Photos: Altec Lansing Backbeat Bluetooth headset
Get a hands-on look at Altec Lansing's BackBeat 906 and 903 stereo Bluetooth headphones, announced at CES 2009.
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset
Overall, the construction feels very solid without being too heavy on the ears. All the components that touch the ear use a soft, comfortable rubber.
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth transmitter
The transmitter isn't exceptionally pretty or small, but few standalone Bluetooth transmitters are. When used with the iPhone, you can stream stereo audio from the headphone jack, as well as answer incoming calls using the headset's microphone. Phone call conversations are heard in both ears in dual mono.
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset
Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset
Overall, I thought the sound quality and call quality were good, keeping in mind the inherent limitations of Bluetooth audio. I'd need to spend more time with them before making any conclusive descriptions of their sound quality. A lot of what you're paying for is the convenience of wireless audio, and a design that is both comfy and stylish.