again, not large by any means unless you have the boom extended. With the boom, look to add another inch or so to it's length. To get a better grasp on it's size below you will can see the Voyager next to the Jawbone 2 and Apple's no longer available headset.

Now if you are looking to get in on the stereo bluetooth action you will need the separate stereo plug-in cable with earpiece. It looks just like a regular earbud attached to an ear loop. To get stereo bluetooth you simply need to attach the ear loop with earpiece to the main headset. The stereo setup is meant to be worn with the cable resting behind your neck.

Also included in the box: ear loop stabilizer (2 sizes), sound isolating ear buds, micro USB charger, lanyard, and carrying case.

Usability

I've been using the Voyager 855 for about a week now and I will admit the sound quality is pretty good compared to other headsets I have used in the past. While the headset is not as clear as -- or does not boast noise cancelation like the Jawbone -- it does contain AudioIQ, which is simply a fancy name for digital signal processing or DSP. Without noise cancelation, loud conditions did create a bit of background noise but people I spoke with did not have any problems hearing me or vice versa. So overall the AudioIQ does it's job well. To make your voice heard even better you can also slide the boom down closer to your mouth. The boom can also be used to answer and end calls simply by sliding it out or in respectively.

The added bonus of the Voyager 855 is it's ability to turn into a stereo bluetooth headset by simply adding the stereo plug-in cable. The sound quality for listening to music was pretty decent as well. I have no complaints in that department.

The big question I always have when it comes to bluetooth headset is how comfortable is it to wear and how is the battery life? This headset comes with three earbud pairs in different sizes, allowing you to pick and choose the most comfortable fit for you. You can wear the headset with or without the included earloop, on either your left or right ear. So with that said, you should not have any issues finding the right combination that will comfortably fit your needs. Battery life was excellent. Plantronics claims 7 hours of talk time, 6 hours of listening time, and 160 hours of standby time. I've put it through the ringer this week and have had to charge it two times within the week with a good amount of usage.

Conclusion

The Plantronics Voyager 855 Bluetooth Headset, which is available in the WMExperts store for $69.95 is a fantastic deal. Not only will you be able to take full advantage of the upcoming 3.0's A2DP feature you get a very good overall bluetooth stereo headset.

Pros

• Low price for what you get
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Fits comfortably
• Great battery life

Cons

• No noise cancelation
• Micro USB charger

Come this "summer", iPhone 3.0 -- see our walkthrough -- will allow iPhone 3G (and perhaps next-generation iPhone users) to enjoy new Bluetooth functionality including stereo headsets, both the A2DP audio and ARCP control protocols. For consumers, the Motorola S9 Stereo Bluetooth headset (available from our sibling store, WMExperts) may be an option you want to consider come release day. For developers testing using the A2DP/ARCP profiles on the iPhone 3.0 Beta, they might even be something you want to consider now.

Note: This pre-review will not be focusing on iPhone 3.0 functionality, which is currently in closed beta. It will concentrate only on the headset itself. However, for those developers needing an A2DP headset for testing 3.0, it's our understanding this one works well on multiple units, over multiple carriers.

Form Factor

The Motorola S9 is a fixed form, if flexible plastic horse-shoe shaped, behind-the-head fitting audio solution that combines stereo music with phone functionality. The advantage of being a singular unit is that it's solid, unlikely to become loose or break off at some weak join point. The disadvantage is that if your head is too thin or too wide, the headset will be either uncomfortable or unusable. Likewise, the behind-the-head layout will appeal to those who like wearing hats or otherwise don't want the bar crossing over their head. However, it may be a non-starter for people who want to use them while reclining or lying down.

Controls

A status light in the middle of the bulge along the back of the headset separates the standards-friendly mini-USB charging port on one side from the power button on the other. Both are covered by soft touch red plastic. The right-side earpiece has controls for play/pause, forward, and back. The left side earpiece has controls for answering the phone as well as volume up and down. These controls are under harder black plastic, with the play/pause and answer buttons providing a tactile, click feedback, and the volume and track buttons on either side lying flat and flush.

Functionality

The S9s are rated for 6 hours talk and 7 hours music, but like any re-chargeable product, battery life can and will vary based on usage and cycle. Sound volume is good, as is music quality, though the compression required for AD2P stereo Bluetooth transfer might not be to the liking of audiophiles. If you're happy enough with traditional MP3 sound reproduction, however, you'll likely have no problem with this device.

Conclusion

The freedom provided by wireless Bluetooth stereo headsets like the Motorola S9 will be a boon to iPhone users, the convenience easily outweighing concerns of audiophile-level sound reproduction (at least for most). They won't fit everyone on either end of the physical or usage pattern scale, but as with the quality, they're well suited for a large enough swathe down the middle.

Bottom line, if you want something solid, affordable, portable, and functional for your iPhone 3.0 developer unit, or upcoming iPhone 3.0 release unit, you'd do well to consider the Motorola S9s.

Pros

• Good sound
• Good battery life
• Good price-point
• Light and comfortable
• Well suited for on-the-go use.

Cons

• May not fit all head sizes
• Not well-suited for lying down

TiPb Accessory Pre-Review Rating

UPDATED: ZDNet retorts, and says to chill.

ORIGINAL: iLounge (via Engadget) is reporting that the new iPod shuffle ships with headsets that not only include advanced (read: complicated) on-wire controls, but with lock-down chips that may prevent third parties from making compatible alternatives without ponying up licensing fees to Apple. Whether this is a money grab in exchange for technology Apple has patented and feels they deserve compensation for, or just another internet controversy that ultimately goes nowhere isn't fully understood yet (least not by me!). iLounge says:

This is, in short, a nightmare scenario for long-time iPod fans: are we entering a world in which Apple controls and taxes literally every piece of the iPod purchase from headphones to chargers, jacking up their prices, forcing customers to re-purchase things they already own, while making only marginal improvements in their functionality? It’s a shame, and one that consumers should feel empowered to fight.

When the iPhone 3G came out, there was some noise that the new component and composite video cables that came along with it contained proprietary chips that would prevent 3rd parties from creating cheaper alternatives to the Apple-proper cables.

Launched along with the 2nd generation iPod touch was Apple's new in-ear headset with mic and remote control, allowing music to be started, stopped, and skipped, along with volume to be controlled right on the headset. They worked not only with the iPod touch, but with the new aluminum unibody MacBook family, and to a lesser degree with the iPhone 3G. Was there a proprietary lock-down chip in those headsets?

Either way, are we sharpening our pitchforks and lighting our torches, or waiting to see how this develops before storming the streets of Cupertino?

The BlueTrek Mini Bluetooth Headset is available in two flavors, "Chrome" and "Gun Metal", and can be purchased at the iMore Store for $59.95 here. There are a ton of different bluetooth headsets to choose from for your iPhone, so when you have such a wealth of choices and different prices, how does the BlueTrek Mini compare? I've been using the "Gun Metal" headset and let me tell you what I think after the break.

In all fairness, I should start with the disclaimer that I'm a very picky bluetooth headset person and am hard to please. I don't wear them very often, and when I do, it should be comfortable and it should perform.

In the Box

At a fairly reasonable price of $59.95, the BlueTrek Mini comes with a lot of extras. Along with the bluetooth headset, you also receive the standard charger, a car charger, a lanyard that attaches to the headset so you can conveniently hang it around your neck when not in use, two ear clips, and three different sizes of rubber ear buds. Also, a USB charger is included - very handy when you're at your desk, working away, and still charging your headset via USB at the same time.

Design

The BlueTrek Mini is impressive in it's size and weight, or lack thereof. It weighs only .35 ounces and measures .75" wide, 1.60" long, and .50" deep. A round button is on the outside for answering and ending calls, as well as powering the headset off and on. A charging receptacle is located on the back, and a discreet volume rocker switch is placed along the side.

This headset boasts up to 7 hours of talk time and 10 days of standby time - quite impressive for such a small size. The provided lanyard and plastic ear hooks are well-intended, but unfortunately fall short of the bar set by the design of the earphone itself.

Performance

Once I fit the headset with the size of rubber earbud that fit snugly in my ear, I quickly paired the BlueTrek Mini to my iPhone and am glad to report that it's easy to do. Once paired, I used it to make and receive several calls, listened to voicemail, and then used it for phone calls on my drive home. The sound quality is loud and clear on my end and the people on the other end had no complaints.

The BlueTrek Mini allows call redial, call rejection and call waiting with a press of the side button. It supports voice recognition, muting, and has a dual-color LED display. Bluetooth version is 1.2 and, as I mentioned, is easy pairing and I noticed hardly any lag when connecting with my iPhone.

The issues I had with this headset have nothing to do with the sound quality or functionality, but much more to do with the uselessness of the lanyard and the poor quality of the ear hooks. The lanyard line itself is fine, but the metal ring at the end that attaches to the earpiece of the headset is surprisingly heavy for such a light headset. I found that the hefty metal ring kept pulling my headset loose and right out of my ear, so for me, it was pointless to wear it.

Another problem is the provided ear hooks. I can understand why there are two of them in the box. They seem to be not much more durable than uncooked spaghetti. As a sign of things to come, one of the ear hooks was broken in the box. The second one lasted one day. They are so flimsy and brittle that it was pointless to include them. Perhaps the lanyard would make more sense if the headset had an adequate ear hook to keep the headset in place.

Conclusion

The BlueTrek Mini is a decent headset - very light, good battery life, and seems to have adequate sound quality. The price is reasonable, but is less impressive when the lanyard and ear hooks are practically useless. The car charger and USB charger are nice additions, and most likely you will find that one of the included rubber earbuds will fit snugly in your ear.

If you can handle using just the headset itself sans ear hooks and lanyard, then you may be satisfied with the BlueTrek Mini. If not, you may want to keep looking.

Pros

• Very light.
• Decent sound quality, easy to pair and use.
• Great battery life.
• Lots of extras, like car charger and USB charger.

Cons

• Metal ring on lanyard is too heavy, pulling this lightweight out of your ear.
• Ear hooks are cheap, brittle, and break; box should have included 100 of 'em.

Rating:

Ha! No iPhone news indeed! We knew Steve Jobs wouldn't abandon us completely, not his baby, not his "third-leg" love child! Jason Snell, putting the new MacBooks under the microscope for Macworld, discovers (via Daring Fireball):

Yes, it’s true — these new MacBooks work with your iPhone headphones. If you click the button on your iPhone headphones, iTunes pauses. Click again, and the music resumes. A double-click advances one track, and a triple-click moves back a track—just like on the iPhone. What’s more, the headphones’ built-in microphone appears as the input device “Microphone port” in the Sound preference pane.

How awesome -- and completely Apple-like is that?

(But is it enough to make you order a new MacBook?)

Bluetooth headsets often offer the same feature set, the same styling, and the same performance. Plantronics is known for offering unique takes on Bluetooth Headsets and often add a new wrinkle to each headset in their product line. Popular because of their comfortable fit and Audio IQ technology, the Plantronics line constantly innovates.

With the Plantronics Voyager 815 Bluetooth Headset ($89.95), the innovation is an in-ear earbud and a sliding boom mic. Do they create a better Bluetooth Headset? Or are these features just bells and whistles? How does the Plantronics Voyager 815 perform?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Ed note: people looking to future-proof themselves might consider the Plantronics Voyager 855, it's identical to the 815 but supports A2DP Stereo for music. If the iPhone ever supports Bluetooth Stereo, it's a good option. Note, however, that the 855 has a 2nd earbud attached to the earhook, which might be annoying

Design

The Plantronics Voyager 815 falls in line with the look of a classic Plantronics headset. The sleek black plastic is outlined by a silver strip that tastefully adds symmetry to the design. It is extremely lightweight and feels very durable, Plantronics succeeds again in creating another quality looking Bluetooth Headset. The build quality is definitely that of a higher end headset.

There are three different in-ear earbuds you can insert to fit your ear not to mention the standard, included one. The in-ear earbuds are soft and malleable, they fit gently yet securely, in your ear. I found that the in-ear earbuds were very similar to high-grade earphones such as those from V-moda and Shure. Also, there are 2 different ear loops that allow you to stabilize the headset, though not required, I found it more comfortable with the ear loops attached.

The sliding boom mic is a unique feature in that it is supposed to make your outgoing audio sound clearer. There is no lock or extra click to fasten the boom mic, rather just simply a smooth slide to utilize the mic. You can also answer and end calls via sliding the boom mic. Though when extended, I felt the mic extension wouldn’t be as durable as the rest of the body of the headset because the plastic thins out. The headset is charged via micro USB.

Usability

The overall fit of the Plantronics Voyager 815 boils down to if you prefer the in-ear fit of noise isolating ear buds over the classic, less immersive regular earphones. Because this is strictly an in-ear headset, those who prefer the alternative should reconsider. The earbuds are of high quality materials and fit snugly in your ear canal, though the in-ear design may rub off some, the comfortable earbuds combined with the lightweight headset equals a great, almost unnoticeable fit.

The benefit of an in-ear design is that it blocks out surrounding noise and allows for a clear conversation. I found that though I’m typically not a fan of in-ear designs, using this headset is almost enough to convert me. Combining the AudioIQ technology (which automatically adjusts the volume to your surrounding) with the in-ear design, the incoming audio is superb. No static, great volume, and no background noise.

In varied tests with the PLantronics Voyager 815, I found that the outgoing audio quality was absolutely superb in quiet settings. Callers could hear my voice clearly without any digitization and no echoing. I was stunned by the quality of the outgoing audio quality, it worked wonderfully.

However, the Plantronics Voyager 815 isn’t quite the noise assassin that the Jawbone is so background noise is a bit of a problem. Extending the boom mic does help outgoing audio quality in this regard but the overall effect is minimal. Given a quiet surrounding and the Plantronics Voyager 815 excels, with a noisier background its performance is middling.

Final Thoughts

The Plantronics Voyager 815 Bluetooth Headset has become my go-to headset. The in-ear design blocks out surrounding noise and allows you to focus on the conversation. The fit is perfect, its lightweight body resting gently on your ears. The outgoing audio quality is superb when it is quiet and performs as well as most other headsets when background noise exists.

I think this is the perfect headset for anyone who prefers an in-ear design. The sleek and modern look is an added bonus and the comfortable fit is consistent with the Plantronics platform. Overall, this is easily one of the better headsets on the market today. You should consider it a BUY if you are looking for an in-ear design and a comfortable fit with great audio quality.

PROS

• Very Comfortable Fit
• Stylish Design
• Superb Incoming Audio Quality, Outgoing Audio Quality Shines In Quiet Areas
• Lightweight, Great Build Quality

CONS

• Average Performance in Noisier Environments
• In-Ear Design Not for Everyone

FINAL RATING: 4.5/5

With more and more Bluetooth headsets looking alike and new releases feeling like old ones, the Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset ($129.95) offers a much more unique take and infinitely more appeal. Its futuristic, luxury look was eagerly anticipated and has definitely shaken up the headset industry, putting all makers on notice.

Is the Plantronics Discovery 925 all show and no go? Or does it perform as good as it looks? And does it even look THAT good in your ear? Well read on for the rest of the review!

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design & Fit

Overall, the design of the Plantronics Discovery 925 is cutting edge, to put it mildly. With a sleek design that carves a hole in between the boom microphone, the headset truly looks like something from Star Trek. Personally, I am a fan of the design, I find it refreshing in the market of bland headsets and applaud Plantronics for creating such a bold headset.

From my experience, Plantronics headsets offer superb fit and comfort and the 925 is no different. Though the shape of the ear gels are a tad weird (they have a handle bar across the top edge that supposedly fits better to the interior of your ear, Plantronics calls it stabilizers), the gelly substance used in the ear tip is an excellent design choice in both style and comfort. I had no problem taking the 925 in and out of my ear.

The 925 is also very, very light. This is important since weighty or uncomfortable Bluetooth headsets often defeat the purpose of even using one, having a Bluetooth headset that is essentially unnoticeable is almost as important as the headset’s sound quality.

Usability

Because of the 925’s minimalist design, there aren’t too many buttons or features that complicate the process. Simply, slip the headset into your ear and you’re rolling. There are two buttons on the 925—one for volume control and the other to power up, make calls, and end calls.

I found that incoming audio quality performed fairly well. The AudioIQ technology works well and it is possible to hear callers loud and clear. There wasn’t many issues with static or feedback—it was very easy to hear the incoming caller. In louder environments, the 925 adapts to its surroundings and offers louder volume. I found this feature to be a great addition to the headset because I never had to worry about manually controlling the volume—the AudioIQ smartens up the headset.

Outgoing voice quality is good but falls short of being great. In regular usage—like in the car, or in a room, it is a more-than-able performer. Callers hear your voice loud and clear, without any digitizing or static. Few even noticed the difference between the 925 and the iPhone. However, the Plantronics 925 doesn’t do a great job of masking environmental noise. Callers complained about background noise that came from the TV, other people, and/or wind.

Final Thoughts

The Plantronics 925 is a good piece of hardware with a great design. Though it doesn’t offer much new features or innovative controls, the comfortable fit and fashion forward look should push those looking for a Bluetooth Headset to consider the Plantronics 925. In my experience, there are few headsets that fit as comfortably as the 925 and even fewer that look as striking as it does.

Though its high price may deter potential buyers from committing, the Plantronics 925 is a good headset that just falls short of great. If you are looking for a headset that will turn heads and fits great, this is the headset for you.

Pros

• Bold, Striking Design
• Extremely Comfortable Fit
• Easy Sync Process
• Simple Controls
• Carrying Case doubles as a charger!

Cons

• Fairly Expensive
• Not a Standout Performer

Final Rating: 4.5/5

Not a fan of the stock headphones bundled with your iPhone?  Me neither.  Sadly, the quality of the headphones packaged with the iPhone and most other devices emitting sound are a fair representation of the profit-by-any-means-possible culture.  I think Apple figured they had such a hot product with the iPhone that they could bundle it with two cups connected by a string and it would still sell (and I suspect they're right!).

Fortunately, other enterprising companies have stepped up to the plate and given unto us some worthy replacements for the stock headphones: enter Maximo, the makers of the iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset for the iPhone, available at our Phone different store for $69.99.  Continue after the break for a full review!

Out Of The Box

The Maximo iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset for iPhone includes some extras out of the box.  In addition to the earbud headphones, you also get a pair of earphone foam covers, a 2-ft extension cable, and a carrying pouch.  It's nice to get a little more bang for the buck!

Form And Function

Having converted to the isolation ear-tip style of headphones many moons ago, I thought it would be a huge step backward in sound quality to use earbud headphones again.  The Maximo iMetal earbuds are surprisingly good, however.

The first thing I noticed is the build quality.  The earbud and driver housings are made of aluminum alloy, not plastic; thus, the name "iMetal".  A high-definition condenser mic is located partway down one of the earbud cables, in just the right position to answer a phone call.  The overall length of the earphone cable is 4 ft.  If that's not enough, a 2-ft extension cable is included.

Speaking of phone calls -- if you are in the middle of a YouTube video, podcast, or jamming to some tunes on your iPod, everything pauses when a phone call comes in and resumes when the call is completed.  This is a normal feature for the iPhone, but there's more.  Further down the headphone cable is a rubber button that can pause/skip the audio and answer/end a call.

To prevent annoying tangles and protect your headphones, a silver carrying pouch is included.  Just put the headphones inside and pull the drawstrings.

Sound Quality

With the foam covers on, the earphones are a fairly snug fit, which enhances the overall sound experience.  One advantage of the earbud style is that, unlike the isolator earphones, you can hear outside sound much better.  This is handy if someone is trying to get your attention, a city bus is bearing down on you, etc.  Of course, the disadvantage is you can hear outside sound much better -- if you want to be completely immersed in your music with as little distraction as possible, then you will want to look at the isolator iMetal headphones instead (to be reviewed at a later date).

More about the actual sound -- good high, mid, and low-range sound with a sufficient amount of bass.  With some headphones, particularly the earbud style, I have been disappointed in the upper-end volume level.  The Maximo iMetal earbuds have an impressive volume range.  If you like your music loud and clear, you won't be disappointed.

When on a call with my iPhone, this headset performs well.  My callers could be heard with good clarity and volume, much like the quality of a land-line, and they could hear me just fine when using the iMetal's high-definition condenser mic.

Conclusion

It's nice to have a high-quality choice between the earbud style of headphones and the isolator rubber-tipped variety.  Maximo has a nice, quality product here with the iP-HS1 iMetal Stereo Headset.  Many people like the fit and comfort of the foam-covered earbud, and Maximo delivers without compromising sound volume and quality.

The features and extras in the box, at $69.99, is a pretty good value:  overall 4-ft length, 2-ft extension cable, carrying pouch, foam covers for the earbuds, microphone, and soft-touch button for call answer/end and song pause/skip.  These headphones are a great upgrade to the iPhone's stock earbuds and it would have been nice if they were included in the first place.  Maybe Apple can strike a deal with Maximo.  Until that time, it's nice to know that companies like Maximo make a nice product available at a reasonable price with lots of extras.

What's in the box:

This headset comes in some rather fancy packaging; clear plastic laid out to highlight the headset as if on a pedestal and cardboard wrapping. Once you figure out how to open it (yeah, it took me a few minutes, I did not want to "tear" it open) you are presented with what I consider to be a lot of accessories for a mobile headset. You have four hear rungs (to go around your ear, two left and two right), five hear pieces to ensure the device comfortably fits in your ear and a charger that works on Apple's premise: give them a USB cable and a wall adapter to plug into the end of it.

Size and build:

This headset is larger than your typical bluetooth headset. Not that this is a knock on the headset, but this has to be one of the largest bluetooth headsets I have come across. You will understand the need for a headset this large later, but at first glimpse, you may be taken away with its proportions. The headset is of superior quality; two pieces of molded high-quality plastic for the device, less of course the ear piece components. The ear rungs and ear pieces are solid and sturdy. The ear pieces even lock into place, no need to worry about them falling off.

Feel in the ear, fit:

Even though the headset is large, it is very comfortable and lightweight. The different ear rungs are helpful when trying to adjust the headset just-right. Once you have your combination of rung and earpiece selected, you just slip the headset on your ear.

This is where the problems begin.

I was excited to try the headset on. I typically like headsets to rest on my left ear, it is just the way I am. I tried combinations of ear rungs and earpieces. Absolutely none of them would keep the Jawbone in my ear. I would turn my head to the left, the head set would leave thesecureness of my ear canal and just float on my ear, as if flapping in the wind. So, I tried my right ear. One of the earpieces would let the headset stay in that ear. This is too bad because it feels very unnatural in the right ear, I want my headset in my left ear! I figured there must be something wrong with me. I had my wife try the numerous fittings, and to my dismay, it would not fit in either of her ears. I asked some people at work that used this headset and they agreed with me; it was very challenging to find a combination of rung and earpiece to fit ones ear.

Sound quality:

Placing and accepting calls are standard fanfare. Press the button on the headset to accept and end. The "click" button is a bit elusive at first since there is no physical external button to speak of. You simply squeeze the headset together. After further inspection I did find a small guiding ridge to press the "button", this helps when squeezing the headset while on your ear. I had no particular complaints about the Jawbone when I spoke to people. Friends and colleagues could hear me just fine. However, this is the shining achievement of the Jawbone. You see, what sets this headset apart from others, besides its size, is a sensor that rests on your cheek (hence the extra size of the headset I mentioned earlier in this review). This sensor detects the difference in your voice to that of ambient noise. The result is a clear call for all parties, truly revolutionary and it really, really is worth the price of admission.

Battery Life & Charging:

The Jawbone has great battery life. Though I have never timed it, the headset will last me for a whole day. I charge it in the evenings, and it a ready to go the following day. The USB cable and add-on plug-in charger are really very helpful. I only wish the USB cable was not proprietary. Instead, if it gets damaged or you need and extra cable you have to order it through Aliph, the company that makes the Jawbone. Not a major issue, but more than once I have left on a trip and forgotten a charge cable.

Conclusion:

This headset gets a slightly higher mark than the Apple bluetooth headset I reviewed a while back. Though bigger and you may have challenges on how it is worn, you at least have consistent and a great call quality experience. I am a fan of this headset, even though I have to wear it on my right ear. The call quality and clarity is second to none. To be fair, I don't want readers to walk away and think that there is no static and the call is "crystal" clear. This technology is not perfected yet and until it is you will still have static and crackles. This headset just happens to be the best at giving you a superior calling experience.

Ratings (out of 5)

• Size and build: 4
• Feel and fit: 3
• Outgoing sound quality: 5
• Incoming sound quality: 5
• Battery life: 4

Overall: 4.2

Pros:

• Amazing audio quality
• Looks cool, even for a Borg
• Plenty of sizing options
• Comfortable
• Great battery life

Cons:

• Very difficult to fit properly. I fact, it may not fit you at all

BONUS: Here is a video for the Jawbone demonstrating its use and effectiveness... enjoy!

Road warriors and those who spend an ungodly amount of time talking on their iPhone (or most any other cell phone), take notice! The Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705 Bluetooth Headset ($44.95), available now for your convenient purchase at the Phonedifferent store, may just take your breath away with it's long-lasting battery life! You may possibly run out of things to say before the HBH-PV705 runs out of juice! Boasting an impressive talk time and standby time, you may be able to get by without a car charger (which may explain why one is not included in the package).

Keep on reading for the rest of the review!

Out of the Box

It usually goes without saying, but when I try a new product, my user experience begins with the packaging. I'm usually not so interested with the aesthetics of the packaging itself (although shiny and sparkly always catches my eye), but if opening the packaging can be done without blowtorch, table saw or 'jaws of life', you've already scored points with me. Fortunately here, the packaging for this bluetooth headset is very easy to open and you have instant access to the goodies inside.

Inside the box you will find the Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705 Bluetooth Headset, a basic wall charger, and a strap for the convenience of wearing the headset around your neck, if so desired. As I often like to do, I plugged in this headset and charged it overnight so I could test it out the next day on a full charge.

The HBH-PV705 has a fairly "no frills" type of design: power button is conveniently located on the outside-facing side with a small, green-flashing indicator light, the charging port is on the back end, a volume rocker switch is located on the bottom (under the power button), and there is a detachable rubber-encased plastic ear hook so you can wear it on either ear. The included strap attaches on the end by the charging port if you wish to carry your headset around your neck rather than in a pocket. Weighing in at .50 oz. and measuring 2.38" x 0.69" x 0.50", the HBH-PV705 is nothing extraordinary in design, but the excitement is all under the hood!

Headset Performance

The Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705 Bluetooth headset boasts a whopping 12 hours talk time and 300 hours standby time. Now to be honest, I have not clocked the precise number of hours that I spent talking (12?!? Who would I talk to for 12 hours?? I don't even know enough people to spread it around!). I also haven't measured the precise standby time for my headset. However, I charged it that first night and have been using it ever since, off and on. After a few days, it's still going strong. Needless to say, for the money, you may be hard-pressed to find another bluetooth headset that has this kind of advertised talk and standby time.

Pairing the headset is easy. My iPhone instantly recognized the headset, I entered the standard 0000 code, and I was on my way. When engaged in a call, the HBH-PV705 sounds very clear and loud, which pleasantly surprised me. I've owned other bluetooth headsets that fit similarly over the ear. Normally I prefer a headset that utilizes an earbud that I can lodge in my ear for better hearing, but this headset has not problem in cranking out the volume. Calls are clear and the volume is loud on my end, and I've had no complaints for the caller on the other end. Everyone I've talked to on my iPhone hears me loud and clear.

My only criticism of the Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705 is the ear hook design. It may be just a consequence of my own ear design, but I found that the ear hook can become a tad uncomfortable when wearing for an extended period of time. This isn't a big drawback for me, though, because I don't usually wear a bluetooth headset unless I'm on a call, but if you usually wear one all the time, you may want to practice switching ears for comfort reasons. Perhaps if the ear hook had a little more rubber on it, this wouldn't be a problem, but then it would add more weight and bulk, so there's the tradeoff.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson HBH-PV705 Bluetooth Headset is a good value for such impressive talk and standby time. It is a cinch to pair with your iPhone and the power and volume buttons are easily accessible and easy to use. It has great call quality and volume, includes a handy strap to wear around your neck, and the ear hook easily detaches to wear on either ear. The ear hook can prove to be a little uncomfortable if worn for extended periods of time, but all in all, this is a small matter when considering BIG battery life.

Pros

• Long talk and standby time.
• Good call quality and volume.
• Includes a strap.
• Detachable ear hook.

Cons - Ear hook can be uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.

5 out of 5

I still remember the keynote of keynotes: MacWorld 2007. Towards the end of the iPhone presentation, Steve Jobs showed the Apple iPhone Bluetooth headset. My jaw dropped. Small, light, perfect! I only held off on my purchase due to the slightly inflated price of $129. So in November of 2007 when Apple had their one-day sale event, I picked one up for $99. Here are my thoughts after 3+ months of usage.

What's in the box

What exactly am I getting for my $129 with this headset? You get a few things actually. For starters you get the headset and a great combination dock. The dock holds both the iPhone and the headset, which is magnetically held in an upright position. You also get a two-in-one charge cable that connects to both the iPhone and headset at the same time. There is no external powercord, instead you use the supplied USB cable with the powercord adapter to charge the headset, or charge it in the dock when plugged into your computer.

Size and build

Tiny. This thing is small! It is the smallest Bluetooth headset I have ever seen (other then the Samsung WEP series of headsets). The headset is 2.0 x 0.5 x 0.2 inches and is a solid piece of aluminum. That's right, this headset is NOT plastic, yet it is still very light.

Feel in the ear, fit:

I have noticed that when anyone looks at this headset, their immediate reaction is that it will fall right out of your ear. However, it does fit rather securely. The earpiece itself is large, larger then the typical ear piece so when you position it in your ear, it does not fall out. I never experienced a concern of the headset falling out. Of course, you may have oddly shaped ears, if so, then this headset is not for you. I have had no problems keeping it in my ear. However, I have had the headset feel uncomfortable after about an hour of use. When this happens, I just switch ears.

Outgoing sound quality:

I live in Cincinnati, OH and my best friend lives in Las Vegas, NV. When I would talk to him with this headset he would tell me, "Dude, it is like you are in the next room". Thus, it goes without saying that the sound on the receiving end of the conversation is good. Granted, driving with the window down on the freeway does tend to muffle calls. I have called people locally and again, there are no issues. The sound is crystal clear.

Incoming sound quality:

This is where the rosy picture of the Apple iPhone Bluetooth Headset starts to turn a rancid, deteriorating black. This headset excels in so many ways, however, I cannot look past the very poor Bluetooth quality on the originating end of a call. When you make a call, the headset automatically kicks on. Ok, that works, check. I can start to talk to the person on the other end. Check. Wait, wait, what is that? Oh, I can't really hear the person on the other end of the call because there is so much static!!! I need to clarify this. If you held the iPhone say, 1 foot from your ear in any direction, calls sound great, they really do. However, if you move the headset any further away than a foot, it becomes impossible to listen to the other person. Let me give you an example:

You are standing upright and you have the Apple iPhone Bluetooth headset in your left ear. You are also holding the iPhone in your left hand with your elbow bent perpendicularly. When you make a call, the phone and headset sounds great. Now, if you lower you left arm to be parallel with your body, the call becomes riddled with static.

This end result is very surprising to me for a couple of reasons. 1) This is Apple and they are known for making great products that are well designed. How could a flaw like this slip through the cracks? I keep hoping it will be resolved in each subsequent release of firmware updates, but alas, this has not happened. I could say that I thought there was a slight improvement with firmware 1.1.4, but I think this would be more wishful than factual. 2) The iPhone is rated as having Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) which bumps the data rate to a possible 2.1 Mbit/s. So there are no excuses as to there not being sufficient bandwidth for voice.

Battery Life & Charging

What good is a Bluetooth headset if the battery does not last? The Apple headset is rated for 5.5 hours of battery life. I would say it really pulls in around 3.5, but I suppose there are a lot of variables that can impact this such as time used and how long the device was in sleep mode between calls, what its charge level is going into a call, etc. One of the particularly neat features of the headset is when placed in the combined dock with the iPhone, the headset appears on the screen with the iPhone battery. The headset is essentially a shadow and is filled with green to indicate its charge level; very clever. When using the device you also see the headset battery charge level at the top of the iPhone next to the Bluetooth indicator. This is particularly helpful since once the battery gets low enough, it turns red, similar to the iPhone battery.

Conclusion

I want to love this headset, I really do. Even after having it for 4 months I still tend to use it every now and then in hopes that the static has somehow be repaired. There is so much to like: the combined dock charging mechanism, the size, fit are all A+'s in my book. However, where the Apple iPhone Bluetooth headset needs to shine is in voice calls. Although the receiving person can hear you just fine, the call quality for the originating caller is just horrible. I even thought my headset was defective and took it back to the Apple store and got another one. The Apple representative even said that the headset was not that great, but I continued on in hopes that he just had a bad experience as I did. I am so sad to say that this headset disappoints too much in its call quality to make me sing its praises. Although, maybe there are just perpetual sunspots overhead... for the last 4 months, please, prove me wrong.

Watch as I guide myself through the perils of trying to figure out what accessories to buy for my new iPhone. Really, though, it's all about how to spend another two hundred dollars without blinking.

figure 1: iPhone Financiers

I'm in the same boat as some of you. As I prepare to buy an iPhone, I have to choose from the multitude of accessories. As a reviewer for TreoCentral, I've accumulated a solid box full of wireless headsets, a plastic bag full of cases and another box of stuff I can't easily classify -- all for the Treo 750. In a few months, as I write for Phone Different, I'll also accumulate iPhone accessories and form many opinions. But nearly blindly, I have to decide what accessories to acquire.

figure 2: Apple Bluetooth Headset

I think my first consideration is Apple's own headset. If you're a fan of in ear headsets, then this might be the right one for you. I imagine there will be a review up here at Phone Different very soon, but until then there is a lovely evaluation by Terry White (co-author of The iPhone Book) at his website. My main concern is that the price tag of this headset is a bit steep and that it doesn't have noise reduction circuitry.

As for headsets, I want to offer some general guidelines. The first is to go for the brand names. The reputation of these companies are generally earned. Secondly, look for some sort of digital signal processing and noise reduction. These aren't just marketing hype. However, poorly implemented versions do more harm than good. When these features work, they work well. This additional circuitry tends to add to the bulk of a headset which is perhaps why Apple doesn't include it in its offering.

Next to sound quality, comfort is the most important feature of a headset. Part of your choice will be personal preference, whether you like earhooks or in ear headsets. Also take a look at the number of grams. I think headsets are like footwear; once you find a brand that works well and fits correctly, stick with it. And in nearly every instance, there is a direct correlation between price and quality. If you're buying a Bluetooth earpiece, do not cheap out. Why by a phone at $400+ just to have a lousy experience with a headset? Start at the fifty dollar and up range.

Reviews can help you in your quest. You can check out reviews at our affiliate, TreoCentral, and you can use Google to scout for reviews. I've written my fair share of headset reviews; they can be found here. Headset review scores are a moving target, though: what might have earned a high score last year may not hold up to current competition. Look for both recently released products and recent reviews.

If you are tight on cash, then there is no shame in sticking with wired solutions, especially with what Apple sticks in the box. Generally, a hard wire carries better sound than Bluetooth. I also want to stress that you should never buy an item like an iPhone on credit. If you can't afford one, then wait. It's a luxury item. By my very inexact estimation, if you only make minimum payments, it could take about five years and over 300 dollars in interest to pay off the iPhone. Save your pennies in a jar for a year and you'll be able to buy the next generation as a bonus, or pick up a first gen product at a significant discount. (Advice off)

I've really enjoyed the wireless headset headphone combos I've reviewed over the past year. A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) allows streaming stereo sound over Bluetooth and this standard is MISSING from the iPhone. Conspiracy? Technical problem? Oversight? No one seems to know. Fortunately, with an adapter you can use this technology. The iCombi looks good and I hope not only to review it soon, but ask the folks to stock it in the Phone Different store. If you get one, you might want to consider the wireless headphones from Motorola. Although the PhoneDifferent store doesn't stock these items yet, trot on over to the TreoCentral store to check them out. These headsets will stream both music and handle your phone calls. I was also a big fan of the Lubix 3D heaphones, which, despite their odd earring like nature, produced the best sound yet.

Another accessory, at $69 (plus tax) is AppleCare for iPhone. AppleCare for the iPhone gives you just one year of additional warranty coverage for both iPhone and headset. It does NOT add additional phone support as that is still provided by AT&T. My advice is to wait a while before making a decision. You have 364 days to decide if you will add AppleCare. By that time, the phone may be lost, broken, or stolen (circumstances not covered by AppleCare) I have a friend who swears by AppleCare, but I've always been wary of extended warranties.

Furthermore, many credit cards, as part of their feature set, extend the warranty of any item purchased with it for an additional year. These warranties are a bit more difficult to get taken care of as you have to produce your original receipt, track down your credit card invoice, and file additional paperwork.

Also, manufacturing defects may be covered even outside the standard warranty period. Apple is having the usual trouble with AC adapters and batteries with the iPhone. I've already had my failing MacBook Pro battery replaced once. Although the machine was under warranty, Apple would have still replaced the battery outside of warranty as they were faulty.

Speaking of damage, you'll want to protect your baby with two essential accessories: a screen protector and case. The Phone Different store offers a screen protector. If you've never owned a PDA or Smartphone, then you should be aware that screens can easily scratch. Although the iPhone screen is reputably super durable, a screen protector is just common sense against the unforeseen key scratch, drop, or sharp clawed pet. As of this writing, we still don't know how well the screen will hold up over time to scratches, oils, what have you. Don't take any chances and get a set of screen protectors.

A case is also essential. In my many reviews for TreoCentral, I've ranted against wearing a laptop computer on your belt. I think it's fine around the house, or around the office, but if you're walking down the street, for God's sake, don't wear the thing on your hip. That said, the SmartPhone Experts Side Pouch Case looks like it will do the job for wearing around the office and stuffing in a bag on the street. Reviewing for TreoCentral, I've found that the Smartphone Experts products are solid offerings and you won't be disappointed.

I do like the look of the Marware offerings. Despite the unfortunate name, I like how these are slim line, some open part way to allow viewing of essential information and allow access to the headset ports. I'd lean towards the hard case version.

For those of you who want a different type of protection, the Pacific Rim iShield protects the sides and back of the device. Mike reviewed the product here and gave it a 4 out of 5.

I think I'd better wrap it up for the day. Good luck with your research and I can't wait to get my hands on my iPhone.

Nomad, a loyal TUAW reader, found an Apple iPhone Bluetooth headset at an Apple store yesterday, and has posted the results of his unboxing to Flickr. The AiBH shows up on the charging screen to indicate how much charge it has. Ooooooh! That's kind of neat.

So Vincent of MYiTablet saw that and gobbled one up for a review, and they basically say that it small, comfortable, could sound better; they recommend the Jawbone for sound quality. So, if you want something light but doesn't sound great and is very fashionable and expensive and yet underperforming, the AiBH is your headset. It will be interesting if the AiBH is updateable via firmware as well.