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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1097
Location: Tucker, GA
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 Posted: 10/10/06 - 20:11 Post subject: Bluetooth Headset/Hands Free/HS850
Bluetooth technology is a device that fits around your ear and lets you talk with your cell phone hands free. Depending on the features of your phone you can receive, place, do 3 way calls, voice command calls if your cellphone supports it and put one caller on hold while you answer another.
The setup is very easy as long as your phone is Bluetooth compatible which is becoming very common among cell phones. When you first receive the HS850 you must charge it for a couple of hours, then follow the pairing instructions and use your phone's user guide to get it to recognize the Bluetooth. Took me maybe 5 minutes to set the whole up after the battery was charged and I'm a clutz at these type of things.
I tested it out driving on various streets going to pick up some deli sandwiches with the radio on. I was able to make calls using voice controls and receive calls with no problems. Sound quality was excellent. People calling me while I was driving did not hear the radio I had on. All they had was my voice speaking in a very normal tone. And best of all everything was hands free.
When testing the distance I could be from the phone and still hear and transmit calls, the guide says 30 feet. I put my phone down in the kitchen, went upstairs to the far bedroom and could still place and receive phone calls.
Bought in a store such as Best Buy or Verizon the HS850 will run you $79 - $85.00 plus tax. I bought mine on ebay for $32.00 including shipping by US Postal Service. I ordered it October 6 and it arrived today. Very nifty tool. If getting a new cell phone anytime soon I highly recommend bluetooth compatibility as a must.
www.bluetooth.com to see other bluetooth wireless devices plus more choices for cell phones (but do your purchases on ebay).
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airehead
Oompa Loofah
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Joined: 12 Nov 2002
Posts: 18788
Location: Between here and eternity...
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Posted: 10/10/06 - 22:21 Post subject:
I :heart: bluetooth.
It's great on USAF installations where one isn't allowed to use cells while driving.
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Pug
The Movie Geek
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Joined: 21 Aug 2003
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Posted: 10/11/06 - 07:43 Post subject:
I like both you guys, so I'm going to say this with as much love as possible: People wearing a bluetooth look absolutely silly.
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airehead
Oompa Loofah
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Joined: 12 Nov 2002
Posts: 18788
Location: Between here and eternity...
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Posted: 10/11/06 - 09:30 Post subject:
| Pug wrote: | | I like both you guys, so I'm going to say this with as much love as possible: People wearing a bluetooth look absolutely silly. |
Yeah, we look like we're looking for our Trekkie buddies, but they are really a lot easier in some situations.
/not necessarily safer, though. 
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GaRebelRunner
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1097
Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 10/11/06 - 17:56 Post subject:
| Pug wrote: | | I like both you guys, so I'm going to say this with as much love as possible: People wearing a bluetooth look absolutely silly. |
I agree we look silly. But the practicality, not to mention the safety when driving overides the fashion statement. And I don't find it any more silly than walking down the store aisle or in public talking into the phone. Note to self: When running with Pug be sure to wear bluetooth on run. 
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Pug
The Movie Geek
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Joined: 21 Aug 2003
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Posted: 10/11/06 - 22:13 Post subject:
| GaRebelRunner wrote: | | Pug wrote: | | I like both you guys, so I'm going to say this with as much love as possible: People wearing a bluetooth look absolutely silly. |
I agree we look silly. But the practicality, not to mention the safety when driving overides the fashion statement. And I don't find it any more silly than walking down the store aisle or in public talking into the phone. Note to self: When running with Pug be sure to wear bluetooth on run. |
Granted that talking on a cell phone in public is also inherently silly, but having this little blue thing haning off your ear while you walk around or drive...but not talk on it.
It's not the use of the Bluetooth, it's the constant wearing of it. Mrs Pug and I just got back from Disney World on friday. I saw someone in Epcot wearing a Bluetooth. C'mon now, you don't look cool and I don't think it is that pratical or that you're so much of a mover and shaker that you need a Bluetooth on Disney property.
I'm just sayin'
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MechEngDropout
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Joined: 27 Jun 2003
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Location: Off the grid
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Posted: 10/12/06 - 15:58 Post subject:
I hate to tell people this, but it's not the holding the phone to the ear that really makes phones dangerous. If it was, we'd be outlawing scratching your ass, because that's just as distracting. I can do just about anything with one hand and it's not going to affect my driving at all, but if I'm focusing on something else, straining to hear what someone is saying due to bad connection or just a low talker, that's the inherent danger in cell phone usage while driving.
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GaRebelRunner
Member
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Joined: 26 Sep 2003
Posts: 1097
Location: Tucker, GA
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Posted: 10/12/06 - 18:32 Post subject:
I can be citated in Dekalb County for speaking on a cell phone if using the headset whereas I can't using the bluetooth or counted speaker phone. And I can tell you thus far hearing has not been a problem with the bluetooth. Being to talk while keeping both hands on the steering column is certainly no worse than listening to a radio. I tend to think most insurance agents will disagree with your premise that talking on a cell phone while driving with one hand is less dangerous than speaking with a speaker phone/bluetooth device.
I've gotten rather used to the little roach on my ear.
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JACKED UP
PRESIDENT
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Joined: 06 Jun 2003
Posts: 21238
Location: www.johnnydu.com
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Posted: 10/12/06 - 19:38 Post subject:
I tried bluetooth when it first came out more than a year ago and was not impressed. I have heard that it has gotten better and am willing to try it again. My current phone is bluetooth compatible.
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Pug
The Movie Geek
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Joined: 21 Aug 2003
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Posted: 10/12/06 - 21:39 Post subject:
| GaRebelRunner wrote: | I tend to think most insurance agents will disagree with your premise that talking on a cell phone while driving with one hand is less dangerous than speaking with a speaker phone/bluetooth device.
I've gotten rather used to the little roach on my ear. |
Mech's premise is not that a using a cell phone and driving with one hand is less dangerous, but rather that using the bluetooth is equally as dangerous.
Granted, I never have and likely never will own a bluetooth, but I think the issue isn't having both hands on the wheel (because let's be honest, a larger percentage of people drive with one hand than use a cell phone while driving). The larger issue is focus. When actively engaged in a conversation on a cell phone/bluetooth you (I) are dividing your focus between the road and the conversation, moreso than if you are passively listening to the radio.
I know that my focus shifts with the cell phone while driving and I miss things until almost too late. I try not to so often, but it happens and it is noticeable. It isn't the one hand, it's the focus. I imagine it would be the same with the bluetooth.
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airehead
Oompa Loofah
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Joined: 12 Nov 2002
Posts: 18788
Location: Between here and eternity...
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Posted: 10/13/06 - 09:01 Post subject:
You guys are going to get this moved to OnTopic! 
I have seen peeps with blueteeth (pl?) drive just as badly. And some drive better. Some peeps just multi-task better, I guess.
I think overall, they're good candidates for mugging because they are in their own world when they're walking around.
That being said, I loved my bluetooth when I needed it. And JU, they have improved A LOT!
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