I bought a new “toy” at my local Apple Store recently. I figured why wait any longer for Apple to deliver a “Bluetooth” enabled iPod? Logictech has already done that and it is for sale now. So I plucked down a $149 for Logictech’s Wireless BlueTooth Headset for the iPod. It uses an advanced Bluetoothâ„¢ frequency hopping technology to give you wireless listening for about 30+ feet away from your iPod on about an 8 hour battery life. I first saw a prototype of this type of product at CES 2005 and was impressed.

The Logictech Wireless Bluetooth Headset is compatible with the iPod (3rd and 4th generation), iPod photo, iPod mini, and the iPod U2 Special Edition. It is not compatible with the new iPod nano, the iPod Shuffle, or the 1st and 2nd generation iPods that are not “dockable” and lack Apple’s proprietary remote connector on top.

Logictech’s Wireless Headset for the iPod consists two main parts. The wireless adapter and the headset itself. The wireless adapter connects directly to the top your iPod. It adjusts for the iPod and iPod mini by having the connector slide to fit. Logictech provides a plastic filler to keep connector in place. This seems to be a nice arrangement to allow the unit to adapt to the different size iPods.

Although, the BlueTooth “pairing” is done at the factory, you must “connect” the wireless adapter to the top of your iPod with the headset. This must be done each time you use it, but it is easy and takes only a few seconds. When you plug the wireless adapter into the top of the iPod there is a “red” LED that that turns on. You then push the large round bottom on the side of the wireless headset until it’s LED turns “blue”. The next step is to press a button on the wireless adapter and the “red” LED on it will now turn “blue”. You are now connected and ready to listen to tunes. Now press the play button on your iPod.

The wireless headset has integrated controls on the headphones that let you adjust the volume, play, pause, or select tracks, without having to reach for your iPod. You can have the iPod in your backpack, your belt, or your coat pocket and control it from your headphones.

The controls on the headset are well positioned and easy to select. The large button in the middle is the play/pause control. The other controls form a ring arrangement around the play/pause button. The volume up and down buttons have an small indentation on them to help you differentiate them from the others. The up volume control is smartly placed at the top and the down is at the bottom. They are also marked with “+” and “-”. The track previous and next controls complete the ring arrangement ending up on the right and left. In only a short time you can feel your way to control all the functions while wearing them.

Logictech’s Wireless BlueTooth Headset uses a rechargeable battery that claims to have 8 hours continuous and this seems accurate. When in use it does not drain on your iPod’s battery. The status LED located headphones blinks red when the headphones’ cell is running low. Logictech says it is a non user replaceable battery. Charging it requires you to connect both the headset and wireless adapter unit using a the included charger. The charger has a Y-connector on it with connectors for both units at the same time. The batteries fully recharge in about 2.5 hours.

So what do they sound like? Well pretty good actually. Better than Apple’s stock ear-buds included with iPods. If moving about your home, gym, office, or a coffee shop within the range of thirty feet there is rarely any interference or noise. They are in a different class when comparing this stereo BlueTooth wireless headset to what most people think about BlueTooth audio. These are not at all like those small BlueTooth earpieces used on cell phones and laptops. Most of the time you would never realize that you are using wireless headphones. They sound as good as any decent pair of wired headphones. No, not as good as the Bose noise cancelling headset. I own these also and will continue to use them for travel on planes and when I want to shut out the world’s noise. But the Logictech wireless sound as good as many of the wired headsets I have tried.

Not having a “wire” is a nice thing for the iPod and I hope Apple integrates this in their next generation. Walking down the street with your iPod without wires is a pleasure with no tangles, snags or managing cords. I only have a few criticisms of the Logictech’s Wireless BlueTooth Headset for the iPod. One is the lack of adjustments on the headset itself. It works fine and goes behind your head and cups over your ears. It should fit most people without too much trouble. But if Logictech had added adjustable bands or a folding mechanism it would have been even better. Second, is the bulk of both the headset and the wireless adapter. Not that they are huge, they are not. They are quite reasonably sized, especially for a “first” generation product. But smaller is always nicer for most portable products. The headset will be a bit cumbersome to stow away when not using them as they do not fold.

I have no idea about replacing batteries on the unit as it claims they are not user replaceable. But the instructions do show how to open the headset and both units have small screws to open them. So my guess is many users will be able to find replacements. Of course I have no idea of the cost.

Apple should get this technology into the iPod ASAP. Price, size, and battery life are all reasons Apple has probably not jumped right into this. Until they do, I will be using the Logictech’s Wireless BlueTooth Headset for my iPod. At the $149 the cost is not cheap. It would be great if Apple could shrink this technology in size and price and put the usual Apple “spin” on it to improve it even further. My guess is Apple will either come out with their own version, or my hope is they put this inside of all the iPods. If the iPod had BlueTooth wireless technology built-in, controlling the iPod and bringing your iPod into your car, or connecting it to your home stereo will now be easier and even cooler.

I have also tried connecting the Logictech unit to use as just a remote control for the iPod. I have used it with to my older InMotion Speakers, to my car (I have a iPod connection to my car stereo with steering wheel controls) and my home stereo. Works fine as just a BlueTooth remote. This is a nice way to go in and out of your home or car and continue listening to a podcast or audiobook. Just throw on the headset and keep listening as you are walking around.

    | Tags: bluetooth, iPod