Page 2: Product Design, Setup, Testing, Conclusion
Product Design
The product itself leaves a few immediate impressions when viewed for the first time. For example, the headset is quite small and pretty minimalist. The dark purple color also looks quite good, appearing black from most angles; and the glossy finish that the unit has is pretty slick. Compared to my previous Bluetooth headset (an old Jabra BT350), the Airlite 740 is half the size and half the weight. The buttons on the unit are integrated nicely into the design, are easy to use and also function as mentioned inside the manual.
The removable ear loop is flexible, allowing it to fit to your ear; and once the correct ear cap was installed (which may be a minor annoyance if you have large fingers) the speaker fit into my ear well. It altogether fits quite a bit better than the BT350 ever did, and the lower weight is quite noticeable. While some may complain about the ear loop being a removable design rather than a swivel design (which is what is on the BT350), I felt that the removable piece works quite well by itself. It doesn’t fell flimsy despite being flexible, and it will probably be easier to clean than a fixed swivel loop would.
One thing that is notably negative about the design would have to be the way the charge cable plugs in. While both of the included cables fit securely and snugly, neither the AC cable nor the USB adapter can actually be inserted all of the way. The plug only can be inserted to its middle point rather than plugging in all of the way. This seems to me to be a potential oversight, as while the plugs themselves seem to post little danger of being unplugged accidentally, having the plug inserted in such a way could lead to a better chance of the plug itself getting bent or otherwise damaged.
Setup
Testing for the Airlite 740 was done in two steps. The first tests were done with a Dell XPS M1710 laptop running Windows Vista Ultimate, which has an internal Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR module. The second tests were done with an LG Chocolate3 (VX-8560), which has Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR functionality.
For the laptop connectivity tests, the default Dell Bluetooth connectivity software was used in connecting the two devices. The device connected no problem, and offered multiple options for its use (Hands Free Telephony, Headset).
However, due to a Vista-specific oversight on Microsoft’s part, the Windows Vista Bluetooth drivers themselves no longer actually offer audio over Bluetooth as was the case on Windows XP. Instead of allowing audio to be played or recorded over the headset, a driver installation dialog pops up asking you to install the (nonexistent) drivers for the headset whenever you try to force it to be used for audio. Therefore, the ability to actually test the headset against the claims towards laptop usability was compromised.
Something that is important to keep in mind is that this is not a problem with the Airlite 740 itself, as many other headsets have this problem; but instead a problem with the Windows Vista Bluetooth drivers. There are workarounds for this, but they are not guaranteed (my efforts to use the most common one were met with failure); so if you plan on buying this headset for Skype or similar functionality make sure you have the proper set up (either a non-Vista OS or a Vista OS set up as will be discussed later in the review).
On an unrelated note, the device is not usable while it is plugged-in, be it with the USB cable or the AC adapter. While this would have been a nice feature for use with Skype or other similar computer services, it at least justifies the shortness of the USB charge cable included.
With that in mind, we turn towards its use as a cell-phone headset. The first thing that was tested was its range. The box names a functional range of 10 meters outdoors and 5 meters indoors. The tests were performed by determining how long the receiver could maintain a connection with the phone as the two were separated from each other. When connection was lost, a measurement was taken at the distance where it was lost. The measurements were done in metric for accuracy and then converted to imperial. While the tests were being carried out, notes were also taken regarding the performance of the device (interference, sound quality, etc.). Everything was carried out this way in an effort to keep all testing under controlled circumstances.
The battery life of the device was also tested, in this case using a couple of different ways. First, the phone was put into mp3 playback mode, playing music through the headset until the battery died. After the battery had been recharged, a staged phone conversation was done to perform the second test. The headset was placed in front of a speaker as music was played while the other phone in the conversation had similar treatment done to it. The headset was checked in 20 minute intervals until the red battery indicator began flashing, upon which it was checked in 5 minute intervals (and then every minute after 20 minutes had passed since the indicator had come on).
Testing
The first cell phone tests that were carried out were the functional range tests.
As you can see, the testing managed to show off considerably better numbers than what was specified (particularly indoors). The manual specifies a 5 meter (16.4 feet) range indoors, and testing ended up showing a functional range of 6.55 meters (21.5 feet), and even then it stayed connected for a little over 8 meters. Similarly (though admittedly less impressive) was the outdoor range. The manual specifies a range of 10 meters (32.8 feet), and testing ended up proving it wrong once again with a functional range of 11.5 meters (37.7 feet), with a maximum range being a little over 40 feet.
There are a few things that were noticed during testing. For example, when testing the indoor range, it was discovered that a nearby computer (a desktop computer idling with no wireless of any kind) was badly compromising the range of the device; slashing the functional range all the way down to around 2.2 meters (7.2 feet), so that is something to keep in mind. Also noted was that the sound quality was quite good until the device reached about 85% (on average) of the maximum distance. When that rough area was reached, sound quality became quite poor. Finally, after the unit passed the 20 foot mark in outdoor testing, static began popping up in the device reception (though it never really occurred in the indoor testing).
Sound quality of the device under normal use was quite good, being fairly close to that of the actual phone speaker itself. The manual warns to try to use the headset on the same side as the phone it is connected to is holstered, though alternating the sides of the two devices didn’t seem to make any discernible difference regardless.
The battery life tests were also promising. In the first test, the headset battery managed to last well over the 6 hour time quoted on the packaging, coming in at a good 7 hours and 23 minutes average. In the second test, the unit managed a very respectable 6 hours and 48 minutes average, which is still notably above the time quoted on the box. For the second trials, there was also a sound quality test at the end of each test to determine how much the sound quality had trailed off under low battery power; where it was determined that there had been a negligible effect on sound quality right up until the last 10 minutes or so of battery life.
The final thing that was tested was the differences between the indoor and outdoor ear caps to see whether or not the different designs were done in order to minimize sound leakage. While there was a notable difference between how much sound was let in with the outdoor caps compared to the indoor caps, the outdoor caps were also less comfortable to use. They also seem to have lowered the sound quality a little bit (through muffling, mostly), and furthermore aren’t offered in the same sizes as the indoor ones. While the idea is good, the actual functional difference between the two sets honestly doesn’t make the compromises seem worth it.
Conclusion
With so many different options for when it comes to Bluetooth Headsets, it can seem confusing which one best suits you. However, the stylish and compact design combined with the usability that its multiple earbuds and flexible ear loop offer make the Airlite 740 a potential candidate for anyone who is in need of a headset. It has acceptable range and sound quality, includes a comprehensive amount of equipment in the packaging and fully conforms to the Bluetooth standards. Official pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it to not cost much more than the older Airlite 700 at the lower end of the spectrum (under $50 or so).
ASE Labs would like to thank Jason of Soyo for making this review possible.
The product itself leaves a few immediate impressions when viewed for the first time. For example, the headset is quite small and pretty minimalist. The dark purple color also looks quite good, appearing black from most angles; and the glossy finish that the unit has is pretty slick. Compared to my previous Bluetooth headset (an old Jabra BT350), the Airlite 740 is half the size and half the weight. The buttons on the unit are integrated nicely into the design, are easy to use and also function as mentioned inside the manual.
The removable ear loop is flexible, allowing it to fit to your ear; and once the correct ear cap was installed (which may be a minor annoyance if you have large fingers) the speaker fit into my ear well. It altogether fits quite a bit better than the BT350 ever did, and the lower weight is quite noticeable. While some may complain about the ear loop being a removable design rather than a swivel design (which is what is on the BT350), I felt that the removable piece works quite well by itself. It doesn’t fell flimsy despite being flexible, and it will probably be easier to clean than a fixed swivel loop would.
One thing that is notably negative about the design would have to be the way the charge cable plugs in. While both of the included cables fit securely and snugly, neither the AC cable nor the USB adapter can actually be inserted all of the way. The plug only can be inserted to its middle point rather than plugging in all of the way. This seems to me to be a potential oversight, as while the plugs themselves seem to post little danger of being unplugged accidentally, having the plug inserted in such a way could lead to a better chance of the plug itself getting bent or otherwise damaged.
Setup
Testing for the Airlite 740 was done in two steps. The first tests were done with a Dell XPS M1710 laptop running Windows Vista Ultimate, which has an internal Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR module. The second tests were done with an LG Chocolate3 (VX-8560), which has Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR functionality.
For the laptop connectivity tests, the default Dell Bluetooth connectivity software was used in connecting the two devices. The device connected no problem, and offered multiple options for its use (Hands Free Telephony, Headset).
However, due to a Vista-specific oversight on Microsoft’s part, the Windows Vista Bluetooth drivers themselves no longer actually offer audio over Bluetooth as was the case on Windows XP. Instead of allowing audio to be played or recorded over the headset, a driver installation dialog pops up asking you to install the (nonexistent) drivers for the headset whenever you try to force it to be used for audio. Therefore, the ability to actually test the headset against the claims towards laptop usability was compromised.
Something that is important to keep in mind is that this is not a problem with the Airlite 740 itself, as many other headsets have this problem; but instead a problem with the Windows Vista Bluetooth drivers. There are workarounds for this, but they are not guaranteed (my efforts to use the most common one were met with failure); so if you plan on buying this headset for Skype or similar functionality make sure you have the proper set up (either a non-Vista OS or a Vista OS set up as will be discussed later in the review).
On an unrelated note, the device is not usable while it is plugged-in, be it with the USB cable or the AC adapter. While this would have been a nice feature for use with Skype or other similar computer services, it at least justifies the shortness of the USB charge cable included.
With that in mind, we turn towards its use as a cell-phone headset. The first thing that was tested was its range. The box names a functional range of 10 meters outdoors and 5 meters indoors. The tests were performed by determining how long the receiver could maintain a connection with the phone as the two were separated from each other. When connection was lost, a measurement was taken at the distance where it was lost. The measurements were done in metric for accuracy and then converted to imperial. While the tests were being carried out, notes were also taken regarding the performance of the device (interference, sound quality, etc.). Everything was carried out this way in an effort to keep all testing under controlled circumstances.
The battery life of the device was also tested, in this case using a couple of different ways. First, the phone was put into mp3 playback mode, playing music through the headset until the battery died. After the battery had been recharged, a staged phone conversation was done to perform the second test. The headset was placed in front of a speaker as music was played while the other phone in the conversation had similar treatment done to it. The headset was checked in 20 minute intervals until the red battery indicator began flashing, upon which it was checked in 5 minute intervals (and then every minute after 20 minutes had passed since the indicator had come on).
Testing
The first cell phone tests that were carried out were the functional range tests.
As you can see, the testing managed to show off considerably better numbers than what was specified (particularly indoors). The manual specifies a 5 meter (16.4 feet) range indoors, and testing ended up showing a functional range of 6.55 meters (21.5 feet), and even then it stayed connected for a little over 8 meters. Similarly (though admittedly less impressive) was the outdoor range. The manual specifies a range of 10 meters (32.8 feet), and testing ended up proving it wrong once again with a functional range of 11.5 meters (37.7 feet), with a maximum range being a little over 40 feet.
There are a few things that were noticed during testing. For example, when testing the indoor range, it was discovered that a nearby computer (a desktop computer idling with no wireless of any kind) was badly compromising the range of the device; slashing the functional range all the way down to around 2.2 meters (7.2 feet), so that is something to keep in mind. Also noted was that the sound quality was quite good until the device reached about 85% (on average) of the maximum distance. When that rough area was reached, sound quality became quite poor. Finally, after the unit passed the 20 foot mark in outdoor testing, static began popping up in the device reception (though it never really occurred in the indoor testing).
Sound quality of the device under normal use was quite good, being fairly close to that of the actual phone speaker itself. The manual warns to try to use the headset on the same side as the phone it is connected to is holstered, though alternating the sides of the two devices didn’t seem to make any discernible difference regardless.
The battery life tests were also promising. In the first test, the headset battery managed to last well over the 6 hour time quoted on the packaging, coming in at a good 7 hours and 23 minutes average. In the second test, the unit managed a very respectable 6 hours and 48 minutes average, which is still notably above the time quoted on the box. For the second trials, there was also a sound quality test at the end of each test to determine how much the sound quality had trailed off under low battery power; where it was determined that there had been a negligible effect on sound quality right up until the last 10 minutes or so of battery life.
The final thing that was tested was the differences between the indoor and outdoor ear caps to see whether or not the different designs were done in order to minimize sound leakage. While there was a notable difference between how much sound was let in with the outdoor caps compared to the indoor caps, the outdoor caps were also less comfortable to use. They also seem to have lowered the sound quality a little bit (through muffling, mostly), and furthermore aren’t offered in the same sizes as the indoor ones. While the idea is good, the actual functional difference between the two sets honestly doesn’t make the compromises seem worth it.
Conclusion
With so many different options for when it comes to Bluetooth Headsets, it can seem confusing which one best suits you. However, the stylish and compact design combined with the usability that its multiple earbuds and flexible ear loop offer make the Airlite 740 a potential candidate for anyone who is in need of a headset. It has acceptable range and sound quality, includes a comprehensive amount of equipment in the packaging and fully conforms to the Bluetooth standards. Official pricing has not yet been announced, but expect it to not cost much more than the older Airlite 700 at the lower end of the spectrum (under $50 or so).
ASE Labs would like to thank Jason of Soyo for making this review possible.