Despite the fact that we embraced the technology few years later Europe and Japan. The cell phone has nearly become a ubiquitous device in America. Because I made the decision to go strictly cellular, I abandoned my landline phone early last year. Hence, I happen to spend more time on the cell phone than the average person.
I also despise the idea of having wires restrict my movement. Especially, given the fact that much of my time is spent in front of a computer. Additionally, I also do a fair amount of driving. Using, cell phones while driving is against the law in some states. Yes, I typically have a few choice words for the knuckleheads, who drive bent over while talking on the phone.
Although, I too drive while talking on my cell, I have always used a headset. This guarantees that I have my eyes on the road and hands on the steering wheel. On, the rare occasions where I must dial a number, I typically do so prior to starting the engine.
Unfortunately, the useful life of these 'wired' headsets vary drastically. Most only last for about 1.5 months. I have tried the $9.00 knock-offs and the more sophisticated devices that clip to the ear. None of them impressed me at all. I finally settled for Body Glove brand, as they send you lifetime replacements. Heck, it only cost me the price of shipping the defective unit back to the manufacturer. Eventually, I grew tired of this arrangement. I just wanted a device that works all the time.
Well, I discovered the Bluetooth technology. So, the idea of a quality wireless headset for my cell, was really exciting. I took the plunge and purchased the Jabra FreeSpeak BT250 Bluetooth headset. Thus, far I'm pretty happy with it. Granted, it really works much better with a Bluetooth enable phone, not the Samsung N400, which I own. Nonetheless, I have no tethers.
Yo Al congratulations. But you can keep the $100 price tage for the wireless stuff. I'llwait till the prices drop. If you did not pay that much than good for you. Also be careful using that cell phone. As an Electrical engineer, I can say that it bothers me when you use a cell for for a long period (say 20 minutes, and you ear start to heat up. That is a sign that the microwave coming from the phone is starting to cook your Brain. Well at least the wi-fi will keep it from your head!!!
I rarely place a cell phone directly to my head. In fact, if my phone rings and I don't have the headset handy, I don't answer it at all.
Bluetooth is not Wi-Fi(802.11x). The standards are very different. You should peep the IEEE white papers. If your interested, I'll send you the URLs.