A Bluetooth is a single digital wireless protocol that utilizes the short-ranged communications technology. It facilitates both voice and data transmissions over a short distance, usually from a mobile device. In turn, it creates a personal area network (Pans). Bluetooth headsets are quickly becoming a fashion accessory and offers interesting features. Thus, it is capable of connecting multiple devices in the wireless age.

A Bluetooth is a single digital wireless protocol that utilizes the short-ranged communications technology. It facilitates both voice and data transmissions over a short distance, usually from a mobile device. In turn, it creates a personal area network (Pans). The intent behind the Bluetooth development is to provide a way in order to connect and exchange information between many devices. Examples would include mobile phones, telephones, computers and laptops, along with printers, digital cameras, videogame consoles and GPS receivers. This also comes with a secure and globally unlicensed Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) of 2.4 GHz of short ranged radio frequency bandwidth.

Hence, a 10th century Danish king, Harald Blatand, is where the “Bluetooth” got its name. Blatand I unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The king had an affinity for teeth-staining blueberries, according to legend.

This device was first developed by Ericsson and was actually formalized in 1999, Bluetooth has then provided its own way of differentiating a device that is capable of communicating with other similar devices. This is through the sending data via a low cost and secure radio frequency. Its specifications were later developed and licensed by the so-called Bluetooth Special Interest Group (areas of telecommunication, computing, networking, and consumer electronics).

Moreover, the Bluetooth SIG, is currently releasing newer versions, along with several upgrades and backward compatibility. Bluetooth 1.2 is the most recent release. It includes the addition of an anonymity mode, which then masks the hardware address of the device in order to protect it from identity snooping and tracking. It also cuts the interference by avoiding crowded frequencies of adaptive frequency hopping.

Bluetooth headsets offer a convenient and user-friendly wireless connection. This is with the use of a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. With its 30 feet range (10 meters) capacity, cell phones can talk with other headsets using this technology. Aside from this, PCs can talk to keyboards or printers as well. Thus, talking with each other, without the need for wires can make up about seven connections at a single time. This is even with a speed of 1 Mbps.

Furthermore, Bluetooth headsets have an array of different styles to choose from. A model with a boom or without boom might be the best type that can fit your needs. A boom is a traditional headset equipped with a microphone. It arches towards your mouth. Headsets with boom are as follows:

• Bluetake BT400 GII Bluetooth Headset

Bluetake is lightweight and have a comfortable fit. The volume is loud enough but the audio isn’t the best. It is somewhat static because of its tiny buttons. It somehow resembles the ones in the sci-fi movies of the late 1960s. With its changeable faceplates and foldaway boom, it definitely adds a plus factor to its design. Bluetake makes up about 4 hours of actual talk time and about 4.2 days of standby time.

• GN Netcom GN6110

GN Netcom can connect simultaneously with two phones, a landline and a cell phone. You only need to press the release button in order to get the headset out of the recharging cradle. Although it is lightweight, its audio quality is also good but it is a tight fit with an unattractive style. GN Netcom includes an adapter and it is compatible with Bluetooth 1.1. Thus, it provides a talk time of about four hours and about seven days of standby time.

• Jabra FreeSpeak BT250

This headset is a winner. Like a cyborg, Jabra FreeSpeak BT250 is comfortable, along with its high volume and clarity capability. It will make you think that you’re not even using it. With its innovative design, it is more like a science fiction movie prop. You can also get this quality headset for the price of $99.95. Thus, the headset weighs only 0.8 ounce and it is compatible with Bluetooth 1.1. Jabra also gives a total of 8 hours talk time and up to 10 days of actual standby time. Lastly, it includes a travel charger. This is two pieces, making it a bit bulky.

• Jabra GN-6210 Office Wireless Headset

The headset itself is identical to the crescent shaped of Jabra BT250. It employs a wraparound design and a short boom mike which holds the battery and control buttons. The GN 6210 can be used simultaneously with a Bluetooth mobile or a landline phone. This is by simply plugging it into the charging cradle. The price for this baby would range from $115.62 up to $203. It has along battery life, but it has problems with call quality. Thus, the GN 6210 has a talk-time battery life of about 8 hours and a standby time of about 7 days.

• Logitech Mobile Bluetooth headset

Logitech can make quality and practical headsets but not completely stylish ones that are also compatible with Bluetooth 1.1. This headset has an easy-press button and a great foldable boom microphone. It was also tested on the Nokia 6820, Motorola V600 and the Sony Ericsson T616. During the testing, clear conversations were encountered on both ends. Logitech can give up to 7 hours of talk time and up to 30 days of standby time.

• Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset

Mobile Freedom got its big points in its comfort ability and solid sound quality. Black in color, Logitech design is actually a little smaller and a bit stylish. Sound quality is excellent and conversations are clearer in this headset. Thus, the headset has user-friendly controls and it is light as well. It promises a talk time of up to 7 hours and a standby time of up to 10 days.

• Motorola HS8910 Bluetooth Wireless Headset

Motorola HS8910 is easy to use and stylishly equipped with an attractive, blue LED component. It uses the same charger as other Motorola phones, but a bit patchy with regards to its audio static. The folding microphone acts as the on/off switch. You can also get this oval shape headset for only $59.00. Motorola guarantees up to 5 hours of talk time and up to 4.2 days of standby time.

• Solteras Halo BTH headset

Solteras Halo provides great performance. This is since it has a battery that keeps going and going. It is huge and it features an inflexible ear loop and unappealing design. Audio is deemed clear. Plus, it can give out a 15 hour talk time and up to 15 days of standby time.

• VXI BlueParrott B100 wireless headset

BlueParrott can work with a landline phone and a Bluetooth-enabled mobile. It comes with a stylish charging base, but the over-head design may not be appealing. The controls are simple and sound quality was good. At $199, it is somewhat pricey, but with its versatile and reliability features, it will give a great functionality transition from a home to an office mobile. It has a rated talk-time of six hours and up to 4.16 days of standby time.

Headsets without booms are the ones that its microphone is located on the earpiece. Some models are as follows:

• Bluespoon Digital Bluetooth headset

Bluespoon takes a few tries to fit. Aside from this, the earpiece digs comfortably against your ear canal. It also has an eye-catching and small design that stands out because of its style. Thus, it provides good volume and clarity.

• Epox BT-HS01 Bluetooth headset

The Epox is smaller than most headsets. It comfortably fits, especially with its sleek design. Thus, it has a good overall audio quality.

• Motorola® H605 Bluetooth Headset

Motorola H605 is a perfect fit for those who are always on-the-go. With its lightweight and comfortable design, it gives up to 10 hours of talk time and up to 200 hours of standby time. It price is currently set at $39.95.

• Parrot DRIVER Bluetooth® Headset

Parrot driver is specially designed for all drivers. This is due to its combined cradle that can plug into a 12v cigar lighter. The 90 mA battery should also constantly charged so as to promote a long life. The price is set at $89.95.

• Plantronics® BT Headset Discovery 645

Discovery 645 lets you stay connected and it enables devices that support the Bluetooth 1.2. With up to 3 hours talk time and up to 120 hours of standby time; this device also comes in a sleek in-ear design and an innovative pocket charger. Thus, it comes with four adapters with a price that starts at $49.95.

• Nokia BH-200 Bluetooth Headset

Great design combined with simplicity and a great performance is what this headset is all about. It has convenient control buttons and an ear hook that’s easy to use. Its price is set at $39.95.

• Nokia® Bluetooth Headset BH-302

BH-302 works with all Bluetooth enabled devices, and it is compatible with Bluetooth 2.0, along with its handsfree profile. Its price is sets at $56.95. It has easy to use buttons with built in LED. This enables this device to show its headset status and acts as a power on/off trigger.

• Nokia Clip-On HS-3W

This Nokia headset has a bizarre design and it uses a wire in order to connect to a normal ear bud, along with a radio pod. It is easy to use because of its good outgoing sound. Aside from this, it also uses the same charger as the Nokia cell phones.

• Motorola® H700 Bluetooth Headset

With this Motorola headset, the fifth generation technology just got better. Motorola H700 enhances the folding microphone design, along with its superior audio quality and echo cancellation technology. Its price is set at $69.95.

• Nextlink Bluespoon AX Bluetooth headset

Nextlink is easy to repair and use. With its soft-tip earpiece, it isn’t as stable as other designs. Pairing the headset is also a breeze. It also has a good and clear call quality that is very much appreciated.

• Samsung™ Bluetooth WEP180 Black

This Samsung headset features a full control with call/end, call hold/wait buttons. It supports the Bluetooth 1.2 specification and provides up to 8 hours of talk time and up to 20 hours of standby time. With a price set at $42.95, you can get this handsfree headset.

• Step 1150 Bluetooth Wireless headset

Step 1150 is easy to use because of its rotating speaker. It resembles a silver shrimp which is designed to fit behind the ears. It is compatible with the Bluetooth 1.1 and 1.2. Thus, this headset’s performance is below par and likewise cut out for only a few feet away from the phone. This is along with its fuzzy reception.

• Sony Ericsson Bluetooth headset HBH-65

This rectangular Sony Ericsson comes with a blue and silver coloration. It is actually light and the ear loop snaps off easily. Callers can hear the person on the other line easily but the signal gets cuts out few times. The sound quality has mixed variations. Thus, it uses the same charger as other Ericsson phones.

With the oddball name of “Bluetooth”, IDC now estimates that there will be more than 100 million Bluetooth devices by the end of 2008.

Although Bluetooth has some security problems, such as bluebugging, where in a hacker can secretly accesses a phone’s commands and bluesnarfing, where in a hacker can access a phone’s data such as its contacts, Bluetooth devices can be locked with the input of a code. You can also turn it off when it is not in use. These are indicated as a few security measures for your device.

Hence, you can now find Bluetooth devices in a different array of products, even in cars. By the end of the year, there is a projected new set of Bluetooth version 2.0’s which will be released. These versions will have the enhancements of the narrowband channels. These versions will also enable messages, even without the pairing process, to be broadcasted to a high number of devices that have a high connection speed of up to 12 Mbps. Thus, with the constant evolution of technology, surely, more improved and enhanced versions of the Bluetooth will be produced.

The Nokia E-Series range of mobile phones has now expanded to include the new Nokia E63 smartphone, available in a cool blue exterior casing this new addition to the range joins the original black and more recent red colour variants.

The Nokia E63 Blue has been released as a SIM free mobile phone, this means that consumers can use their existing SIM card containing their mobile number, network account details and any ’saved to SIM’ contacts, there are no network credit checks involved in the purchasing of the Nokia E63 as the handset is unlocked to all networks and there are no extra ongoing monthly costs for line rental involved.

The beauty of a SIM free mobile phone is that it can be used on any compatible network operator so the user is not tied to just one or two suppliers, the SIM free Nokia E63 would make an ideal replacement for a lost or stolen mobile phone as well as an upgrade to the previous E71 model.

Taking on a similar design form to the Nokia E71 the new E63 adds even more functionality and features into what was already a very practical business phone, the extra colour variants on offer show that the popularity of the full qwerty keypad phone appeals not just to the greyscale professional but to those who enjoy a little personlisation and colour in their life.

Launching around the same time as the new Nokia 5800 Xpress Music the manufacturer is covering both ends of the phones market, from the fashion aware, music lovings consumers right through to the serious business players who need to communicate fast. Both models represent the best in their individual Series and with the addition of the new Nokia N97 as the manufacturers flagship model, Nokia really look like they are going places even in the tough current economic climate.

The Nokia E63 Blue offers exactly the same features, design and technology as the red edition of this top end smartphone, the only difference is that the exterior casing has been exchanged for a new deep blue metallic finish.

The blue Nokia E63 offers a dual home screen option lets users balance their work and personal life in one. Change between two different standby screens; both completely configurable with the users choice of short-cuts, email accounts, message notifications and more. Choose between home/work, home/abroad or customize the the screens however is best for the individual user.

Improve your work flow with the Nokia E63 unlocked, instant push email support delivers messages the moment they are sent. The setup is simple and a dedicated email key and full QWERTY keyboard help get the messages across whilst dual mode functionality allows users to switch between work and personal emails at a moments notice.

The Nokia E63 has a large wide screen display large screen for watching films in their original wide screen format with smooth uninterrupted playback. MP3 music player and microSDHC expandable memory lets users carry their music and movie collection with them when they need to unwind. A 3.5mm headphone socket is also present allowing users to connect their favourite pair of headphones to the E63 whenever they want.

Although initially released as a SIM Free mobile phone the Nokia E63 is expected to be rolled out onto the networks over the coming days giving consumers access to pay monthly contract deals with tariffs to match their usage requirements, the Nokia E63 red is widely predicted to be the next model to be launched form the E-Series range and will probably follow the same release format of SIM free and unlocked first followed by future network launches.

Monochrome or office document printers are essential tools to keep an office running efficiently. Printing costs can burden small offices by a large margin if the office manager selects the wrong printer. Thankfully, the excellent set of Samsung office printers makes the choice for a productive companion a lot easier.

Samsung SCX-4200

The Samsung SCX-4200 is an inexpensive printer that packs fast printing speeds and excellent monochrome output. Its white and gray compact design can fit tiny desk spaces with its 16 inch by 14 inch frame. For $180 the Samsung SCX-4200 printer also offers multiple functionality including scanning and copying. For its price, the Samsung SCX-4200 only lacks fax functionality to make it a perfect office printer.

The print per cost page of the Samsung SCX-4200 is pleasingly affordable especially with the low cost of Samsung replacement inks. If you plan to go lower, you can purchase printer ink cartridges from third party online ink stores and buy the Samsung ML-4500D3 Premium Toner Cartridge. If you have a small budget or if you are looking to do heavy personal work, then the Samsung SCX-4200 is your printing workhorse.

Samsung ML-3051ND

The Samsung ML-3051ND is another monochrome document printer that will impress an office employee. This white work group printer has the standard connectivity and sufficient memory to handle multiple network printing tasks. If your company needs different print formats, this Samsung printer can work on different paper sizes flawlessly. The combination of high quality and speed printing is further enhanced by its calculated print cost per page which is lower than most competitors. The Samsung ML-3051ND is a mid-level office printer that sufficiently takes care of high-scale personal jobs while handling multiple office tasks.

Samsung ML-2571N

The wealth of Samsung printers does not stop with Samsung ML-2571N. Forked from its predecessors, this Samsung printer offers print speeds up to 24 pages per minute and can render a maximum resolution of 1200 dpi by 1200 dpi. The Samsung ML-2571N printer handles A4, letter, and legal sized formats. The standard wired connectivity makes this printer ready for group tasking and its large RAM memory ensures that the printer will not get bogged down when large printing tasks are executed. Samsung replacements toners are not too shabby to with high quality Samsung ML 2010 toner cartridges.

Its text printing quality is top notch just like its Samsung brothers. Priced at $199, this printer fits well in reasonable office spaces. Its efficient white and gray won’t score any eye-candy points but it just reminds us how much of an office companion the Samsung ML-2571N can become. Overall, the Samsung ML-2571N’s offer of low print cost per page speared by lower printer ink cartridges and its fast printing speed will always make it a great buy even after a few years.

The most talked about mobile phone of 2008 is now being launched by the UK networks, the Nokia N96 was first released on O2 just days ago before being joined by an Orange network release, shortly after the N96 was made available as a SIM Free handset and now a third UK network has taken this top of the range Nokia phone.

Consumers can now connect the Nokia N96 to the full range of Vodafone pay monthly tariffs which means that the number of packages available for this handset has now expanded making it far easier to match the correct tariff to a users requirements.

Vodafone have made the N96 available on both their 12 and 18 month tariffs with line rentals ranging from just £15 per month through to £80 per month for their high user packages, this is not to be the last UK network launch fro the Nokia N96 as there are still two more operators to pick up this amazing new phone.

Overview:

The Nokia N96 is designed for mobile entertainment with a 2.8” screen and built-in 3D stereo speakers. With a 5.0 megapixel camera and Carl Zeiss optics, the N96 takes outstanding pictures. The Nokia N96 has a 3.5G internet connection for super-fast mobile downloads.

Review:

Stunning to look at, feature packed and Mensa smart, the Nokia N96 is a multimedia mobile with a high-quality video and music player, 5.0 megapixel camera and 16GB memory.

Watching videos and listening to music on the Nokia N96 is fantastic. The picture on the supersize 2.8” screen is bright and clear, and the sound from the built-in 3D stereo speakers is superb. There’s even a clever little kickstand on the back of the N96 so you can sit back and enjoy the show.

With a massive 16GB internal memory, the Nokia N96 can store a mountain of music, videos, pictures and maps. And if 16GB isn’t enough, you can increase this to 24GB using the N96’s memory card slot.

When you use the Nokia N96 to take photos, the picture quality is in a different league – thanks to its 5.0 megapixel camera and Carl Zeiss optics. The Nokia N96 also has a geotagging feature that lets you record where you’ve taken a shot so you can share the details with friends online.

With its super-fast 3.5G connection to the internet, the Nokia N96 is great for downloads. It also comes with Nokia Maps, plus the option to upgrade to a GPS navigation system that directs you on foot and in the car.

The Nokia N96 has already been made available from Free on some of the higher line rental tariffs from all the networks that have now released the phone, however over the next few weeks the price of the handset will drop making the N96 free on some of the lower pay monthly tariffs.