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Note: Bluetooth headsets eliminate clumsy wires, boost productivity and, with more states requiring hands-free devices in vehicles, have become required equipment for businesspeople on the go. Vendors offer a dizzying array of headsets, differentiated by price, battery-life, weight and clarity. Many of today's headsets are multipoint, allowing use for both desktop and mobile phones. Developers also look to separate themselves from their competition through software or hardware design elements designed to reduce ambient sound and improve sound quality. In addition, Bluetooth headsets must be somewhat rugged to withstand long hours of usage and frequent removal and replacement. We culled through the thicket of features, noise-cancelling technologies and battery-life claims to find 13 of the best models for business.
Designed specifically to meet the needs of road warriors, mobile executives and professional drivers, VXi's BlueParrott comes equipped with a flexible ear hook, headband and neckband. The VXi BlueParrott ($119.99 list) also includes AC, DC and USB chargers. The headset's Extended Talk feature provides up to 16 hours of talk and 150 hours of standby time on one charge, and a functional range up to 66 feet, according to VXi. The multipoint-enabled headset lets users switch between two devices and its noise-cancelling capabilities block-out traffic and road noise.
FURTHER READING:
Bluetooth Headsets Get Better
How To Manage Mobile Devices
The LG HBM 900 Bluetooth headset has tri-microphone technology and a boom microphone to reduce noise and cancel echo. The multipoint headset simultaneously pairs two phones. The HBM 900 (which retails for $99.99) also includes automatic volume control to increase or decrease call-volume, based on the surrounding noise-level. The headset has a 4-hour talk time and 150 standby time, according to LG, and a range of up to 33 feet.
FURTHER READING:
Bluetooth Headsets Get Better
How To Manage Mobile Devices
GN Netcom's Jabra PRO 9400 headset (retails for about $250) was designed to meet the communication needs of office personnel. The Bluetooth headset provides up to 10 hours of talk-time, and its DSP noise-reduction technology is designed to minimize the sounds associated with a noisy office environment. Users can wear the Jabra PRO 9400 headset with a headband, earhook or neckband accessory and can manage...