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Plan B: An SMB's Guide To Making Do During The Recession

bMighty's Fredric Paul presents his unique guide to affordable alternatives to the technology you really want.

Start The Discussion | Fredric Paul | May 13, 2009 06:05 AM

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Plan A: Bluetooth Headset <font color="#ba2124">|</font> Plan B: The Crappy Little Wired Headset That Came With Your Phone

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Plan B: An SMB's Guide To Making Do During The Recession

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Plan A: Bluetooth Headset | Plan B: The Crappy Little Wired Headset That Came With Your Phone

Having a headset for your cell phone isn't really an option any more, it's pretty much a requirement. Many states have passed laws requiring use of a headset if you want to talk and drive at the same time, and even if your state doesn't demand one, you don't really want to crash while on the phone with a co-worker, do you?

On the Plan A plus side, wireless Bluetooth headsets are getting better and better, with more comfortable designs, more effective noise-cancellation technology, and better sound quality. bMighty is especially fond of the new Plantronics Voyager Pro and Aliph Jawbone Prime.

Unfortunately, Bluetooth headsets don't seem to be getting any cheaper. The Voyager Pro lists for $100, while the Jawbone Prime is $130.

If that seems a little rich for your recession-thinned blood, you can always go with a cheaper, older model. But if you really want to conserve your cash, Plan B is trying to get by with the crappy little wired headset that came free with your mobile phone.

Just about every phone comes with one in the box, and just about all of them suck. Sound quality stinks, the wires get tangled instantly, and they fall out of your ear if you so much as turn your head.

On the other hand, as mentioned, they're free.

Bottom Line: This Plan B gets an F. How you sound on the phone matters, and so does convenience when you're trying to do several things at once. If you can't afford the Bluetooth headset you really want, look around for a discounted model -- you can often find an acceptable one for less than $20. In the case of the headset that came with your phone, free is no bargain.

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