The reasonably priced Logitech Mobile Freedom headset covers all the basics without breaking a sweat. Although most people will use this headset to minimize calling distractions while driving a car or performing other activities, it also works well as a wireless headset for Bluetooth-equipped PCs.

Look and Feel

With a solid no-nonsense appearance, the Mobile Freedom is a little larger than competing models, and at 0.81 ounces, it's not the lightest headset available. But in use, it's light enough to be comfortable, once you get the hang of adjusting the ear clip. And the size allows for long battery life and a microphone and earpiece that are big enough to provide excellent calling quality.

The foam-covered earpiece is about 1.25 inches in diameter, and is held firmly over either ear with a rotating clip. The microphone extends about 2 inches from the earpiece and has a granular, porous covering. This covering is a key part of Logitech's "WindStop" technology, which effectively eliminates background wind noise from your calls.

Features

The Mobile Freedom is the midrange model in Logitech's line of Bluetooth headsets, with a list price of $60, but this headset's performance puts it in line with more-expensive models. Users get hands-free calling, no perceptible loss in call quality, good battery life (up to seven hours of talk time and up to 10 days on standby), a 30-foot wireless range, and a fairly comfortable earpiece.

The controls are simple. A single multifunction button handles everything. A quick tap starts and stops calls, a four-second push turns the headset on or off, and a 10-second push puts the headset into pairing mode. Power, pairing mode, and battery life are indicated by a single red/blue LED on the headset, as well as by audible tones. There's also an up/down rocker button above the multifunction button for adjusting or muting volume, and an orange LED charging indicator.

The Mobile Freedom is a great choice for users of voice-chat and Internet-calling software. You can also use it to listen to audio while watching DVDs or TV on a Home Theater PC. It is less suitable for music, however. The quality of the single mono earpiece is good, but using it to listen to music is like listening to mono AM radio. (continued...)

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