bluetooth headphones?

B

bdmicarta

Joined
Feb 16, 2012
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I sometimes use an old ipod for music at work. I see a few other people in our cube farm wearing bluetooth headphones so I thought that might be more convenient.

What are they most likely using for a music source? Most of us have desktop computers that don't have built in bluetooth, although I suppose a person could add their own bluetooth dongle. I realize that they could stream through a cellphone but is that feasible or practical for everyday use?

If anybody has suggestions- I'm interested in a lightweight bluetooth headphone or set of earbuds that still allows ambient sound to come in so you know if someone has come to your cubicle to ask a question. I've seen some fairly lightweight looking Motorola bluetooth headphones that look like a good size and weight and compromise of covering or not covering your ears. I think headphones might be more convenient than some form of wireless earbuds because they would be easier to put on or take off.
 
The source is likely smartphones or tablets.
Smartphones and tablets have Wifi access and data plans.
Some carriers offer a ton of data for a little money. The corporate plan I am on through work offers me unlimited data, that means no cap on the GB I use every month for an additional $5/month. Not a bad deal.
If cellular data is not available for a reasonable cost, then wifi access is what most use. Wifi in office spaces has become very prevalent in the last 5 years or more. Almost every company building I enter has wifi hot spots set up for their staff. Some have very tight control over it. My second job does not allow any access to the wifi network, which is strange because it has zero traffic. My primary job gives me access to over 7 networks all running over.
There are dozens of music apps, iTunes Radio, mp3 playlists, etc. i'd guess they are streaming some sort of free music, NPR, or other audio file.
 
I use bluetooth headphones at work and use my phone to stream the signal to it. I have the earbud type with the switch controls.
When someone comes to talk, I just pop them out- or use the pause button if it's just a buddy. I didn't want the kind that focus
on 'sealing off' outside sounds, they're more like Apple earbuds.

As for using data, I don't get a signal in the building.
So a way to do it is to use downloaded playlists. The major streaming services let you make offline playlists you download to your
mobile app. Another way to go is Podcasts. Whatever the topic, theres someone doing a show about it (even knives/gear,/etc!).
I listen to a ton different podcasts, some are daily, most are weekly and it's free.
 
I have a set of Plantronics Backbeat Go (version 1)
I have modded mine to let a bit of ambient sound in.

They work great, for both talking on the phone, and streaming music (which i do when excercising, and occasionally sitting at work late at night, loud angry music helps me focus
 
I only use bluetooth these days. I hate the wire, especially since I use them on the move. I know that sound aficionados will say that wired sounds better than bluetooth, but for my purpose, the difference is negligible to me as I am not an aficionado. I have both over the ears "headphones" as well as "earbuds". Earbuds just don't fit as well, at least for me. Earbuds also don't sound quite as good as comparable headphones because they have smaller drivers.
 
the bose bluetooth head phones i use came with a cable as well so i can use them with my old iPod or just incase the batter dies. i use them all the time and love them
 
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