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Let me start with a few words of explanation just in case you are one of those people who might have seen me standing around apparently talking to myself. No, this is not the onset of senility, despite what some might state; but more down to the fact that I have been using a mobile phone. Yes I know the phone was not immediately visible but when you have a Bluetooth headset then the phone can be attached to your belt or other appropriate location. The headset in question is the Jabra BT250v which provides Bluetooth connectivity with mobile phones that have the technology built in.

For those who are not so familiar with the Bluetooth technology, perhaps some background information would be appreciated. The technology is named about an ancient Danish King - not because his teeth were particularly bad but more due to his name. Bluetooth is a radio technology that works at ranges up to 10 metres. While this distance restriction does mean that for many purposes the technology would be unsuitable, it is ideal for devices in close contact such as mobile phones and headset where its reduced cost makes it a clear winner over the more long distant Wi-Fi technology.

See also: Headsets

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A second explanation might also be necessary before going any further. The occasional shudder that I might have made was the result of one of the headset's features. Incoming calls can be announced by the headset's vibrating alert. For some reason the effect of this vibration sensation in the region of my ear cause a shiver to run down my spine and made me shudder. While not exactly unpleasant, I felt that I was receiving too many strange looks from passer-bys, so I turned off this particular feature.

It does seem a bit of a misnomer to keep referring to this device as a headset. Really a better description would be "an extended earpiece". The BT250v fits snugly over an ear with audio being provided by a MiniGel unit made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). A multi-function button, indicator light and volume control are positioned on the curved ear hook. Measuring little more than 10cm, this small device is hardly intrusive and does not warrant the name of headset. However headset is how the Jabra Corporation refers to the device and so I am not going to argue.

I must admit I was a little self-conscious at first about wearing this device but once I had sorted out that the headset, which can fit over either ear, should be in position before putting on my glasses, I quickly forgot about it - until it started to vibrate. But I am getting a little ahead of myself. The device does need to be charged which takes around two hours. A small blue light turns off when the headset is fully charged.

Before using the headset you will need to follow polite conventions and introduce it to your mobile phone. This paring, as it is referred to, involves placing the headset and phone in near proximity and then following the instruction in your phone's user manual. Once the phone has discovered the headset's presence then a private link will be instigated between the phone and headset. For optimum performance the phone and headset should be positioned so that there are no obstructions between them. Ideally this means that if the headset is worn on the right ear then the phone should also be on that side of the body.

With this Bluetooth headset you will be able to make a call using voice-activated dialling, answer a call, end a call plus make use of call-waiting. With certain phones, additional features will be available. Some companies, such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson and Siemens, have included hand-free Bluetooth profile features on a number of models. If your phone supports this feature then you will be able to use the headset to switch between two calls; put a call on hold; reject an incoming call; and have last number redial. Unfortunately I have been unable to test these features with my current mobile phone. However I have been impressed with the functionality and sound quality that I have been able to achieve with the Jabra BT250v which is priced at £59.99.

http://www.jabra.com/europe/BT250.htm