Choose the right Bluetooth headset

Tip 2: Designs

Most Bluetooth headsets can be grouped into two categories: models with a boom and models without. A boom is an extended microphone that arches towards the mouth and looks like a telemarketer's headset. Though the mic's proximity to the mouth can result in better audio clarity, boom headsets have a tendency to be on the bulky side, such as the Jabra BT500 and the Plantronics Voyager 510. Though these models are designed to rest behind the ear, other models such as the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 fit over the ear. It's worth noting, however, that not all boom headsets are bulky. The Motorola H700 has a unique extendable boom mic that folds down to a more compact size.

While boom headsets ruled Bluetooth for a short period, headsets without the boom have become more popular in the past year. Not only are they more compact, they also tend to have a wider choice of designs. For example, Jabra offers the BT160, which comes with 33 different faceplate designs, and the JX10, which received much acclaim for its elegant and compact form. Motorola has also joined the fashion game with its headsets, which are mostly designed to match the company's phones. The Motorola Razr H3 headset, for example, is obviously meant to match the Razr range of phones, while the Motorola H500 comes in four different colours to match the many colours of the Pebl and the Razr.

The Motorola Razr H3 is designed to complement the hugely popular Razr range of phones

What's more, an increasing number of headsets fit directly in the ear rather than just resting against it. As a result, they don't need to be worn with ear loops or other equipment. Examples include the aforementioned Jabra JX10, the Nokia BH-800 and the Plantronics Discovery 640, all of which also won excellent ratings from CNET.com due to their (relatively) stylish and compact design. Keep in mind, though, that some users may not like the feeling of a headset's earpiece resting in their ear canal. It's important to check a few different styles to see what's most comfortable for you.

A more recent Bluetooth headset design innovation has been the inclusion of LED screens. The Jabra BT800 and the Tekkeon ET3000 EzTalker Digital both feature a tiny little display for caller ID. You can't see the display when the headset is on your ear, but it can provide useful information when you take it off.

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