Bose are branching out

Rik · Nov 02, 2010, 15:01:35

From hifi to Bluetooth headset. Knowing how well their noise cancelling headphones work, this could be a very good device for anyone who uses a headset:

http://www.bose.co.uk/GB/en/new-from-bose/bose-bluetooth-headset.jsp?mc=GB/05ENL101102&ClkEml=C11

pctech · Nov 02, 2010, 15:23:46

Oh yes, might get myself one.

Rik · Nov 02, 2010, 15:25:26

Shame we have to wait till January, isn't it, Mitch.

Simon · Nov 02, 2010, 19:18:20

Tried a few, but find them uncomfortable to wear, so I'll pass on these.

Rik · Nov 02, 2010, 19:23:26

I always find myself tilting my head so it doesn't fall out.

Simon · Nov 02, 2010, 19:29:22

Having just slagged off Sony Ericsson in another thread, I have to say, they do make very good car handsfree products, and I have been using one of these for some time, which I would highly recommend, especially at that price.

Lance · Nov 03, 2010, 08:37:46

I've got a nokia one which is really lightweight so you didn't notice it and has a good fit.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 09:50:55

Quote from: Simon on Nov 02, 2010, 19:29:22
Having just slagged off Sony Ericsson in another thread, I have to say, they do make very good car handsfree products, and I have been using one of these for some time, which I would highly recommend, especially at that price.

Sunvisor fit?

Simon · Nov 03, 2010, 10:21:13

Indeed, and only need charging once a month!

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 10:25:09

I got one from Orange, made by a company called SouthWing. It's similar in design, excellent and does all I need. Certainly works better than the hands free on my TomTom. As you say, battery life is amazing.

Simon · Nov 03, 2010, 10:30:35

I don't know why they bother with bluetooth on sat navs, as they are usually not positioned close enough for the caller to hear you, even though you can hear them. Another reason for gadgets to stick to what they do best, rather than trying to be eveything.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 10:33:16

Couldn't agree more, Simon. Now, pass me the tap wrench.

Simon · Nov 03, 2010, 10:36:02

You mean the one that's also used by monkeys?

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 10:39:39

The very same.

john · Nov 03, 2010, 12:02:49

Whilst not a headset I've been looking at these Sennheiser RS 170 wireless headphones.

They use a wireless technology called 'Kleer', and this site claims that it has advantages over Bluetooth.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 12:06:01

I've always liked Sennheiser, John, especially their microphones. The Kleer technology seems to make good sense, even if I don't understand how it works.

Simon · Nov 03, 2010, 12:11:40

I like the idea of wireless headphones, but have wondered about battery life (and weight), and sound quality.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 12:13:08

If the battery weight is anything like the Bose QC3 noise cancelling cans, it's not really noticeable (and they give 20 hours use per charge).

john · Nov 03, 2010, 12:22:44

According to the technical spec the Sennheiser RS 170's have an operating time of 24 hours and a charge time of 16 hours. They are charged by placing them on the transmitter.

Reviews on Amazon are mostly positive. There is also an RS 180 model too which are open backed and are supposed to sound even better but the closed backed RS 170 keep most of the external noise out and the sound in.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 12:27:23

I do confess I like open-backs, John. Provided you're in a reasonably quiet environment, they do seem to give a bigger sound.

john · Nov 03, 2010, 12:32:31

The trouble with headphones is that they are usually much cheaper on the internet than local shops but I'd want to hear them first. Even then finding a local shop that stocks and can demonstrate the more up-market headphones is not easy.

It would be interesting to compare the open and closed back versions to see just how significant the differebce is but I think I'd need the close backed ones as I'd like to use them to be able to watch the TV without subtitles whilst my wife is watching the same programme.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 12:35:35

Quote from: john on Nov 03, 2010, 12:32:31
I think I'd need the close backed ones as I'd like to use them to be able to watch the TV without subtitles whilst my wife is watching the same programme.

How does that work, John? Is it just that you need a higher volume?

john · Nov 03, 2010, 12:42:19

I do have the TV at a higher volume than my wife but I also find it difficult to follow the dialogue, where this is due to the rest of the soundtrack drowning it out the headphones may not help but I find other sounds also prevent me from hearing the dialogue clearly.

Rik · Nov 03, 2010, 12:46:13

Noise cancelling headphones might be worth thinking about then, John.

john · Nov 03, 2010, 12:53:05

I once heard the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 noise canceling headphones at an exhibition and they were very good but I understand that they work best with regular external noises such as on an aircraft. Also they are about 3 times the price of the Sennheisers.