Tuesday, September 30, 2008

What is Kleer®?

A revolution in wireless audio.

Kleer® facilitates high quality inter-operable wireless audio technology communication across a broad range of markets and applications, including portable audio/media players, home audio/theater systems, automotive sound systems, earphones, headphones and speakers.

Benefits:
CD-quality digital wireless audio
Ultra-low power consumption
Best-in-class 2.4 GHz band co-existence
Point-to-multipoint
Interoperability


There are not, so far, a lot of products using this technology. However, we are already very pleased with the RCA S2501 1 GB Jet Stream Series Sport Mp3 Player , and from what we have heard, the Sennheiser MX W1 Totally Wireless Earphones are quite exceptional...and quite pricy!


Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Stylish Bluetooth watches coming soon!

Here Come Bluetooth Watches For Women!, EFYTimes.com, September 25, 2008

Now women can buy a Bluetooth watch that gives them both wireless functionality and an opportunity to express their personal taste.

"The MBW-200 series is the next step in the development of Bluetooth wireless technology," said Karmen Mandic, product business manager, Sony Ericsson.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kits: Drive Safe and Legally


Effective July 1, 2008, California law prohibits the use of driving while using a cell phone (exceptions only for emergency situations). Drivers may use a headset, ear bud or other technology that frees both hands. Violation of this law is considered a secondary offense. Violators can be fined $20 for a first time offense, and $50 for subsequent offenses.


So how do you free your hands?


1) Bluetooth Headsets:

Most of the cell phones are now equipped with Bluetooth Technology. Therefore, the first solution to free your hands consists of using a Bluetooth headset (not headphones*).

A Bluetooth headset is a little earphone equipped with a microphone that allows you to have a phone conversation while your cell phone is stowed away. The can be used in your car, home or office. There is a multitude of Bluetooth headsets to choose from.

My view: easy to use, light and compact, affordable, but won't free your ears!

2) Hands-Free car Kits:

These devices allow you to have a hands-free and ear-free conversation.

You have two solutions:

- Plug-and-Play

- Wired to the car stereo (requires professional installation unless your are pretty handy!)


a) Plug-and-Play - Easy to use and work out of the box.

The speakerphones, which incorporate microphone and speaker, can be used in your car, home, office or on the go. They usually clip on your sun visor, not far from your ears and mouth. Most of them come with a great feature: the voice recognition dialing (if your phone supports it). No need to dial a number anymore. Just say it and the speakerphone will dial it automatically. Some of them also feature a caller ID.

My view: easy to use, compact (stick it in your glove compartment or purse when you leave the car). They are affordable, multi-purpose and ideal for rental cars. Buy one for each of your cars! In noisy environments such as highways or rough surface roads, the speakers are sometimes not powerful enough for clear conversation, even though the new generation, like the BlueAnt Supertooth, is offering both power and clarity.



The FM transmitters, such as the Parrot PMK5800, which plugs into your 12v socket (cigarette lighter), send the audio signal to the car stereo speakers via a FM transmission. The new Motorola T505 is an excellent unit offering FM transmission, internal speaker, and audio streaming (A2DP) through your car speakers (play music from your cell phone or a Bluetooth-enabled iPod/MP3 player).

My view: easy to use, good sound quality, compact, versatile, affordable. You can even stream music through your home stereo system with an A2DP- supported unit like the T505. Buy one for each of your cars or share several cell phones! Interference problems may occur in densely populated areas.

b) Wired Hands-Free Car Kits:

This is considered the "Royal" solution in terms of sound quality since the unit is hardwired to your car stereo system. Different budgets depending on your needs: microphone only, monochrome or color screen, GPS integrated.

My view: Unequaled sound quality and features. This could be an expensive solution since it requires a professional installation. It may also be a theft risk, because you do not have the ability to stash it away. Finally, when you sell your car, you lose (or trade!) your car kit.

* Since they cover both ears, Bluetooth Headphones are not allowed as a hands-free solution

Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

An interesting down under take on Bluetooth !


"Bluetooth: What's hot and what's not?", by Louisa Hearn

Wireless Bluetooth devices are popping up everywhere, but can consumers be persuaded to wear them?



Monday, September 22, 2008

MoGo Mouse

MoGo Mouse

Ultimate Mouse Flexibility

When I received the MoGo Mouse, I was expecting to use it only when I was traveling. I had a mouse/keyboard that allowed work freedom while in the office and was portable so that I could take them with me when I was on the go. Boy have I changed! The MoGo Mouse is slick and easy to use and rids the need for batteries. Just slide the mouse into your PC card slot (this is the one that has the dummy plastic card in it) and let the mouse charge.


Pairing: If your laptop is Bluetooth ready, the mouse is simply plug-and-play. Mine is not Bluetooth enabled, so I installed an Anycom USB 250 Adapter. Once the adapter software is installed and the mouse is charged, just remove the mouse from the slot, flip the kickstand and press the connect button. It is just that simple.

Cool Stuff: No batteries. No more worries about running out of mouse steam while on the road. After the first pairing, just flip the kickstand and click one of the mouse buttons, and your ready for continuous use.

Areas of Concern: Because the mouse is small and lightweight, if you have large hands, it may initially seem awkward to use. It is ergonomically correct but for larger hands it just takes a few minutes longer to feel comfortable.

Pros:
No need for batteries
Charges quickly and last long
No need for a separate mouse bag

Light weight (1.5oz or 41g)

Cons:

Initially awkward for large hands Sheila wiredforwireless.com


Sheila
wiredforwireless.com

AITech ProA/V Media Extender Review

The product is defined by the manufacturer as a “2.4 Ghz wireless audio/video transmitter and receiver”. It is made to transmit wirelessly an audio/video source to any audio/video receiver or TV. For instance, you should be able to transfer video from a PC to a TV, from a TV to another TV, or an audio source to a home stereo system.

Let me tell you right away, it does not work! The 2.4 GHz operating frequency is an insurmountable problem.

Quickly, what is in the box?
- a transmitter
- a receiver
- 2 A/V cables, one of them has an IR extender for remote control
- 2 power adapters

Both the transmitter and the receiver have a 4 channel selector ranged from 2.414 GHz to 2.468 GHz.
AITech ProA/V Media Extender
Installation is really easy. I connected the video output of my laptop (S-video adapter) on one side and a TV video input on the other side.

Immediately I noticed a poor image quality (color, resolution), a lot of interference, and a barely audible sound. The distance between the T and R was only 10 ft! Repositioning the transmitter and receiver or selecting a different channel did absolutely nothing to improve the reception quality. I never got a steady image (not even to mention that the audio went from inaudible to squeaky) even when the transmitter and receiver were 2 ft apart! So much for a 100ft clear transmission inside a house ( sorry “most homes” as the brochure puts it!).

I did not go further, knowing the product was trouble and that I could not possibly and honestly sell it to my customers.

I contacted Aitech to return the items. They told me they could not take them back since the order was more than 30 days old ( I should have tested them at delivery). I asked them if they had any suggestion to fix the problem and here was the answer:
“The range may be being limited by the materials used in the construction of the walls between the transmitter and receiver. Other objects inside the home can also affect the range. Try to keep the signal path free of metal objects, and you might find that rotating the transmitter and receiver slightly may help. You might also try moving the receiver as far as possible away from the TV.
There may have been also a cordless phone at your customer's location. Even when not on a phone call, cordless phones can send signals back and forth between the phone and the base at a regular interval. Cordless phones, wireless computer network, even at a house next door, can interfere with the ProAIV Media Extender. Unfortunately, the 2.4 GHz frequencies are heavily used by many different devices these days.”

"Unfortunately", you got that right!

Unless you live in a cave or do not have any 2.4 Ghz equipment, there is simply no way to avoid the interference problem, which the manufacturer is totally aware of in their “FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement” (manual page 13).

Product is a big disappointment, tech support as well!

My advice: stay away from this product*, but I am sure you have figured this out by now…


* stay also away from the AITech Pro PC/TV Wireless Scan Converter that bears the same issues….

Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

Thursday, September 18, 2008

What is Wi-Fi?


Wireless fidelity, WI-FI, was created by an organization called the Wi-Fi Alliance which supervises tests that certify product interoperability. A product that passes the alliance tests is given the label "Wi-Fi certified" (a registered trademark). It is sometimes spelled WiFi, Wi-fi, Wifi, or wifi.


Wi-Fi is an established world-wide networking standard which incorporates the use of radio waves to link computers and other network devices together. This limited-range wireless networking protocol uses the 802.11 standard, which was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and released in 1997. The 802.11 standard is often called wireless Ethernet since it is intended to replace networking cable.

Wi-Fi has gained acceptance in many businesses, agencies, schools, and homes as an alternative to a wired LAN. Many airports, hotels, and fast-food facilities offer public access to Wi-Fi networks. These locations are known as hot spots.

How does Wi-Fi work?

Like cell phones and radios, wireless networks use radio waves. These radio waves use 802.11 networking standards, which encompass several protocols.In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like a two-way radio communication. 1-The router receives the information from the Internet, translates it into a radio signal and sends it to the computer via a wireless adapter. 2-A computer's wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna.The wireless router receives the signal and decodes it.It sends the information to the Internet using a wired Ethernet connection.

Popular Wi-Fi devices currently on the market
(see all the Wi-Fi products available at the Wired for Wireless store)

Wireless Access Points: wireless switchboards that connect wireless devices on the network.
Wireless Routers: A router is a device that connects a local area network to the Internet. Wireless Routers are actually wired routers with built-in wireless access points. They will wirelessly connect other wireless devices to the network and therefore to the Internet.
Wireless Network Adapters: connect a computer to the network. The two most common are the PC cards and the USB adapters.
Wireless Range Extenders: also known as repeaters, increase the wireless network coverage.
Wireless Bridges: connect a wireless network segment to a wired network segment (Ethernet adapter)
Note: most of the access points on the market operate as repeater/bridge mode.
Wireless Network Storage:creates access to USB storage devices (USB hard drives or flash drives) that are then available for everyone on the network.
Wireless Printer Servers: provide USB ports, allowing any computer on the network to connect to one or several printers.
Network Cameras (IP Cameras): Stream live video to your home, office, vacation home, or anywhere else through the Internet.
Voice Over IP(VoIP): technology that allows someone to place voice telephone calls over the internet. There are several major companies like Vonage and Skype that now offer VoIP services.
Wi-Fi Internet Radios: Listen live to thousands of Internet radio stations from around the globe without a subscription!
Wireless Media Players: stream music, photos and videos from your PC to your TV and stereo system.
Power over Ethernet(PoE): enables electrical power to be sent to a device (an Access Point for instance) over an Ethernet networking. No electrical outlet needed!

The 802.11 family

- 802.11b
In July 1999, IEEE expanded on the original 802.11 standard (which is no longer manufactured), creating the 802.11b specification. 802.11b supports bandwidth up to 11 Mbps (on the 2.4GHz spectrum), comparable to traditional Ethernet. 802.11b is the old protocol. Most vendors no longer sell it.
- 802.11a
802.11a was created at the same time as 802.11b. 802.11a supports bandwidths up to 54 Mbps, much like a growing number of cordless phones, and signals in a regulated frequency spectrum around 5 GHz, preventing signal interference from other devices. This higher frequency compared to 802.11b shortens the range of 802.11a networks. Because 802.11a and 802.11b utilize different frequencies, the two technologies are incompatible with each other.
- 802.11g
In 2002 and 2003, WLAN products supporting a newer standard called 802.11g emerged on the market. 802.11g attempts to combine the bestof both 802.11a and 802.11b. 802.11g supports bandwidth up to 54 Mbps, and for greater range uses the 2.4 GHz frequency (appliances may interfere on the signal frequency). 802.11g is backwards compatible with 802.11b, meaning that 802.11g access points will work with 802.11b wireless network adapters and vice versa. 802.11g has become the new standard for Wi-Fi networking.
Note: Faster variants of 802.11g are available: super G, MIMO, pre-N.However, because these products are based on proprietary solutions, not a ratified standard, mixing and matching gear across vendors typically results in degraded performance.
- 802.11n
The newest IEEE standard in the Wi-Fi category is 802.11n. It was designed to improve the amount of bandwidth supported by utilizing multiple wireless signals and antennas (called MIMO technology) instead of one.
802.11n is a breakthrough technology that enables Wi-Fi networks to do more, faster, and over a larger area. 802.11n Wi-Fi provides the very best connection available for computer networking and home entertainment applications alike - delivering the range, bandwidth, and performance today's multimedia applications and products demand.
The new industry certification for 802.11n is called Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0 and is the consumer's indication that a product has passed rigorous testing and can deliver the very best user experience.
The certification tests products based on a draft of the IEEE 802.11n standard ("draft 2.0"), and the program will be updated when that standard is fully ratified by IEEE, expected in late 2008 or early 2009.
Because the industry has been very eager to bring advanced Wi-Fi technology to market, there are numerous "pre-n" products currently available. However, consumers should be aware that only Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0 products have been tested for interoperability, standards-based security protections, and backward compatibility with 802.11a, b, and g networks.
Note: If you want to set up a wireless network our advice is to buy Wi-Fi certified 802.11n draft 2.0 products, or other ‘pre-N’ or non certified N products as long as all the devices come from the same manufacturer.

Wi-Fi versus Bluetooth

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are the most dominant technologies in today's wireless home networks. They are not competition but actually design to coexist in the network since these technologies respectively replace peripheral cables and networking cable (Ethernet).

What is Bluetooth?


Bluetooth technology is a low-power, low-cost wireless technology for short-range radio communication between electronic devices. (i.e., cell phones, laptops, PDAs, stereo headsets, MP3 players, digital cameras, PC and computer peripherals). Bluetooth replaces peripheral cables. It is basically a wireless USB.


Why the name Bluetooth?

Bluetooth wireless technology was invented by the L.M. Ericsson Company of Sweden in 1994. The word Bluetooth is taken from the 10th century Danish King Harald Blatand (translated as Bluetooth in English). King Blatand had been instrumental in uniting warring factions in, what are now, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, just as the technology is designed to allow collaboration between differing industries such as the computing, mobiles phone and automotive markets.

Technique

An embedded microchip sends and receives radio signals. These radio signals are multi-directional and transmit through walls. Therefore, Bluetooth-enabled devices don't need to be within view to communicate to each other. The Bluetooth signal hops to a new channel during each transmission, reducing interference problems with other 2.4 GHz devices.

Standard

Class 2 is the most common and cheaper standard. It operates devices up to 10m (33ft) away. Class 1 has 10 times the range: 100m (330 ft)

How does it Work?

Bluetooth devices repeatedly send out messages seeking another device within range. A connection, called a piconet, is made when another Bluetooth device is located. Each Bluetooth-enabled device can simultaneously communicate with up to: 7 devices (Data-only), 3 devices (Voice-only), 2 devices (Data and Voice).

Popular Bluetooth devices currently on the market
(see all the Bluetooth products available at the Wired for Wireless store)

Bluetooth Headsets: running cable to your cell phone is history. There is nothing like a wireless conversation!
Bluetooth Headphones: switch between your Bluetooth cell phone and your favorite music so you'll never miss a call. When a phone call comes in the headset will notify you, and once your conversation has ended, the music will automatically resume playing!
Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kits: go hands and ear-free in your car, using the car stereo system or a plug and play solution!
Bluetooth Speakers: no home stereo needed! You can stream music directly to the speakers from your iPod, MP3, CD or DVD players, PC, PDA, Cell Phone, and TV.
Bluetooth Transmitters: add Bluetooth capability to any audio devices
Bluetooth Transmitters/Receivers: stream digital music wirelessly.
Bluetooth Mice and Keyboards: no receiver needed!
Bluetooth Printers: print wirelessly from Bluetooth-enabled devices (notebook, PDA, tablet PC, digital camera).
Bluetooth GPS Receivers: turn your PDA into a fully functional handheld navigation system without using cables.
Bluetooth USB Adapters: add wireless Bluetooth capability to your computer (often referred to as a Dongle).
Bluetooth Digital Photo Frames: display, share and send digital photos wirelessly from your Bluetooth mobile phone or PC



Bluetooth Specifications

Several Bluetooth specification versions have been released since Bluetooth technology was introduced in 1998.

The Bluetooth version 1.1 is the first truly successful operating version of Bluetooth technology.
The Bluetooth version 1.2 features an adaptive frequency hopping (helps to reduce radio interference), a faster transmission speeds (1 Mbps), and is backward compatible with Bluetooth 1.1.
The Bluetooth version 2.0 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) delivers data transfer rates up to 3 Mbps, and provides enhanced multiple-connectivity. It is also backward compatible with previous Bluetooth versions.
The Bluetooth version 2.1+ EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), adopted by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) in August 2007, will feature improved pairing and Enhanced Power Optimization.


Bluetooth Profiles

The Bluetooth SIG states, "Bluetooth profiles are general behaviors through which Bluetooth enabled devices communicate with other devices."
Just because a product claims to be a Bluetooth device, doesn't mean it's capable of connecting to every other Bluetooth device. A Bluetooth device simply uses Bluetooth technology and has at least one Bluetooth profile to connect with other Bluetooth devices that have the same profiles.

When buying a Bluetooth enabled product you should find out what Bluetooth profiles the device supports. Here is an example:

Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)

This profile defines how high quality audio (stereo or mono) can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection. If your cell phone/mp3 player, or computer, does not support the A2DP profile, you won’t be able to listen to your music collection through your Bluetooth Stereo Headphones. However, with your computer, you can easily solve the problem by using a Bluetooth adapter (dongle) supporting this profile.


Bluetooth versus Wi-Fi

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are the most dominant technologies in today's wireless home networks. They are not competition but actually design to coexist in the network since these technologies respectively replace peripheral cables and networking cable (Ethernet).


Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

News


Sony Ericsson HCB-108 Bluetooth speakerphone launches

Sony offers wireless iPod speaker system: the S-AIR™ PLAY

Jabra A125s Bluetooth Transmitter Review


Transmit music wirelessly from your iPod or iPhone!




This small device (1"3/4 X 1"X .5") and 22grams, is pretty simple to use. It has a dock connector for the iPod, a charging socket (mini USB charging cable included), and a multi-function button (MFB) with a light indicator (LED).

Pairing:
Very simple. Once the device is fully charged (6 hours), press and hold the MFB until the LED is solid blue, connect it to your iPod, put your audio device in pairing mode, and the connection will occur within 10 sec to 30 sec. To pause or resume a song press briefly (tap) on the MFB. To turn off the unit press a little longer.


Sound:
I actually paired the Jabra 125s with a Parrot Boombox, and I must say that the sound quality was very good. Same with a Parrot Party and a Anycom BSH-100 Bluetooth Stereo Heaset.
The wireless range is around 30 ft as claimed by the manufacturer . We have been using this unit for our demos in the store and have never run the battery out !

Bottom line: This device delivers. It's extremely simple to use and does what it is supposed to do: make your iPod wireless! Also great news for the iPhone owners frustated by the lack of Bluetooth stereo capability, the Jabra A125s will provide you the missing A2DP profile (even though the iPhone will tell the unit is not compatible!).

Area of concerns: none.

Pros:

Price

Easy to use

Works with an iPhone


Cons:
Could be a little slimmer


Related article:

is my iPhone A2DP?

Laurent

Saturday, September 13, 2008

New Parrot Minikit Slim and Chic


Coming soon!

Parrot has just introduced the new Parrot minikit hands-free car kit. It's a slim unit (only 3 ounces), hence the name, that also comes with a floral pattern especially designed for women. This one is called "chic"!

Both units should be released by november 2008. A great Christmas present!

Friday, September 12, 2008

Sangean Wi-Fi Internet Radio WFR-20 Review

Listen to the world...for free!



My first contact with the Sangean WFR-20 was the packaging, and I was not the least bit impressed. However, when I opened the box things started to change. The unit looked great, retro but great, with its black lacquered finish and the big "cyclopean" knob right in the front
panel.

Using the Internet Radio:

I could not wait to hear how the 2 x 75mm/5 watts loudspeakers would sound. Connecting to my wireless network was fast and easy. The radio then displayed the main mode menu. I selected "Radio Stations" and had a choice of Location, Genre, or BBC, which was set by default in preset one. The station I settled on was streaming at 128 kbps (high quality) and I remembered going whoa!! The sound was really good, rich and loud, beyond my expectation. It was also powerful enough to fill up the room with no distortion.

Next, I started to play around and selected stations from all over the world, either by location or genre. Even at a rate of 16 or 32 kbps the audio quality was pretty decent. The WFR-20 uses the internet radio technology developed by a British company, Reciva. You can log into their website and open an account for free. This will allow you to customize your radio by adding your favorite streams, podcasts, in what is called "My Stuff". You simply have to register your radio by entering its serial number.

PC Streaming:

The WFR-20 is also an audio streamer. You can play your music collection on your PC by connecting in two ways: to folders shared on the network (Windows Shares) or with file server application using the Universal Plug and Play protocol (UPnP): ex Media Player for MP3, WMA, and WAV files.

I used an UPnP and once again the process was real easy and, now as expected, the sound quality excellent.

The big navigation knob takes a little time to get used to, and this is when the remote control came in handy. It is a real plus, no question.

Icing on the cake, this unit also offers:

  • An alarm clock, to wake up to the sound of your favorite station,
  • A line out for an external amplifier,
  • A line in for any audio device connecting via a 3.5mm jack (iPod, CD Player...),
  • A headphones jack,
  • An Ethernet port if you prefer to wire the unit to your router.

Dimensions: 11 x 7 x 4.5"

The bottom line:

Internet radios are undoubtedly the future of radio broadcasting. This unit will make its mark in the history of Wi-Fi internet radios. It looks and sounds good, is easy to use, offers many audio solutions: internet radio and PC streaming, audio in and out, Ethernet port and remote control. It is the perfect versatile companion for home, office or a dorm room. Is it worth the price? Absolutely!

Pros:
Sound quality
Easy to use
Well built
12000 radio stations to choose from
Versatile
Remote control
12 presets available

Cons:
No handle, reduces portability


Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

What is A2DP?


When reading Bluetooth devices descriptions, you may have come across the abbreviation A2DP, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. This profile defines how high-quality audio (stereo or mono) can be streamed from one device to another over a Bluetooth connection. If your cell phone/mp3 player, or computer, does not support the A2DP profile, there is still a solution for you.


For any audio device (MP3, CD, iPod,etc) you can purchase a A2DP transmitter, that will allow you to listen to your music collection through Bluetooth Stereo Headphones or Bluetooth Speakers.

For computers, if you are only going to stream music, the A2DP transmitter may be used. However, if you will be streaming music and transferring data, it is best to purchase a Bluetooth USB adapter (dongle).

Saturday, September 6, 2008

Transferring via Bluetooth!


Remember, in the not so distant past, when we thought being able to transfer data via a floppy disk was high-tech? Then we got those cool little USB flash drives. Speed seemed light years in comparison to the floppies.

With Bluetooth entering into the technology, flash has been redefined. When two PCs are Bluetooth-enabled*, transferring data is a breeze.

An example of how it works:

With Windows XP: right-click on the file you wish to transfer, then select "Send to", "Bluetooth", and the other PC. That's It! Unbelievably simple.

* if your PC does not have built-in Bluetooth, get a Bluetooth USB Adapter

Sheila
wiredforwireless.com

Print wirelessly


Free and share you printer!

1) The Wi-Fi way:

a) Get a wireless printer with Wi-Fi built-in. Easy, efficient, and affordable.Inkjet or laser.

b) Connect a print server to your printer via the USB port. You can choose a wired print server that will turn your printer into a shared network resource, or a wireless print server to avoid the Ethernet connection with the router, and install the printer wherever you want within the range of the network.

NB: If you have a multi-function printer, make sure to select the adequate print server.

2) Bluetooth

Get the Iogear Bluetooth wireless printing kit and share a printer with up to 7 computers or Bluetooth-enabled PDA's. Also create your Personal Area Network (PAN) with other Bluetooth devices, like a cell phone for instance, to exchange data, music, photos...

Laurent
wiredforwireless.com

Friday, September 5, 2008

RCA S2501 Jet Stream MP3 Player Review


Exercise Freedom Kleerly!


This palm sized MP3 player, only 35g, is loaded with many options for all levels of fitness. I am not that big on portable players but this little baby knocked me off my feet. The flexibility that you gain when you get a RCA S2501 is amazing. From listening to downloaded music, FM radio to audio books.

Sound: the earphones are incredible. The sound is crisp, clear, and loud thanks to the revolutionary Kleer® technology. For those persons that don’t like the earphones inside your ears, over the ear clips are included in the packaging.

Connecting: Extremely simple. Even if you forget to turn on the wireless headphones, the main unit will let you know that it is searching for the wireless signal.

Cool Stuff: Smaller than a credit card, this tiny unit comes with the ability to share your pictures, videos and music from your MP3 screen. You have the ability to listen to audio-books, monitor calories burned during exercise, and activate the pedometer.

Areas of Concern: The screen is tiny but once you know where the various options are, it’s simple to navigate.

Pros:
Easy to connect

Easy to transfer audio & data files

Sound is crisp and clear (Kleer®)

Quick charge, via computer USB

Extremely lightweight

Volume button- easy to access


Cons:
LED is small

Direct sun causes glare




Sheila
wiredforwireless.com

iPod Untangled...

...or how to make my iPod wireless?

In order to make your iPod wireless the simplest way is to first make it Bluetooth-enabled.

How? Simply by connecting a Bluetooth transmitter.

You have 2 choices. You can use a:

1- Bluetooth transmitter specially designed for iPods with a dock connector.
2- Universal Bluetooth transmitter that will connect via the 3.5mm audio jack (wired headsets output).

Which one should I choose?

a) If you want to play music from your iPod and only your iPod, pick up one in the first category since the transmitter is bound to the iPod without cable. Some are a bundled with a pair of Bluetooth stereo headphones which will save you some money.

Otherwise pick up a transmitter and select the Bluetooth stereo headphones of your choice. You can substitute the stereo headphones with a Bluetooth speaker (or get both!) to share your music or throw a party in no time.

b) If you are planning on playing music or audio from your iPod but also other audio sources it is wise to go for a universal Bluetooth transmitter. You can pick up a transmitter by itself, and select a Bluetooth stereo headphones or speakers, or take advantage of the fact that several Bluetooth stereo headphones come with a Bluetooth transmitter. Now you can play music from any MP3, CD, DVD players, PC, Laptop, TV, Boom Box, etc.., to Bluetooth stereo headphones or speakers.

Remember that most of the Bluetooth stereo headphones have hands-free capabilities, allowing you to switch between music and phone calls (from a paired Bluetooth cell phone).


Enjoy your wireless music!

Laurent
wiredforwireless.com