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Short Take: Logitech's Wireless Headphones for MP3
December 21, 2005
Review by: Christopher Spera, Senior Editor

INTRODUCTION
Music on the go is hot. This Holiday Season, its probably one of the biggest items on a Christmas (or Whatever) List near you. I know my father and my daughter both want new accessories to support their new and existing players, respectively. One of the best gifts you can give is a decent set of headphones, because without the actual sound cranking ability, even the most expensive stereo or MP3 play ain't worth squat.

The unit I looked at lacked any iPod specific controls for advancing/replaying songs. They were not iPod specific. However, that didn't bother me too much. Let's take a quick look at the Logitech Wireless Headphones for MP3 and see if they are worth the purchase price...

I GOT NO STRINGS TO HOLD ME DOWN...
I know, I know... Disney will forgive me... if not, ehh... Anyway, the biggest draw to wireless headphones is of course, no cords. Better than that, the sound is rich, clean, and clear. While I'm not as much of an audiophile as some of our other Editors, I was certainly impressed with the performance of this headset. Specifically, the headset offers: wireless sound via Bluetooth, 30+ feet of (legitimate) sound, quick charging and long lasting batteries.

LOOK MA! NO HANDS!
I move around a lot here at the office, and unfortunately, don't have a walled office with a door. The only way to really listen to music without bothering anyone else is with a headset. My biggest problem is the amount of time I spend walking back and forth to a networked printer that's right around the corner from my desk. With a wired headset, I either look like a Batman reject/wanna-be with a lot of crap hanging off my home-made utility belt; or I take the headphones on and off a lot. Both are not desirable at all; because its really all about uninterrupted music. With the Logitech headset, I can get up, walk back and forth to the printer, and not have to stop the music playback on my iPod. The first time I was able to walk away from my iPod with the headset on, around the corner to the printer and the audio being driven to the headset wasn't interrupted, I got a very pleased look on my face. I was also able to walk down the hall, a good 50 or so feet away from my desk, before the audio quality started to tank.


Figure 1: Logitech's Wireless Headset for MP3 comes in any color you want, as long as it's black ; ).

Making use of Bluetooth, the headset pairs with a proprietary transmitter that shoots audio from your MP3 player to the headset. As long as you're in range, everything is fine. Travel too far from the transmitter, and the audio starts to get spotty, i.e., the transceiver light on the headset starts to blink on and off quickly, and the audio goes in and out in sync with the light as the device tries to keep the signal going. Moving back within the device's range restores the audio without you having to intervene, which is a huge plus in my book. In the above on teh right is the Bluetooth Transmitter. Just press the power button below the blue light and put them in the standard 3.5mm headphone jack, and viola: music.

The biggest performance test for this device came when I was mowing my lawn. I like to whistle while I work; and unfortunately, mowing and wired headsets are a problem. The wires either need to be wrapped around my neck so they're out of the way or they hang down and tend to get caught on tree branches, the mower, etc., and cause the connected headset to be yanked away from my ears. Not only does this hurt when it happens, but it can ruin a good set of headphones. The lack of wires was a huge hit with me, and for that alone, I love this headset.

However, the lack of noise reduction can make the audio harder to hear, especially with the mower going. The lack of built in noise reduction also increases the ambient white noise coming from the office, the yard, etc. While this wasn't a huge deal for me (good audio is good enough...) audiophiles may find it annoying; and a huge hole in what is otherwise a great product.


Figure 2: Logitech's Wireless Headset for MP3's volume buttons and center action button

Volume is controlled on the outside of the right speaker. The headset comes with volume controls that allow you to adjust the volume to your liking. For best results, you should set your MP3/CD player to at least 75% volume, and then fine tune the volume level on the headset.

TROUBLE IN PARADISE
The first set of headphones that Logitech sent me had some audio problems. I'm not certain if the batteries were bad or if they had Bluetooth radio problems; but they had a very hard time holding a signal. A second set didn't have this problem, except when the batteries in both the transmitter and receiver were low. If you find that your set has this problem, you should contact Logitech immediately.

The headset also is one size fits all. This means that its not a perfect fit; and I have found that if I make the back of the headset sit flush with your head, then the ear pads push past my ears. If I align the speakers with my ears, then the back of the headset doesn't sit flush with the back of my head. Putting the back of the headset on the top of my head makes the headset sit awkwardly, and hurts my ears. It would have been nice if they came with an adjustable band so they fit my head more appropriately.

PURCHASING
Logitech's Wireless Headphones for MP3 can be found here for $129.99.

PROS

Wireless sound
No audio interference with other wireless devices
Works out of the box
Long lasting, rechargeable batteries
CONS

Somewhat pricey
Batteries are NOT user-serviceable
No Noise Reduction
One color fits all (any color you want, as long as it's black)
OVERALL IMPRESSION
The Logitech Wireless Headset for MP3 is a decent unit. The headset works out of the box, and has some decent battery life to both the transmitter and headset. However, for the price, it would have been nice if the batteries were user replaceable/serviceable. These aren't exactly cheap, and if the batteries in either unit crap out, you're done. They also could be a bit more comfortable; and would have fit better had they been adjustable. However, I truly love these, and plan to use them for as long as the rechargeable batteries last. I give this product the following rating: