I was recently looking at stereo Bluetooth headsets that also doubles as a hands-free solution for my
Palm Centro. I figure it's about time I can use my phone to play music wirelessly while being able to pick up phone calls during music playback.
I looked into Motorola's sleek looking S9, but read many reviews where they mention that the S9 eventually will have issues. From overly sensitive buttons, to eventual death (not working at all). Many users have RMA'd the S9 several times, even though they report that they love the style and the comfort. The last thing I didn't like was reports of unsatisfactory mic pick up. The party on the other end have complaints of not being able to hear the person well except when the S9 user is in a quiet room.
So after checking around, I read reviews of very satisfied users of the Jabra BT8010. It looks like any normal Bluetooth hands-free headset, except it has the option to plug in a 2nd set for your left ear to produce stereo sounds. I thought this was a great idea - like a convertible!
Eventually, I found it hard to put on initially, and even after using it for some time, it's not a pick-up-and-go affair. I still find myself fumbling on putting it on (especially since there are 2 of them) for a comfortable fit that also allows for the best audio transmission into my ears.
In the Box The box is actually a plastic blister pack. I hate these things as you have to cut into it and find a way to pull things out without breaking stuff.
Eventually, when I was able to pull everything out, I found the 2 pieces that comprise the actual Jabra BT8010 headset. Along with it is a short USB cable, AC adapter, a small storage bag, and a thick manual.
The left unit is smaller than the main unit, but is still relatively large for what it needs to be (just a small speaker, no mic). It was obviously made to look like the main unit. A cable is permanently attached to the left unit, which connects to the main unit to provide the stereo sound.
The short USB cable is used to connect the main unit to your PC. This allows for the main unit to charge its battery from your USB port. It also allows for you to upload phone numbers to the BT8010 so you can quickly dial your most-used contacts from the Jabra BT8010 instead of reaching for your phone. The software is not included in the package, but you can download it from Jabra's website. I did not bother with this, as I normally dial with my phone.
Pairing The Jabra BT8010 can pair up to 2 devices. The last device paired is considered to be the primary device. Pairing is pretty easy to do. Although I didn't know how to do this before reading the manual, once you read it, it's easy enough not to keep the manual by your side everything you have to pair the BT8010 to something else.
There is an on/off switch that slides all the way to the end. HOld it there for a second, and it goes into pairing mode. You can then have your device search for the BT8010. The pass code is always 0000.
Once paired, you can pair the BT8010 with another device. If you do so, both devices are displayed on the OLED display. You can select which to pair with, but by default, it will pair up with the primary device when turned on.
Wearing it I find it very hard to wear and position. It takes me several minutes to put both of them on. Once on, though, it feels a bit uncomfortable. The sound quality depends on how well it wears, since the speaker has to be positioned to point directly into your ear drum.
You can use the left unit on your right ear by flipping the hook 180 degrees. This, of course, is the same on the main unit.
I wonder, though, if my dissatisfaction with the comfort and wearing is because I also wear glasses. Since there are also hooks on the glasses, it may cause more pressure for the hooks on the BT8010.
In Use I paired the BT8010 to my Palm Centro and my laptop. This way, I can use it as a wireless stereo headphones on my laptop or as a headset on my phone. The Palm Centro does not have AD2P, which allows for stereo headphone use, but with a 3rd party application (Softick Audio Gateway), I was able to add this feature. Pocket Tunes was able to pipe music to the BT8010 flawlessly.
When the phone rings, the music will automatically pause. The main earpiece vibrates to let you know there is a call. You can turn this feature off if it's too weird (I sure thought it was). The center button functions as the answer/call and end button.
The wheel allows for easy adjustment of the volume. It is also used to go through the menu list. It is easier to use this wheel than other Bluetooth headsets to adjust the volume, since most I've used are small buttons you have to feel around for.
There is also a separate button that allows you to switch between music or hands free mode. This allows for the unit to change modes without the need for you to touch the device itself.
The Settings The menu allows for you to adjust several settings which make the BT8010 versatile. It is easy to do this using the jog wheel and the center button (to select). Hit the menu button to go back on level.
If you wish to wear the main unit on your left ear instead of the default right, you can flip the stereo image here. You can also turn off the vibrating feature when you get called. There are also several different languages you can select so that the entire unit shows your native language instead of English.
There is also an equalizer that has preset profiles for you to play with if the default neutral sound doesn't sound right. Rock, Pop, Jazz, and Classical can be selected as you wish. All of which (in my opinion) didn't sound as good as leaving it on neutral.
You can also adjust the display brightness here as well. The brighter it is, the less battery life you get. I personally set it as low as I can without being too dark because most of the time, I won't be looking at the display.
If you wish to switch your secondary device to become your primary device, you can do it here as well.
Once you have everything set, you will rarely ever need to touch the settings, which makes the BT8010 feel much more like your typical hassle-free Bluetooth headset.
Sound Sound is very good for stereo music use. I had no issues with sound quality. While still not amazingly spectacular compared to high end headphones, it won't make you want to throw it against the wall. The highs and mids are balanced very well, while bass still make some small presence. Sound quality depends heavily on how well the BT8010 fits into your ear. I find that if you take your time to make sure fitting is good, the sound is much fuller.
When you turn up the volume, it gets much louder than other Bluetooth headsets I've used. It did not have any clipping or sound over blown at the highest volume. It still won't be loud enough to hurt your ears, but definitely louder than most.
Sound in a phone call is also pretty good. The other party did complain that it sounds a little muffled compared to my using my phone directly. Though it did not impair the conversation, it is something to note. I guess I shouldn't be surprised since the mic is not very close to your mouth. After all, the unit is pretty small, so the mic is just point at your mouth a couple of inches away.
I was able to walk pretty far from my device with the Jabra BT8010 before complete signal loss. It really depends if there are any obstructions between the BT8010 and the device. I was able to get the full 30 feet, even though every once in a while there would be some interruptions in the audio. If a wall comes between me at this extreme distance, the audio will cut out completely.
It seems to take a few seconds before audio comes back when you walk back into range.
Strangely, when my phone is just in my left pocket, I get some interruptions as well. It is not very frequent, but the fact that I was able to get at least 15 feet away from my phone with a wall between us and STILL able to communicate makes me wonder why this happens when the phone is only a few feet away with perhaps a few parts of my body and clothes get in the way.
Comfort The BT8010 feels very uncomfortable for me after an hour of use. My ears feel pinched and I just can't wait to take them off after the hour is up. While the left ear unit is lighter than the main unit, it can still pinch your ear. The main unit is much heavier and can feel uncomfortable sooner than the left unit.
Also, because it is clipped on, you really can't use it to exercise or jog. If you have an active lifestyle, the BT8010 is not for you.
Battery Life Battery life on the BT8010 is amazing! Because there is a physical power switch, you can be sure it is turned off so battery isn't wasted. It also goes to sleep after a while if there is no signal asking to use it. With on and off use as both a stereo headphone and headset, I was able to get it to last for a week before my next recharge.
Thanks to the display, you can check how much battery capacity is left.
Conclusion It's a nice Bluetooth headset if you only plan to walk or stay indoors. If you ever decide to pick up the pace or run, just hold on to your ears, or one or two of the units will surely fall off. Also, add to the ear pinch, I can't honestly say I am happy with the purchase. You really should try it out before you buy into it. Make sure you can return it.
I bought it from an online store (J&R), and do not wish to pay the restocking fee. The pinch is a huge factor in why I am unhappy, but the sound quality is good. Also, I look funny with two of these things clipped to my ears. I get a few looks in public, and it doesn't seem to be the good kind...
I've decided to live with it as a standard mono Bluetooth hands free headset. I don't get looks this way. I will only use the 2nd unit for stereo at home.
Now for something that I can use everywhere else and sound just as good...
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