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Better Sounding Phone Calls If you are a road warrior then having a hands free device for your cell phone is a way of life. Whether driving, walking through airports, or taking notes, the hands-free device has become a huge time saver. Personally, I’ve had problems with the wired hands-free devices. Like a snake, they seem to find a way to wrap around my neck and try to kill me. For the past few years, I’ve used the Jabra BT 8040, a wireless Blue Tooth device that is both small and effective. But this particular device has a few problems. Confirming whether the device is on or off is difficult. I have difficulty keeping the device in my ear, and ambient noise, either from my side or the caller’s side can be a big problem. Enter the Bose “Bluetooth” headset. I can now hear and be heard even with ever-changing noise levels. Busy streets, airports, or even driving with the window open, you can hear and be heard when you talk on the device. Other Bose “Bluetooth” features include: Adaptive audio adjustment technology which automatically adjusts headset volume depending on surrounding noise A noise rejecting microphone which filters out noise around you Stay Hear removable silicone tips Provide a comfortable fit with no need for an ear hook A Battery Indicator light goes from green to amber to red to give you an idea of how much battery life is left An Answer / end call button makes it easy to answer or end calls with a simple pinch that won’t dislodge the headset A Power Slide switch easily turns the headset power on (green) or off (red) The Big Test I decided to see if the Bose claims were true. Will the sound technology features really work in the worst of conditions? I decided to do the test at Eastec 2011. I was outside the machine tool building next to one of the diesel power supply generators. If anyone has ever been close to one of those, you would probably think that the test was unfair. Guess again, my call home was not only crystal clear in my ear but my wife, Mary Ann, had no idea that I was next to a diesel generator. I was amazed, in fact when I used to make calls from the car, it was clear to the person I was talking to that I was in a car. With the Bose they have no idea I’m in a car. In fact, most of the people I talk to while using the device think I’m in my office. The Final Review On the plus side: Incredible audio technology Stay Hear Removable silicon tip fits nicely inside your ear Battery Indicator and long battery life Power Slide Switch The Minus: The Price: $149.95 Road Warrior Recommendation: Buy it, if you can justify the $149.95 retail price. It is well worth it.