Why You Can Trust CNET Nextlink Bluespoon AX Bluetooth headset review: Nextlink Bluespoon AX Bluetooth headset
Nextlink Bluespoon AX Bluetooth headset
When you think of wireless Bluetooth headsets, the first thing that comes to mind are those sometimes ugly, often bulky devices that resemble props from Star Trek. While they're no doubt useful, not everyone appreciates their conspicuousness. Thank heavens then for Danish design. With the $74 Bluespoon AX, Denmark-based Nextlink offers mobile users a wireless option that's a solid marriage of form and function.
At first glance, we were perplexed by the AX's form factor since there's no visible way to hook it over the ear. But like Bluespoon's earlier model, the AX has a soft stem of rubber that bends to fit inside of the earlobe and manages to hold it in place. It took a few tries, but putting the headset on is simple once you've mastered the process. Also, unlike its predecessor, the AX (available in clear plastic and black) can fit in either ear. The fit is plenty comfortable--it ships with two different-size earpieces--but we felt that it was prone to falling out if we were doing something more strenuous than, say, walking down the street or driving a car.
One thing that we love about the Bluespoon AX is its discreetness. At 1.6 by 1.1 by 0.9 inches and 0.3 gram, the headset is downright tiny. Because of its size, the small controls are limited to two volume controls and the multifunction button that we used to couple the device with the Audiovox PPC6601 and the Motorola Razr V3.
Pairing the AX was a breeze, and call quality was mostly good and clear. On our side, we could hear callers quite well, and while there was a slight hiss on their side, they remarked that we came through fine. One caller, however, heard some background noise. Nextlink promises a total talk time of 6 hours and more than 300 hours of standby time.
At first glance, we were perplexed by the AX's form factor since there's no visible way to hook it over the ear. But like Bluespoon's earlier model, the AX has a soft stem of rubber that bends to fit inside of the earlobe and manages to hold it in place. It took a few tries, but putting the headset on is simple once you've mastered the process. Also, unlike its predecessor, the AX (available in clear plastic and black) can fit in either ear. The fit is plenty comfortable--it ships with two different-size earpieces--but we felt that it was prone to falling out if we were doing something more strenuous than, say, walking down the street or driving a car.
One thing that we love about the Bluespoon AX is its discreetness. At 1.6 by 1.1 by 0.9 inches and 0.3 gram, the headset is downright tiny. Because of its size, the small controls are limited to two volume controls and the multifunction button that we used to couple the device with the Audiovox PPC6601 and the Motorola Razr V3.
Pairing the AX was a breeze, and call quality was mostly good and clear. On our side, we could hear callers quite well, and while there was a slight hiss on their side, they remarked that we came through fine. One caller, however, heard some background noise. Nextlink promises a total talk time of 6 hours and more than 300 hours of standby time.