Nerdbreak’s First Gadget Review – Insignia NS-BTHDP Stereo Bluetooth Headphones

Photo courtesy of gdgt.com

I know that I’m long overdue on providing the Linksys by Cisco Media Hub review.  I’ve been trying different things with it so that I can put together something more comprehensive and interesting.  The first review is actually going to be for another gadget I picked up about the same time, the Insignia NS-BTHDP Bluetooth Stereo Headphones.

I picked up these headphones from Best Buy for a mere $50 bucks.  I’ve pared these with both my iPod Touch (2nd Gen with OS 3.1) and my work laptop, Lenovo T400 (XP).  I’m extremely impressed on the quality of the connection and ease of use.  It can work either as a straight headphone for listening to music or a hands free device for phone calls (skype etc…).  I could sync it to my mobile phone, but have several hands free devices for that and don’t want to constantly have to manage the connection as my phone is always with me and I really wanted something for listening to music and company meetings while at work.  I have tested with Cisco’s IP Softphone and didn’t have any trouble with the voice functionality (although I didn’t have the opportunity to take a call from the otherside to really evaluate the quality).

The packaging (clamshell.   ) says “Great Stereo Sound Without the Wires!”  For the most part this what Insignia delivers.  Audiophiles, however, aren’t going to be very excited about this product.  Particularly as the volume increases, they really lack a good bass punch and sound with any amount of bass starts to distort.  If you’re listening to streaming music or phone calls, they are definitely good enough (for me).

In summary, I’m extremely happy with this purchase.  For the price, it’s an incredible value.  If Insignia offered a few different price points with improved sound quality, I probably would have spent a few more dollars to get more bass

4 pens in the pocket protector (out of 5)