Search Computing Unplugged's 15,305 article archive 
Home
EasyPrint
News details Click here for the RSS feed's XML code. This is not a browser URL.
Articles-only Click here for the RSS feed's XML code. This is not a browser URL.
Twitter Feed Click here for the Twitter feed.
PRODUCT REVIEW
The LibertyLink Docker wireless headset
By Dan Wolfson

Who needs Bluetooth? The LibertyLink Docker, a headset design by Aura Communications Inc., is a lightweight, affordable, wireless headset that works with most cellular and cordless phones -- and it's not Bluetooth. It uses a secure low-power technology called magnetic induction that provides excellent sound quality, privacy from eavesdropping, and amazing battery life with no AC adaptor needed. The spec sheet claims three hours of talk time for the headset, 25 hours of use per AA battery, and 3 months of standby time!

While testing this great gadget, I called several friends and all reported that my voice sounded clear and the connection was fine.

The battery indeed lasted for months (a great excuse for taking so long to finish my review [Uh, no, not really. -- Ed.]) and I never ran out of power while gabbing with my buddies. Performance was every bit as good as the wired headset for my cellphone, without the annoyance of dangling cords yanking the thing out of your ear in mid-sentence.

There are three pieces to the system: A base unit, headset and an adaptor cord. The base unit, shown in Figure A, holds one double-A battery which powers it and recharges the headset.

FIGURE A


Here, the base unit is connected to a phone. Roll over picture for a larger image.

A colored LED indicates charging status and battery life. A push-button unlocks the headset from the base cradle. It comes with a belt clip and there is an optional button mount for aftermarket mechanical belt clips.

The adaptor coil cord has a standard 2.5mm 3-pin plug to the base unit. The other end plugs into the headset jack of a cell phone or cordless phone and different adaptor cords are available. Mine came with a 2.5mm on both ends and it works perfectly with my Kyocera 7135 SmartPhone, my cordless phones at home, and several other cellphones. The company claims you can also use this system through the sound card/microphone jack on some computers. Range is about four to six feet so you can't wander too far.

The rechargeable headset, shown in Figure B, has a noise-canceling boom microphone, earphone speaker, bendable rubber ear hook (adjustable for left or right ear) and two control buttons.

FIGURE B


The headset is flexible as well as stylish. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You press the volume button to step through low, medium and high, or hold it down for two seconds for a volume boost setting for noisy environments. The flash button will start and end calls, depending on how your phone works. My phone has voice dialing so when I wear the headset, I just press the flash button and say "Call Bob" to make a call. The headset will beep if the power gets low.


1  ·  2  ·  Next »
Other articles you might like
Home > Gear (102 articles)
   Got fab? Rapid fabrication (scan-modify-mill) solid objects right on the desktop
   Will the Unotron Washable Wireless Keyboard sink or swim?
   Dremel, Dremel, bo-bemel, banana-fanna-fo-femel, fe-fi-fo-memel...Dremel!
Home > Reviews > Accessories (90 articles)
   He said, she said: 17-inch laptop cases
   Pet tech: Geeky gear for your dogs and cats
   Jott versus SpinVox: A voice-to-text battle royal
Get Weekly Email Updates
Subscribe to our regular weekly email newsletter. It's packed with tips, reviews, deep analysis, and the latest news.
 
Recent Computing Unplugged Articles
Eight steps to successful and reliable home backups
Exploring the dark side of social networks
Modding Fallout 3 for fun and firepower
Add To Any, the wicked widget with a dull name
How I turned my novel into an ebook
TealOS: great Palm software you are prohibited from buying
Incident report: denial of service attack against ConnectedPhotographer.com
Computing Unplugged News
Hybrid Satellite-Cell Pocket Phone May Arrive This Year
Apple Admits iPhone Overheating Issues -- Sort of
'The Cool Twitter Conferences World Tour' Second Stop - San Diego
Drink Guinness, win a space flight
Pirate Bay Heads to Davy Jones' Locker
The Myths of Security - What the Computer Security Industry Doesn't Want You to Know
Is Twitter the news outlet for the 21st century?
>> Read all the news
More from the ZATZ journals
David Gewirtz Online: CNN commentary and analysis
DominoPower: What to look for in a Domino-based document management solution
OutlookPower: Can Outlook run when it's not running (and other mysteries)?
-- Advertisement --

BLOGGING AND PODCASTING WITH ONE EASY-TO-USE TOOL
Now you can publish your thoughts, opinions, and comments in your own blog or podcast.<p />

  • Supports multiple authors and multiple blogs or podcasts.
  • Generate and publish RSS feeds for iTunes and other directories.
  • Post photos, images or animations.
  • Get feedback and have conversations with visitors to your site. <p />

Personalize your blog or podcast with your own unique domain name -- or integrate it with your existing site by setting it up as a subdomain.

Tap here and get blogging or podcasting within minutes.

-- Advertisement --

Sent Items Organizer
When you need to file your sent email into their proper folders based on keywords or who it's to. It's also perfect for shared mailboxes.

It also adds a "Send And File" toolbar button while you're composing (similar to the way Lotus Notes used to work) for quick and easy filing.

Find out more!

ZATZ Home  ·  News  ·  Back Issues  ·  Credits/Trademarks ·  Link To Us
Copyright © 2003-2009, ZATZ Publishing. All rights reserved worldwide.
Editor's Login