Bluetooth is a radio frequency standard through which any electronic equipment is able to make its own connections, without wires or cables. At this moment, more than 1000 companies belong to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, and help developing this technology.

The best part about Bluetooth technology is that it doesn't need any user input. The devices find one another and start a conversation on their own, without human help.

Bluetooth Headsets

In the same way, mobile phones can communicate with your Bluetooth headsets. One year ago we would have probably made a bigger issue of the compatibility problem. With the new improvements in Bluetooth technology, there's no need to. All you have to do is make sure the headsets you buy comply with the Bluetooth 1.1 specifications.

Bluetooth headsets communicate with your portable device through 2.4GHz radio waves. They're not to be used exclusively with the mobile phone, but with any portable device. They can even "speak" with your computer (e.g., you can use your Bluetooth headsets with your computer for teleconferencing).

The communication range is 10m (around 33 feet), but it can vary with several factors. If the "view" between the phone and the sets is obstructed by a wall, piece of furniture, or a person, the range is very much reduced.

Why use Bluetooth headsets

You may be already bored with these new technologies that never tire to pour into your life. You get rid of a wire and find that you forgot your tiny, expensive, dewired device in a place you'll never find it again.

Hopefully this won't happen to you. Anyway, it's worth keeping this risk in mind. Otherwise, there is little advice against Bluetooth headsets. Here are the upsides of the Bluetooth technology:

• Using headsets with your mobile phone considerably reduces the amount of radiation that gets to your brain. Some scientists think this radiation could be harmful, though the research until this moment is not conclusive.
• Using headsets with the mobile phone when driving is compulsory in many states and countries.
• You gain more freedom of movement.
• You have no more compatibility problems, as in wired systems.

I wouldn't call them downsides, but here are a few details you need to pay attention to:

• Don't leave your phone and headsets "in range", because this will drain-out the battery charge from the phone.
• Don't forget that the headsets' batteries need recharging, too.
• When buying, make sure the headsets offer both headset and hands-free profiles.