Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-905 with active noise cancellation
by Volker Weber
Photo: Nokia
When it comes to headphones, I use ECH (ear canal headphones). Not the cheap iPod-style earbuds, but those from Ultimate Ears or Klipsch. They provide complete isolation from ambient noise. And they fit right in your pocket. Others prefer active noise cancelling headphones like the Bose QuietComfort.
When I saw the Nokia BH-905 last year, I wanted to take them for a spin, but never got around to actually try them. Other than the Bose headphones, can be used for phone calls: VoIP, Skype, regular calls. You connect them either via Bluetooth (HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP) or a cable. Nokia provides a short lead, an extension cable, and an assortment of adapters. The headset charges with an included 2mm Nokia charger (not with MicroUSB unfortunately) in two hours and provides a whopping 24 hours talk time. Eight microphones work with the included Wolfson AudioPlus Ambient Noise Cancellation, two microphones pick up your voice when making a call.
I had no difficulties pairing the headset with my iMac and a 3rd generation iPod touch. So far it has failed to properly work with the iPhone 4 over Bluetooth. There are some reports on the internet which lead me to believe that it is indeed possible to use the headset with an iPhone without wires, but so far I have failed to do that. HFP and AVRCP seem to work, but I cannot hear sound over A2DP.
I am pretty sure however that the Nokia N8 will work flawlessly. ;-) And that should be here before I need the BH-905 for my long trip to San Francisco.
Comments
I've been in the market for a replacement set of noise canceling headphones, so the fact that these a) have a microphone, and b) support bluetooth connectivity is a plus. I also found a pair for almost half price ¢109.99 (+ ¢3.95 shipping) v. ¢199.99 at www.oddsandpods.co.uk. I'll let you know how they work for me.
These might just be what I need. While I like in-ear headphones, my ears don't seem like they are designed to handle them well (they keep popping out - tried with different brands)
Found a set on a auction site for CHF 190.- and might just pull the trigger on them... Damn, vowe.net is a costly place to visit....
Works not only with the iPod touch, but also with the iPad, at least playing music. Have not tried VoIP yet.
hi vowe, any updates on using it with iPad Voip and iPhone? Then it would be the perfect toy.
now, that the "i" is out, the BH-905 is available at oddsandpods for GBP 159 and on Amazon for 155 EUR.
