alaTest USA - Product Tests & Reviews

pcworld.com

Number of Reviews collected

in Headsets

42

Total

21766

Source country

US

United States

Language: English

Source rating scale

1
5
1
100

Average source rating

81

Highest rating

88

Lowest rating

69

Headsets

JABRA HALO

Jabra Halo

By Aoife M. McEvoy

What's your style for stereo--earbuds or earmuffs? I go for the earmuff or earpad approach every time, and Jabra's Halo headphones ($130, as of September16, 2009) fit well. They're sleek, unobtrusive, and sturdy. And the Halo felt even more ...

Great-sounding music ; Comfortable headband and earmuff design

Average phone call quality ; Volume and track-skipping controls poorly designed

If you're looking for nonearbud headphones to handle music and calls--but primarily music--the Halo package is a good choice. You'll just have to tolerate the nonfriendly volume and track-skipping controls

October, 2009

Rating

84

alaSCORE 92

7 reviews

MOTOROLA H790 Bluetooth Headset

Motorola H790 Bluetooth Headset

By Aoife M. McEvoy

Lightweight, comfy, and unobtrusive: That's how I would describe the fit of the Motorola H790. This attractively priced ($80 as of 8/6/09) Bluetooth headset sports an over-the-ear plastic loop. Since the loop lacks flexibility to curve around the ear, ...

Lightweight and secure ; Dedicated power button; handy battery-status alert

Controls on the small side ; Nonadjustable loop may not suit all ears

I like that the H790 is compact, but its buttons are a tad too dainty for me. Donning the headset, with the power switch on one side and the volume buttons on the other, required a little fumbling around to get a feel for the controls. The main call ...

September, 2009

Rating

83

alaSCORE 97

2 reviews

Motorola Motorokr S305

Motorokr S305

By Aoife M. McEvoy

When it comes to the comfort of stereo Bluetooth headsets, I'd choose an earpad design (that is, an earmuff style) over earbuds any day, thank you. And if you have the same preference, look long and hard at the Motorola MotoRokr S305. This set of ...

Reliable audio quality at a very attractive price Comfy earpad style

Neckband lacks an adjustment option Controls are hard to access by feel at first

If you're looking for stereo Bluetooth headphones to do double duty--that is, manage calls and play music--$60 or less is a terrific price. If you aren't sold on the earbud style, the earpad-based S305 is a fine choice. And if looks matter to you, the ...

June, 2009

Rating

84

no alaScore

3 reviews

JABRA SP200

The $60 (as of May 20, 2009) Jabra SP200 car speakerphone is the most affordable Bluetooth kit we've reviewed recently--it costs $40 less than its sibling, the Jabra SP700.

Inexpensive Big call button and volume wheel offer easy access

So-so call quality Solid blue light can distract during nighttime dri

If you're looking for an affordable Bluetooth speakerphone with basic call-handling features--and you don't need more-sophisticated options (such as address book synchronization)--give the SP200 a look. Like the other Bluetooth car speakerphone units ...

May, 2009

Rating

82

alaSCORE 96

14 reviews

BlueAnt Q1

Q1 Bluetooth Headset

By Aoife M. McEvoy

The Q1 from BlueAnt Wireless comes with an incredibly useful voice-control helper, which is unique to the Q1 and to its cousin, the BlueAnt V1. The $130 (as of 5/6/09) Q1 is an addition to the BlueAnt product family; it does not replace the V1.

Voice-controlled interface is a breeze to use Main control button delivers tactile feedback

Call quality is all over the map Pricey

The Q1's integrated voice control is one of this headset's greatest features. If your cell phone supports speed dialing and you'd like to handle calls using your voice a lot of the time, consider the Q1. Be prepared for inconsistent call quality, though

May, 2009

Rating

80

alaSCORE 93

6 reviews

BlueAnt Wireless Supertooth 3 Handsfree Kit

The $130 (as of 3/27/09) BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Bluetooth speakerphone is a bit longer than an iPod Classic. You attach a metal clip to your car's sun visor, and then you align the Supertooth 3's magnets on the underside to the clip. On my trips the ...

Announces caller ID Transfers contacts automatically

Background noise noticeable during calls Blinking lights can be distracting

One thing to whine about: The Supertooth 3 has a teensy, blinking blue light when turned on, and that proved very distracting, particularly at night--the pipsqueak of a flash would catch the corner of my eye

April, 2009

Rating

78

no alaScore

2 reviews

Parrot Minikit Chic

Minikit Chic

By Aoife M. McEvoy

Parrot's Minikit Chic Bluetooth speakerphone sure looks purty with its silver and gray, flowery design. The $100 (as of 3/27/09) device, which is about the same size as an iPod Classic, comes with a built-in clip, so it's ready to slip onto your car's ...

Automatically syncs your contacts Voice interface and controls are easy to use

Lacks on/off power status indicator Device clip does not attach smoothly to visor

Finally, if the floral look isn't your thing, Parrot also offers the plain-black Minikit Slim--the same $100 product, only without the design

April, 2009

Rating

82

alaSCORE 95

3 reviews

Motorola T305

T305 Portable Bluetooth CAR Kit

By Aoife M. McEvoy

Motorola's petite $70 (as of 3/27/09) T305 requires minimal assembly. This Bluetooth car speakerphone comes with a thick clip, which you attach to the unit's mounting bracket before positioning it on your sun visor. It can go either on the front or ...

Compact and portable Inexpensive

Flashing lights can be distracting Voice dialing can be hit-and-miss

If you're looking for an affordable Bluetooth car kit--and one that delivers solid call quality--the T305 is a great bet. Just be prepared for the call quality to take a hit now and then

April, 2009

Rating

84

alaSCORE 82

166 reviews

Aliph Jawbone Prime

Aliph Jawbone Prime

By Aoife M. McEvoy

The new Aliph Jawbone Prime makes priorities of both audio quality and comfort. This $130 model (as of April 23, 2009) upholds the high standards set by the previous Jawbone, but it goes to greater lengths to increase your comfort.

Impressive call quality and noise reduction ; Wear with or without ear loop

Pricey ; Limited Talk button tactile feedback

If you're in the market for a Bluetooth headset, Jawbone Prime sets the new standard for others to try to match. Aliph reports that consumers will be able to buy the Jawbone Prime starting May 2, 2009

April, 2009

Rating

88

no alaScore

3 reviews

Samsung SBH700

SBH700

By Aoife M. McEvoy

I was not a happy camper when I wore Samsung's $100 (as of March 22, 2009) SBH700 headphones. Despite extensive fiddling, I couldn't arrive at a comfortable fit. For starters, the earbuds were too big--the package lacks alternative bud sizes--and the ...

Impressive performance at edge of operating range Slick red and silver design

Uncomfortable to wear Awkward position of controls

The call button and the play/pause button are located on the top of the left and right earpieces, respectively; I got a feel for them quickly enough. But the volume and track-skipping controls are inconveniently housed on the underside of the headband ...

April, 2009

Rating

69

alaSCORE 77

16 reviews

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