Mr Handsfree Blue Bird

The Mr Handsfree Blue Bird is a slightly older model than the Blue Chameleon but the vital statistics are nearly identical:

Bluetooth® wireless headset

• Super slim size / Lightweight
• 8 hours talk time
• 200 hours standby time
• Bluetooth® V1.2
• Operating range: 10 meters
• Excellent sound quality
• Multi-pairing: up to 2 devices
• Rechargeable battery (Travel charger included)
• Digital volume control
• Voice dialing
• LED indication

Design:

The biggest difference between the Blue Bird and the Blue Chameleon is in its design.  The Blue Bird is “sleeker” than the Blue Chameleon.  There are no changeable face plates, however – it is only offered in a matte black finish.

Personally, I prefer the design of the Blue Bird.  It seems lighter, narrower and was a little more comfortable for me.

One of the unique features of the Blue Bird is that it has no third multi-function button.  In fact, there are only two buttons located next to each other on the top (for right ear users) or the bottom (for left ear users) of the headset.

The buttons have nice pictures for volume up, volume down, pairing, power, etc. located under the button.

So, one button is used for turning it on and off, pairing (a long hold) and voice dialing.  If it is easier to only remember what two buttons do instead of three – this will be a much appreciated feature.

Two LED’s are on the face of the headset indicating charging or use of the headset.

The Blue Bird can be word with or without the included ear loop – which was much more comfortable than the Blue Chameleon and more comfortable than just about any ear loop I have used.

Ease of Use:

Like the Blue Chameleon, the Blue Bird was a snap to pair and use.  Just hold the pairing, voice command, volume up and power button – search on the phone and put in the 0000 code.

I had the same issue with volume on the Blue Bird as I did with the Blue Chameleon – it just was lower than I would have liked.

The Bird was very comfortable – more so than the Blue Chameleon – perhaps due to the slimmer size and shape and the ear loop.

Sound Quality:

The sound quality was almost identical to the Blue Chameleon.  Calls were very clear – on both the Treo and the “Q” and I was easily heard on the other end.  With no digital signal processor to filter out noise (is in much more expensive headsets) it was sometimes a challenge to hear outdoors or in the car. 

Overall, the sound quality was above average for Bluetooth headsets.

Overall impressions:

I really like the Blue Bird.  It didn’t have the “personality” of the Blue Chameleon, but it had a very cool and sleek design.  It is definitely less “geeky” looking than most headsets.  I have the same issues with the volume being a little low – but overall it is an excellent headset.

I actually prefer less buttons to more – so the two button approach worked well for me.

Pros:

• Nice size and shape
• good voice quality
• easy two button design

Cons: 

• Volume was a bit low – do DSP filtering

I found the Blue Bird online for US$59.95

Both the Blue Bird and the Blue Chameleon can be found at various online retailers.  Information on both can be found at www.mrhandsfree.com