Just picked up my Apple Bluetooth Headset! *Pics AND Actual Audio Review*

[villanova329]

Most of the Bay Area, if not didn't have any shipments, are completely sold out of this. It was a complete surprise release and I got the last one. Unboxing pictures to come within the hour.

Mood: Happy and worried, don't know how this will stand up to the Jawbone.


UPDATE: AUDIO REVIEW ADDED, download here, do it fast cause bandwidth might be problem. I sound nervous so dont mind my stuttering; remember, I did this for you guys=)

http://public.box.net/novabox

Quick written review several posts down.

[boss1]

nice, Id like to know how it stacks up against the jawbone also, I just picked a jawbone up a few days ago but I might return it for the apple one.

[gr8tfly]

Two stores I contacted were sold out. :( Gonna try again tomorrow.

Looking forward to "hearing" some audio quality reports, though I suspect they'll be fine.

[villanova329]

Pics!

[villanova329]

Pics (part 2)

[Schmoe0013]

It's HUGE!!! (as the donald would say)

[SUPERSTEVE9219]

so how does it work!?! Compared to the jawbone

[villanova329]

Pics (part 3)

Oh.... one piece of news...


They brought back the foam earbud covers, they come with two black ones. I thought they were done with those. Guess they need to study another thousand ears to maybe get this one right.

Charging it as we speak... I'll have a review up with an hour or so

[lilnyc]

Thanks for sharing the pics. I am underwhelmed by its design. I ordered it, then canceled my order b/c there's no info (yet) nor selling point. I look forward to your review.

[docc]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

[villanova329]

Update: Audio reviews added, don't know how the site will handle the bandwidth

http://public.box.net/novabox

[Sobe]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

let the man enjoy his headset for crying out loud.

[nospleen]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

You have to admit the dock looks cool though! :p Looking forward to the review, I am going to pick mine up in the next few days.

[drater]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

The Jawbone is 10 bucks less, but doesn't come with a dock. does NOT have caller ID like you stated up there. I'd like to see reviews on it before I make up my mind. I understand the price is a little high...but if you EVER criticize Apple again I will take you down...DOWN TO CHINA TOWN! ((insert sarcastic voice here)) ;)


...but seriously, I'm waiting for reviews

[villanova329]

Alright guys, I'm done being generous for the evening, its time to relax=)

I added the audio files to a public box.net thing I have, if you download it and host it that would be great, I know the bandwidth will die soon.

I'll let it charge while I go eat dinner, but enjoy the pictures and my audio review.

Honestly, I'm not too pleased with audio quality, but I have yet to try it on my iPhone. I did find something neat though! There are two battery indicators for charging the earpiece, one is an LED on the earpiece itself.... guess where the other one is? =)

QUICK REVIEW:

- I re-did my voicemail using the earpiece, and the playback quality was great
- The foam earbud covers are back, the set comes with two
- It uses the standard "0000" code to pair
- Volume is controlled via the iPhone or handset used
- First call made: Friend told me he did not know I was using an earpiece, did hear some background, but said it sound just like how I usually sound without using an earpiece
- I shook my head from side to side (almost felt like passing out), and it stayed put. It moved around but it still stayed in my ear. To further test it, I did one set of skipping a rope (my favorite cardio workout) while wearing it, and it stayed in my ear. So far, impressed with the fit, but this thing is too light, I might forget I even have it on.
- The fit feels just like the stock headphones, and a little smoother than the old generation iPod headphones
- The magsafe feature is not as strong as you would expect from the MacBook/MBP kind. Rather you just feel a tiny pull but its not strong enough to yank it from your hand like the original magsafe
- I'm wishing Apple would have included an optional earloop to add more security to your ear, but hey we can't have everything we want.
- This thing is tiny
- I love now having 3 charging methods for my iPhone: standard cable, travel cable, and now iPhone/earpiece dock
- I have a pretty chubby face, and that is an obstacle for a lot of earpieces I've tried because it increases the distance. This earpiece catches my voice despite the distance from my mouth and the earpiece
- I did not have to raise my voice to be heard
- When receiving a call, the ringtone inside the earpiece is just some funky digital sound ring, like your typical bluetooth earpiece ringtone, nothing fancy

COMPARED TO THE JAWBONE
- Feels much lighter, almost to the point you'll forget its there
- What I hear sounds pretty much the same
- Of course, Jawbone has noise cancelling feature, this does not
- Made two calls, so far my friends can't even tell I'm on an earpiece; sounds just like I'm just using the handset
- Apple one cost $10 more
- Jawbone automatically sets volume, but you can also change it through the handset. With Apple earpiece, no mix up... all volume is controlled through the handset/iPhone

[note235]

nice
looks really nice
hmm this or jawbone?

[D1G1T4L]

Looks nice but how well does it stay in your ear?

If it is anything like the standard apple earbuds it won't work for me as they fall out with ease.

Thanks for the pics! Just need a fit review.

[lilnyc]

Thanks again for sharing. This was nice of you.

[acarney]

What I worry about is the pops and cracks I hear and a little of the digital sounding bits. I can’t tell if that’s problems with recording this, poor AT&T signal while doing this test, or if it’s the iPhone headset. Other then that the audio seems pretty good, about as good as the phone I would think and while the background sound is picked up really well (that could be bad) the voice is still always slightly louder and probably understandable under most conditions where you would want to make a call. (I.E. not a club or concert)

Ah, I hear now that it’s connected right to MacBook Pro, hmmm, it also seems that a lot of the audio problems is while moving, maybe wind noise or problems with Bluetooth.


I’ll have to listen to some JawBone ones, all that damn “Military Grade Noise Canceling” PR talk makes me really want it, but maybe it’s just PR and not really all that fancy. God I want an extra dock and a single charge option for iPhone and a headset so bad, but fancy pants noise canceling might be sweet…

[tdhurst]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

Do you even have one? No? Shut up then.

[bman17]

I got mine today also. It was a fluke I happened into the Chicago Michigan Ave store and they had 4 left behind the counter.

I have used it now a couple of times. The call quality is pretty good. The person on the other end had no idea that I was on it. As for my end I was able to hear the person well, but there did seem to be a very low hiss. this may just be the room I was in I will have to see how it does in several environments.

I love the fact that you just charge it on the base for the first time and with out human interaction it auto-magically pairs with you phone.

The absolute best feature though (I can't remember seeing this even listed) is it works just like the mag-safe on the macbooks. In the dock or the travel cord it quickly and magnetically clings into place. WAY COOL!!!! Very well thought out. Also, I found that you can not only plug the travel cord into your laptop but it also plugs into the IPhone AC adapter and the Griffen cigarette lighter USB adapter. Very functional.

When you figure in the new dock plus the travel cable, the price does not seem as bad.

[D1G1T4L]

Ok guys how about a fit review? How well does it fit in your ear?

Does it have the same feel as the stock iPhone earbuds? It appears to be larger.

Does is slip down? Would driving in a truck on unpaved road cause a problem?

[docc]

The Jawbone is 10 bucks less, but doesn't come with a dock. does NOT have caller ID like you stated up there. I'd like to see reviews on it before I make up my mind. I understand the price is a little high...but if you EVER criticize Apple again I will take you down...DOWN TO CHINA TOWN! ((insert sarcastic voice here)) ;)


...but seriously, I'm waiting for reviews

Point taken :)

I hope the OP enjoys his new toy.

[villanova329]

Ok guys how about a fit review? How well does it fit in your ear?

Does it have the same feel as the stock iPhone earbuds? It appears to be larger.

Does is slip down? Would driving in a truck on unpaved road cause a problem?

I posted a fit review a few posts ago, sorry I was doing some updating=)

[docc]

Do you even have one? No? Shut up then.

Errr...whats crawled up your ****? Chill dude. Have a beer on me ;)

[D1G1T4L]

I posted a fit review a few posts ago, sorry I was doing some updating=)

Totally overlooked it :p

Thanks!

[acarney]

http://www.geeksrus.com/2007/07/02/jawbone-test-using-jottcom/

That makes me think that the digital sounding stutter, pops, and cracks were all from the MBP BT connection. I would love if you could use it with the iPhone to call somewhere online that can record 20 seconds or something and then email you the file. I think jott.com will do it for a fee but I hope someone here can suggest a place that will do that free for the first 30 seconds or something.

[dominatrix]

cmon man a few people already asked one of the most important things for me: HOW THIS THING FIT ON THE EAR ? , its comfortable ? fits well ? can u post a picture on your ear ?

thanks..

[villanova329]

cmon man a few people already asked one of the most important things for me: HOW THIS THING FIT ON THE EAR ? , its comfortable ? fits well ? can u post a picture on your ear ?

thanks..

I already stated how it fits a few posts ago. I don't feel like taking a picture of it with my big head, but it fits just fine, the pictures on the model on the Apple website are pretty accurate

"- I shook my head from side to side (almost felt like passing out), and it stayed put. It moved around but it still stayed in my ear. To further test it, I did one set of skipping a rope (my favorite cardio workout) while wearing it, and it stayed in my ear. So far, impressed with the fit, but this thing is too light, I might forget I even have it on.
- The fit feels just like the stock headphones, and a little smoother than the old generation iPod headphones"

[MovieCutter]

cmon man a few people already asked one of the most important things for me: HOW THIS THING FIT ON THE EAR ? , its comfortable ? fits well ? can u post a picture on your ear ?

thanks..

READ..THE...FRACKIN'...THREAD!!!


- I shook my head from side to side (almost felt like passing out), and it stayed put. It moved around but it still stayed in my ear. To further test it, I did one set of skipping a rope (my favorite cardio workout) while wearing it, and it stayed in my ear. So far, impressed with the fit, but this thing is too light, I might forget I even have it on.
- The fit feels just like the stock headphones, and a little smoother than the old generation iPod headphones

[Trent0341]

I never get the people who down this thing for its looks. What do you people want a star wars hemet on your head. The beauty is in its simpleness. Never been into bluetooth headsets but I plan on picking it up because every other product Ive ever bought from apple has worked wonderfully. I'm fairly new to apple products besides the ipods I've owned so I don't think I can be called a fanboy quite yet.

Oh and not worth the $129? To me it would be just because I know when I hook it up to my iPhone thats the end of story. I don't have to worry about if it will work properly (like the bluetooth on my garmin 550c).

[kupua]

You all compare to the Jawbone... but that is some big ass Fugly looking ear ring disguised as a headset. OK in all fairness Fugly + Noise Canceling, maybe will nullify, but does not make for a fair comparison.

How about the Nokia BH-800, Now I have this one and I believe that this should be a fair comparison. Both stylish, both sans the NC. It has great sound qualities so I'd be interested to see how the Apple one stands up to this unit.

I didn't see any review that said that the apple unit has the same ring tone in the ear such as the Nokia one.

[acarney]

This is a harder decision for me then when I was debating buying the iPhone or not and this is almost like a fifth of the price! Do I get the JawBone for the noise canceling and possibly better (more secure, maybe not comfortable) fit on the ear, or do I get this because I love how simple and small it is and I’m dying for the one stop charging solution. I really picture myself using this in the car more often then out in public because I’m not a fan of calling people in a busy place let alone looking like an idiot talking into thin air since I’m not holding my phone up to my ear.

Someone with a convertible drive at like 35 mph with the top and windows down and make an audio recording for us and then drive with the top up but windows down at like 65mph and make a recording. :D

[Xenious]

How about the Nokia BH-800, Now I have this one and I believe that this should be a fair comparison. Both stylish, both sans the NC. It has great sound qualities so I'd be interested to see how the Apple one stands up to this unit..

This is what I am interested in as well. I love my BH-800. Am wondering if the Apple one will not feel as comfortable since it doesn't have the rubber "Comfort" piece around the ear piece.

[acarney]

Who in their right mind would drive a convertible with the top UP at 65 mph!!!???

Well I have a Del Sol which has a removable hard top and like 70% of the time I leave the top on but the windows down. :)

[villanova329]

Update:

When receiving a call, the ringtone inside the earpiece is just some funky digital sound ring, like your typical bluetooth earpiece ringtone, nothing fancy.

So far, loving it

[D1G1T4L]

Who in their right mind would drive a convertible with the top UP at 65 mph!!!???

Why would you NOT drive a convertible with the top UP at 65 mph?!?!?!? :confused:

Drove my jeep with the top on over 65mph all the time.

[chenjas1]

I posted this in a different thread but I thought this would get more views here...

Notice on the bluetooth headset page on apple's website it states near the top of the page under the What's In The Box section that it "Supports Bluetooth Hands-free profile 1.5" then in the specifications section it states "Supported Profile: Hands-free in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR". What gives?

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=20F63045&nplm=MA817LL/A

[loudestnoise]

Great review OP, I noticed you compared it to Jawbone. Do you own one of those too? If so, what do you do for a living, that's a lot of Headset $$$. Ha, I'll be sticking with my Jawbone.

EDIT: Ha, I heard you say you had one, but returned it.

[kkachurak]

Update:

When receiving a call, the ringtone inside the earpiece is just some funky digital sound ring, like your typical bluetooth earpiece ringtone, nothing fancy.

So far, loving it

Really? Wow, that's really disappointing. I had a cheap motorola BT earpiece that played whatever ringtones you had assigned when paired to a cheap nextel phone. I assign different ringtones for different callers, which was like caller ID in a way.

That bums me out.

[Analog Kid]

I posted this in a different thread but I thought this would get more views here...

Notice on the bluetooth headset page on apple's website it states near the top of the page under the What's In The Box section that it "Supports Bluetooth Hands-free profile 1.5" then in the specifications section it states "Supported Profile: Hands-free in Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR". What gives?

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=20F63045&nplm=MA817LL/A
Are you confusing the Bluetooth version (2.0) with the HF Profile version (1.5)?

[Chris Grande]

Yea that kind of stinks, you would think they'd play your ringtone.

Really? Wow, that's really disappointing. I had a cheap motorola BT earpiece that played whatever ringtones you had assigned when paired to a cheap nextel phone. I assign different ringtones for different callers, which was like caller ID in a way.

That bums me out.

[fastbite]

Thanks Villanova329 for the quick review. For me the fit and comfort is as important as the sound quality. What's the point of something that sounds great but is so uncomfortable that you don't use it? So the Jawbone is a no no for me. But this one is looking good.

[arn]

Update:

When receiving a call, the ringtone inside the earpiece is just some funky digital sound ring, like your typical bluetooth earpiece ringtone, nothing fancy.

So far, loving it

So what's the final verdict on the audio quality? Your first impression you said it wasn't that good but that was before you used it on the iPhone.

arn

[HawaiiMacAddict]

Aloha everyone,

I also just got my Apple Bluetooth headset, and I also love the simplicity of its pairing and charging. I didn't notice any foam pads - maybe they're not an option for Hawaii hehehe :D

I tested my headset using my land line, and while it is true that the headset only plays some random tones for an incoming call, the iPhone itself plays the ringtone. What I like is that I can answer the iPhone or end the call simply by pressing the button on the end of the headset. All in all, I think it's well worth the price.

:apple:HawaiiMacAddict

[villanova329]

So what's the final verdict on the audio quality? Your first impression you said it wasn't that good but that was before you used it on the iPhone.

arn


FINAL VERDICT (per Arn)

I have made as many calls as I can with this and spoke to my friends. So far so good, everyone has had the same descriptions:

- Didn't know I was on an earpiece
- Sounds like the times I did not even have an earpiece, just the handset
- Sounds clear and, most importantly, consistent
- Background noise does not drown out my voice

At first I was displeased with the quality, but that could be a problem with my MacBook Pro and its bluetooth radio. Sorry if that confused anyone.

I am happy with my purchase, the simplicity is what pays it off. Increasing my options to charging my iPhone adds more positive to the scale. Aesthetics I give a 9/10 because you wont look like a member of the BORG wearing one. I give the sound quality 8.5/10; let's face it, no matter what earpiece you use, you're gonna hear some artifacts, even with the Jawbone

Not all bluetooth earpieces will have the great noise cancel technology like the Jawbone, but the jawbone even has its flaws. I think that the iPhone BT headset's quality is up there with the other high end headsets.

[212rikanmofo]

can someone post a pic of how it looks with it being worn on the ear?

and also im afraid it might fall off your ear easily cause of no hook, hows the fit? does it actually fit snugly inside your ear?

from those pics its hard to really judge the size, can you perhaps post a pic with the headset next to a quarter or something so we can get a better idea? great review though, im looking forward to getting one myself.

[acarney]

FINAL VERDICT (per Arn)

I have made as many calls as I can with this and spoke to my friends. So far so good, everyone has had the same descriptions:

- Didn't know I was on an earpiece
- Sounds like the times I did not even have an earpiece, just the handset
- Sounds clear and, most importantly, consistent
- Background noise does not drown out my voice

At first I was displeased with the quality, but that could be a problem with my MacBook Pro and its bluetooth radio. Sorry if that confused anyone.

I am happy with my purchase, the simplicity is what pays it off. Increasing my options to charging my iPhone adds more positive to the scale. Aesthetics I give a 9/10 because you wont look like a member of the BORG wearing one. I give the sound quality 8.5/10; let's face it, no matter what earpiece you use, you're gonna hear some artifacts, even with the Jawbone

Not all bluetooth earpieces will have the great noise cancel technology like the Jawbone, but the jawbone even has its flaws. I think that the iPhone BT headset's quality is up there with the other high end headsets.



I’ve noticed from the demo’s online with the JawBone that as soon as noise shield was turned on people sounded more digital or like it was encoded in 24kbps mono and when it was off it sounded like 128kbps stereo. I don’t know if I’m explaining it right, but while you could hear them very easy they didn’t sound near as good as they did when there was a lot of noise in the background. I’m not sure if that trade off is worth it when I’m not one of those annoying people that have to call someone during a concert or while watching a sporting event or something.

Car noise is really my main problem. I would love if you would (safely!) make a few calls tomorrow while in the car driving with the windows up and down at highway speeds and see if the person on the other end can hear you without you yelling. I know that’s a lot to ask but that’s probably where a good portion of calling will happen where noise shield really could be a huge benefit since you can’t really just excuse yourself from the car for a moment and walk outside to a quiet spot.

[Fafafoooey]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

I love my iPhone but there is no way on earth i would buy this piece of crap. Just goes to show that not everything out of the Apple stables is great.

Why Why Why, would you care about caller ID on a freakin headset? You can't see the freakin thing when you are wearing it.

[Fafafoooey]

I assume the headset charging status displays when using the charging cable as well as the dock?

[Gee4orce]

Surely the biggest benefit of this Apple BT headset is the ability to charge it simultaneously with your iPhone from a single power point. I mean, if you're charging your iPhone, you're going to have to put the headset somewhere - might as well be in that dock, charging.

That means that it's highly likely to actually be charged when you want to use it, unlike every other BT headset I've ever used !

[lilnyc]

I never get the people who down this thing for its looks. What do you people want a star wars hemet on your head. The beauty is in its simpleness.

Guilty as charged. I do care about looks, which is one reason I went with the B&O brand. But I did order the Apple BT. I canceled my order due to the delayed shipping and lack of reviews & features. Unlike phones, Apple has a lot of competition in the BT market. Other than the docking, there's nothing that would make me want to spend money on their BT.

[YoMamasPyjamas]

Guilty as charged. I do care about looks, which is one reason I went with the B&O brand. But I did order the Apple BT. I canceled my order due to the delayed shipping and lack of reviews & features. Unlike phones, Apple has a lot of competition in the BT market. Other than the docking, there's nothing that would make me want to spend money on their BT.

So Apple doesn't have any competition in the phone market?????

[MacUser1]

Why Why Why, would you care about caller ID on a freakin headset? You can't see the freakin thing when you are wearing it.
It's a nice feature if you have your phone tucked away in your bag, but have your headset readily available on your desk. With a caller-ID enabled headset, you'd be able to tell who's calling without having to dig for your phone.

[Roy Hobbs]

Guilty as charged. I do care about looks, which is one reason I went with the B&O brand. But I did order the Apple BT. I canceled my order due to the delayed shipping and lack of reviews & features. Unlike phones, Apple has a lot of competition in the BT market. Other than the docking, there's nothing that would make me want to spend money on their BT.

That B&O headset looks enourmous

[docc]

It's a nice feature if you have your phone tucked away in your bag, but have your headset readily available on your desk. With a caller-ID enabled headset, you'd be able to tell who's calling without having to dig for your phone.

Thank you. I didn't realise that i would have to explain the importance of caller ID. I assumed it was self-explanatory.

Cheers.

[bytethese]

http://www.geeksrus.com/2007/07/02/jawbone-test-using-jottcom/

That makes me think that the digital sounding stutter, pops, and cracks were all from the MBP BT connection. I would love if you could use it with the iPhone to call somewhere online that can record 20 seconds or something and then email you the file. I think jott.com will do it for a fee but I hope someone here can suggest a place that will do that free for the first 30 seconds or something.

How about a phone post to something like LiveJournal? It makes a .ogg recording of voice posts. :)

[megfilmworks]

I think the single blutooth ear bud misses the point of having an iPhone,
stereo music. That is my favorite feature, and hearing mono in both ears while making cell calls is a whole new experience in clarity!!

[gujamin]

Can use use it to listen to music/videos/podcasts like the included headphones or is it strictly for calling?

[clong@mac.com]

I'm wondering if it works with other bluetooth phones... anyone have one they can try?

[abrooks]

It's a nice feature if you have your phone tucked away in your bag, but have your headset readily available on your desk. With a caller-ID enabled headset, you'd be able to tell who's calling without having to dig for your phone.

Or you could just answer the phone and see who it is :p

[darngooddesign]

Thank you. I didn't realise that i would have to explain the importance of caller ID. I assumed it was self-explanatory.

The function of caller id is explanatory, but not the delivery method. How about cluing those of us who have never had a BT headset in on how it works.

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.

You mentioned JB in the same post as Apple's lack of caller ID, how does the JB deliver caller ID?

[Sobe]

That B&O headset looks enourmous

Yes but on the other hand, think how small it will make your head look =D

[Trooperof3]

gujamin wrote:
Can use use it to listen to music/videos/podcasts like the included headphones or is it strictly for calling?

just wondering the same thing

[Xenious]

Well I have a Del Sol which has a removable hard top and like 70% of the time I leave the top on but the windows down. :)

Woot del sol! I had one for 6 years and loved it. Was actually the caretaker of Club Sol for Oklahoma. That was during the height of the import scene...lots of cool stuff. I eventually sold it (low milage) and it got totaled so it sadly exists no more. :(

[Panu]

Why? Why? Why?

Why on earth would someone pay $129 + taxes for this thing? No DSP and no caller ID and yet they have the nerve to charge this much for it? Just pay the same price for a Jawbone and you wouldn't look back.


Here's why. It includes a travel cable with a retail value of $30, and a dual dock with a retail value of $50, minus the power adapter. Let's say $30 for that. That means the actual headset costs $129 minus $60, or only $69. That's not a bad deal. On top of that, you get zero-step pairing. When you plug the headset and the iPhone into the same dock, which you are going to do anyway, they pair themselves automatically. So I think it is a good deal.

[drater]

oh yeah, just got mine today. if you're quick about it, and live near the Chestnut Hill Mall, they have a few left. You can also call and they will be kind enough to hold one for you, just like they did for me.

[theluckyone]

I guess this means that there's no voice dial - how does it "make" a call?

[The General]

Can somebody verify something for me?

I'm wondering if it's possible to use this headset with a Mac that has Bluetooth. If so, can you use it for Ventrilo?

[AJsAWiz]

oh yeah, just got mine today. if you're quick about it, and live near the Chestnut Hill Mall, they have a few left. You can also call and they will be kind enough to hold one for you, just like they did for me.

Is the earpiece on this thing similar in size to the iPhone ear buds?
I'm asking because the iPhone ear buds are way too large for my ear :eek:

[drater]

Is the earpiece on this thing similar in size to the iPhone ear buds?
I'm asking because the iPhone ear buds are way too large for my ear :eek:

its roughly about the same size, comes with the little fuzzy things that used to come with the ipods. I'm expecting that apple or (most likely) someone else will make a gel attachment to make it feel "more comfortable". But since its the same size as the apple ipod head phone, I'm assuming there are some out there already...now i'm confused, I need to lay down. :p

[Trooperof3]

wow that makes 2 questions i wanna know the answer 2.

gujamin
Can use use it to listen to music/videos/podcasts like the included headphones or is it strictly for calling?

The General
I'm wondering if it's possible to use this headset with a Mac that has Bluetooth. If so, can you use it for Ventrilo?

[Rivka]

its roughly about the same size, comes with the little fuzzy things that used to come with the ipods. I'm expecting that apple or (most likely) someone else will make a gel attachment to make it feel "more comfortable". But since its the same size as the apple ipod head phone, I'm assuming there are some out there already...now i'm confused, I need to lay down. :p

Griffin (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/earjams/) makes a "earjams"adaptor that make the apple earbuds fit pretty nice.
i for one cant hate the apple earbud any more than i do every day. it is a week spot in the design that i just cant understand. And let me make it perfectly clear i have loved apple since before some of you were born so no flaming me for hating the ear buds.
Simply put i am sad that i cant buy something apple makes, but i will never spend a penny on a head set that has the same buds that hurt and fall out of my ears like the wired ones do.

[aricher]

I just picked one up over my lunch break - sound quality is great - can hear callers with windows down while driving and they can hear me - clearly. One caller said that it sounded better than when I have the windows down and am talking on the iPhone itself. No looseness in the fit - shook head hard and it wouldn't come loose. Very compact and sleek in style. As far as I'm concerned it's a winner so far. It looks like the regular earbud, maybe a tiny bit larger and feels much more comfy than the regular earbud. I can't compare it in exact size right now because my earbuds are at home, I use Shures instead.

I called 3 Apple stores in the Chicago area until I found one. Woodfield doesn't have them yet, Michigan ave. has some but they're all on hold. Oakbrook has 5 left with 2 of the 5 being on hold. If you call them they'll hold one until the end of the business day.

[Roy Hobbs]

I guess this means that there's no voice dial - how does it "make" a call?


Pick up iPhone
Make a call as you would with out the headset

[drater]

people wanted pics...

this was done with the iphone, so the quality is ok. It feels great, just called a few people, they didn't even notice, and the sound quality is pretty darn good on my end. I think its worth the money. If I don't Stevie will hate me and we can have that... :p

and yes I know, I haven't shaved in days. Thank you!

[gujamin]

Can use use it to listen to music/videos/podcasts like the included headphones or is it strictly for calling?

Okay, I just talked to a Mac Specialist and they said the bluetooth headset would not work for listening to music and was strictly for calling.

Disappointing :(

Does anyone know of a good bluetooth headset that WOULD also work for listening to podcasts?

[theluckyone]

Pick up iPhone
Make a call as you would with out the headset


I meant, how do you use the one button on the phone to make a call (see the manual) - I thought voice dial would be the only way, but no?

[Sal510]

Can U Hear Music Thru It?

[Roy Hobbs]

I meant, how do you use the one button on the phone to make a call (see the manual) - I thought voice dial would be the only way, but no?

You don't, the button on the headset is to pick up an incoming call and to hang up a call.

You can not initiate a phone call from the headset

[iscripter]

When you say it has Magsafe were exactly is this? Is it on the dock or the dock cable?



- The magsafe feature is not as strong as you would expect from the MacBook/MBP kind. Rather you just feel a tiny pull but its not strong enough to yank it from your hand like the original magsafe

[Roy Hobbs]

When you say it has Magsafe were exactly is this? Is it on the dock or the dock cable?

Its in the "hole" the headset fits into

[AJsAWiz]

Griffin (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/earjams/) makes a "earjams"adaptor that make the apple earbuds fit pretty nice.
i for one cant hate the apple earbud any more than i do every day. it is a week spot in the design that i just cant understand. And let me make it perfectly clear i have loved apple since before some of you were born so no flaming me for hating the ear buds.
Simply put i am sad that i cant buy something apple makes, but i will never spend a penny on a head set that has the same buds that hurt and fall out of my ears like the wired ones do.

Griffin Ear Jams are not compatible with iPhone ear buds. I have the Ear Jam and use them with my iPod ear buds. he do not fit the iPhone ear buds. I contacted Griffin's tech support and they confirmed the incompatibility with iPhone buds but could not say if or when compatible Ear Jams would be released.

[dominatrix]

Okay, I just talked to a Mac Specialist and they said the bluetooth headset would not work for listening to music and was strictly for calling.

Disappointing :(

Does anyone know of a good bluetooth headset that WOULD also work for listening to podcasts?

who tha hell use a headset to listen music ? thats why exist headphones man..
and the apple headphone exist for that. listen music on one ear ? lol.. some people always want more and more and more.. its a headset to answer calls. thats it.

[plumbingandtech]

Can U Hear Music Thru It?

??

[kristenz]

Does this headset only work for the phone. By that, I mean, can I listen to my iTunes music through it as well? :apple:

Update: Or perhaps I could have scrolled a bit to find the answer to my question!

[dominatrix]

Pick up iPhone
Make a call as you would with out the headset


is that simple.. i cant understand those people , looks like nobody want to touch the iphone to call people.. this headset is 100% for you talk with hands free, thats it, people want to make coffee with it. :D

[dominatrix]

Does this headset only work for the phone. By that, I mean, can I listen to my iTunes music through it as well? :apple:

Update: Or perhaps I could have scrolled a bit to find the answer to my question!

NO !!!!!!!!!!! :mad:
its a headset to talk on the phone with handsfree.. and thats it..
want to listen music use a headphone with 2 phones.. whats the point to use that thing to listen music.. please..

[docc]

The function of caller id is explanatory, but not the delivery method. How about cluing those of us who have never had a BT headset in on how it works.



You mentioned JB in the same post as Apple's lack of caller ID, how does the JB deliver caller ID?

I'm sorry i wasn't clear earlier. What i meant was that there are several headsets out there that offer superior features (sometimes at a cheaper price) such as DSP or Caller ID.

DSP is offered by many headsets such as Jawbone, Jabra, Nextlink etc. Caller ID is offered on headsets made by Nokia, Sony Ericsson etc.

The Jawbone does NOT offer Caller ID. As for how Caller ID works, well there is a small display on the headset which will show you the name and number of your contact when you receive a call. Some of them even play back the ringtone you set to a specific contact. Some headsets go as far as announcing the contacts name too. I usually put on a headset when a call comes in because it doesn't make sense wearing a headset all day long when you are actually going to use it for a fraction of the time.

There is a headset from Jabra that actually has vibra function built into the headset and as you would assume, the headset would vibrate incase you have set your handset on silent mode. Pretty great if you ask me...especially for those people who leave their cellphones in a bag on inside your jacket pocket etc.

[MACsimus19]

Griffin Ear Jams are not compatible with iPhone ear buds. I have the Ear Jam and use them with my iPod ear buds. he do not fit the iPhone ear buds. I contacted Griffin's tech support and they confirmed the incompatibility with iPhone buds but could not say if or when compatible Ear Jams would be released.

You have the OLD earjams for an older style apple bud, the new ones fit just fine, I currently use them on my iPhone wired headset. Assuming that the bluetooth headset is the exact same size as the buds, it would work just fine.

There is also black silicone rubber caps that you could put on the apple bluetooth headset that would look far more elegant than the white and grey earjams.

[ifonline]

and yes I know, I haven't shaved in days. Thank you!

You should have said that you hadn't shaved in hours... now that would have been impressive! :p

[uNext]

My god i have known that music over bluetooth does not work with the iphone for months...I cant believe people are actually asking the same question millions of blogs and news sites have confirmed will not work with the iphone

[Tom B.]

This is probably the first bluetooth headset that I would not be embarrassed to wear in public. :cool:
And I'm glad the earpiece is the same shape as Apple's headphones, because they are easily the most comfortable and best fitting earbuds I have ever used.

[lilnyc]

So Apple doesn't have any competition in the phone market?????

There's not another Mac OS phone.

[wongulous]

people wanted pics...

this was done with the iphone, so the quality is ok. It feels great, just called a few people, they didn't even notice, and the sound quality is pretty darn good on my end. I think its worth the money. If I don't Stevie will hate me and we can have that... :p

and yes I know, I haven't shaved in days. Thank you!

Thanks! And hey, I think the stubble/beard looks really good... you should post pics in the MR pics thread. :)

[Sobe]

yes but can you play music through it?

/duck

[blakesail]

I bought the last copy of the Apple iPhone bluetooth headset at my local Apple store today.

It looks great, but it wouldn't stay in my ear. It's going back tomorrow to be exchanged for one with an ear clip. If they added that simple thing, I'd be all over this product (especially since it comes with the dual dock and travel cable), but I have yet to find an Apple ear bud that fits my fairly "normal" ears.

[gujamin]

who tha hell use a headset to listen music ? thats why exist headphones man..
and the apple headphone exist for that. listen music on one ear ? lol.. some people always want more and more and more.. its a headset to answer calls. thats it.

Dude, lighten up!

I typically only have podcasts or audiobooks on my iPod and it would be nice to be able to listen to them (if even only in one ear) while doing dishes or other things where a cord would be otherwise inconvenient (I have ripped out the headphones several times while putting away dishes because the cord catches on knobs and handles).[/soapbox]

[chicagdan]

I got mine today also. It was a fluke I happened into the Chicago Michigan Ave store and they had 4 left behind the counter.

I have used it now a couple of times. The call quality is pretty good. The person on the other end had no idea that I was on it. As for my end I was able to hear the person well, but there did seem to be a very low hiss. this may just be the room I was in I will have to see how it does in several environments.

I love the fact that you just charge it on the base for the first time and with out human interaction it auto-magically pairs with you phone.

The absolute best feature though (I can't remember seeing this even listed) is it works just like the mag-safe on the macbooks. In the dock or the travel cord it quickly and magnetically clings into place. WAY COOL!!!! Very well thought out. Also, I found that you can not only plug the travel cord into your laptop but it also plugs into the IPhone AC adapter and the Griffen cigarette lighter USB adapter. Very functional.

When you figure in the new dock plus the travel cable, the price does not seem as bad.

Maybe this is a dumb question ... but what's the point of a one-ear piece when you have iPod features on a phone? You're listening to music, a call comes in, and you have to take off your headphones and put on an earpiece? Seems pretty awkward to me. Shouldn't there be two-ear bluetooth earphones to make this product more useful?

[Sobe]

Maybe this is a dumb question ... but what's the point of a one-ear piece when you have iPod features on a phone? You're listening to music, a call comes in, and you have to take off your headphones and put on an earpiece? Seems pretty awkward to me. Shouldn't there be two-ear bluetooth earphones to make this product more useful?

I would use it in the car and that's pretty much where its value lies.

Ideally yes, the iPhone would have some snappy new dual headphone bluetooth set up with voice dial for listening to music/video and making/receiving calls.

[chicagdan]

I would use it in the car and that's pretty much where its value lies.

Ideally yes, the iPhone would have some snappy new dual headphone bluetooth set up with voice dial for listening to music/video and making/receiving calls.

I would use my car's built in Bluetooth for that. Now if only I could sync an address book from the iPhone to the Prius, I'd buy one tomorrow. Maybe a Prius hacker has worked it out ... or I could get one of those Mac mini Prius setups.

[AJsAWiz]

You have the OLD earjams for an older style apple bud, the new ones fit just fine, I currently use them on my iPhone wired headset. Assuming that the bluetooth headset is the exact same size as the buds, it would work just fine.

There is also black silicone rubber caps that you could put on the apple bluetooth headset that would look far more elegant than the white and grey earjams.

Thanks . . . I hope you're right. I plan on swinging by the Apple Store tomorrow.

[voncheech]

RE:
"There is also black silicone rubber caps that you could put on the apple bluetooth headset that would look far more elegant than the white and grey earjams"

who makes them? link? thank you...

[skillz1318]

RE:
"There is also black silicone rubber caps that you could put on the apple bluetooth headset that would look far more elegant than the white and grey earjams"

who makes them? link? thank you...

i'm also interested in them as i hope to purchase the headset today.

thanks

[plumbingandtech]

my apple bluetooth headset is now shipping from apple

orig. july 30.

now it should be here friday.

I ordered on i-day.

[earthsick]

I have never used any bluetooth headset and this is probably a silly question, but will any audio other than calls be sent through the appletooth? (ie ipod audio)

[gujamin]

I have never used any bluetooth headset and this is probably a silly question, but will any audio other than calls be sent through the appletooth? (ie ipod audio)

Currently, no. That is the case for all Bluetooth headsets, not just Apple's.

[The General]

Does it play your ringtone through the headset?

How do you know when someone is calling?

[Sal510]

??

hear your music wirelessly

[Roy Hobbs]

Does it play your ringtone through the headset?

How do you know when someone is calling?

Your phone rings and/or vibrates

Plus a tone is played through the headset.

[kristenz]

NO !!!!!!!!!!! :mad:
its a headset to talk on the phone with handsfree.. and thats it..
want to listen music use a headphone with 2 phones.. whats the point to use that thing to listen music.. please..

Okay, I get it! You don't have to be so hostile! I was just asking a question (albeit a stupid one in your opinion).

Down Boy! :p