Bluetake Bluetooth Adapter, Headphones and Audio Station

Reviews: Multimedia

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Richard Poelling
Kurtis
Bluetake
Dec. 22, 2004

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First Impressions

USB Adapter

The USB adapter is a small device no bigger than the average pen drive. It is a very visually appealing piece of equipment with a see-through casing. The whole device is not more than a quarter-inch thick. There really isn't much to say about its physical characteristics, although it does have a very nice blue activity LED.

A software installation CD and instructions are all that accompanies the Bluetooth adapter.

i-Phono Headphones

The i-phono cordless headphone system has a very iPod'ish look to it. Even the name has the little "i' in front of it. The base transmitter takes on the same design cues from the iPod with its white, minimalist feel. The headphones are strangely shaped, but this is primarily because they are designed to be worn on the back of the head rather than over the top. I believe this is to aid in their functionality during movement. Although I was a bit put off by the styling at first, I did find the headphones very comfortable to wear, even while moving around. I will have to see how comfortable they are while exercising, which is what they are designed for. Also included with the headphones is a USB charging converter, a power splitter such that you can charge both the transmitter and the headphones simultaneously, and a standard wall outlet charger. To satisfy the style-conscious user, Bluetake has also included changeable headphone plates in various colors, just in case white isn't your thing. Also included is a Velcro strap to aid in attaching your transmitter to your music device. Being that it is designed with an iPod in mind, strapping the larger transmitter to a small mp3 player may be a bit more work, but I do like the fact that the Velcro was included.

Hi-Phono Audio Station

Just looking at the package, this looks like a useful product. Being able to essentially throw your audio source up to 100 ft away could definitely come in handy. When unpacking the box though, be prepared for a wiring shock! This kit will have you thinking when it comes time to locate wires, although I would rather have too many than not enough. Nothing worse than spending an hour setting up your stereo and then realizing you are missing that one last cable, and it is 11 pm on a Saturday and nothing is open. Included with this kit is an audio transceiver which sends the audio source, which is then picked up by the receiver, which is output into an amplifier that boosts the signal such that it can be used with standard speakers, although not high powered ones. So to support all this functionality, you have the standard power adapters and RCA cables as well as speaker wire. I have a feeling the hardest part about setting this system up will be finding enough power plugs. The devices themselves are very small and stylishly designed and the included stands are a nice touch to a very nice looking product.

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Getting Started
Page 4: Testing
Page 5: Interoperability
Page 6: Conclusion

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1 User Comment

1 - Posted by jwinograd on May 27, 2005 - 4:46 pm

No one should buy any Bluetake products unless you are willing to live without any technical support. I've had several problems with my i-PHONO BT420 headset and sent them emails on 4-Mar-05, 5-Mar-05, 13-Mar-05, and two on 12-May-05. The emails went to bluetake@bluetake.com, which is the address generated by their End User Enquiry Form on their website. I've tried both techniques -- filling out the form and sending emails directly. I've never gotten a single reply (and I can't find a phone number for them). I just sent a sixth email today asking them if their company is still in business and, if so, how I get technical support. I haven't heard back and, quite frankly, don't expect to. The headset cost me nearly $200 and I'm very angry that it's not working properly, but even angrier that I can't get any help from the company. Caveat emptor! Regards, Joe

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