Review: Jabra Bluetooth FreeSpeak 250 Headset


Yesterday I looked at the Nokia 6820 and Sony-Ericsson T637 cell phones, both with Bluetooth compatibility. Today I'll look at the FreeSpeak BT250 Bluetooth Headset from Jabra. My adventures in cell phones started by looking for a new hands free solution for my old Sony-Ericsson T68i. That search ended up with a new cell phone and new cell phone carrier, plus a handful of new headsets. Beware the slippery slope of cell phone accessories!

My search for a new headset for my cell phone actually started with the Jabra Bluetooth device. I first used it with my Sony-Ericsson T68i. The reason I went this route was because the prices recently, or at least since I last looked, came down on these devices. (About $100 at most retail stores) Also, it turned out the headset connector on my T68i was pretty much shot, making Bluetooth the only option. The Jabra device had favorable reviews and promised and exceptional rechargeable battery life, so I gave it a try.

The headset unfortunately doesn't work as well as I'd hoped. I was hoping I could use my phone while it was in my pocket. The fact is, I've found that if the phone and headset don't have line of sight proximity, I get some interference. I don't know what the deal is, maybe I have iron-rich blood or something. The specs say it can work up to 30 feet, so I would think that would mean a good connection would be possible over a couple feet and layer of denim. One issue for certain is the headset interferes with the wireless Internet service at my workplace. As with any Bluetooth device, there's a potential for interference with WiFi, cordless phones, microwaves, etc. Note that the wireless interference is not from a regular WiFi network like Airport, but from a broadband ISP.

Aside from the range issue, the headset is fantastic. It wears very comfortably and makes a secure fit. I despise ear bud devices and the BT250 won't be falling off my ear. The earpiece is actually a little on the loud side. You'll probably have to turn it down or else the person on the other end will hear himself or herself back through the microphone. The mic is also of good quality, and being a smaller boom style, it seems to work well picking up my voice while limiting background noise. Overall the sound quality on both ends is good, but generally not as good as talking directly through the phone. The device is fairly light and not too big, weighing in at 0.8 ounces. Compared to other similar devices this one, in my opinion, looks a little more stylish. Some Bluetooth headsets might lead someone to wonder what's coming out of your ear, where at least the FreeSpeak looks like a headset.

Pairing the device is a piece of cake. I did it once on my T68i and finally on the T637. The T637 works very well, and I believe better than the T68i, but didn't use it that much to qualify that. Keep in mind that each phone works differently, so I'll just describe the headset on the T637. Once paired, I can receive calls with a touch of a button on the headset. Also, I can do voice dialing from the headset by just clicking the main button and waiting for a speaking prompt. The T637 has an option of when making a call from the phone to either use the phone as normal or send the call to the headset. Also, when there is an incoming call, the phone rings as normal, rather than silent in a typical hands free mode. These two features make it possible to use this set up even if the headset falls under the seat or something. When the phone goes out of range of the headset, for example when you may leave the car, they automatically pair up when you come back in range. Finally, for when you want to connect the devices after a power down, the T637 at least, has a cool option specifically for connecting to headsets. I found the T68i on the other hand a little more awkward with more menu work.

The headset has its own charging docking station. The BT250 boasts a talk time of 8 hours and 240 hours standby. Honestly I haven't been able to test that as I usually plop it in the charger every couple days or so. Arguably this is probably the best feature of the device and gets the most attention. Speaking of battery life, using Bluetooth does take a noticeable drain on my phone, especially using it with a headset. As result is I got a car charger for the phone so that I can give the battery a quick boost if needed.

Overall, I'm fairly pleased with all aspects of the device except reception. I've conceded that I still will need a conventional hands free headset, so this isn't an end-all-be-all solution. I'd be interested to know other experiences with this device or any tips. My typical use with respectable reception has been to toss the phone in the seat next to me or hold the phone on the same side of my body as the headset.