I love iLuv! – i202 Bluetooth headphones/headset

iLuv has just released some new bluetooth headphones – the “iLuv i202 Stereo Ear Clips with Bluetooth Wireless Technology”. See iLuv’s official product page.

The special thing about this headset/headphones model is that the ear-clips (purportedly) operate independently from each other, with no wires connecting them (Engadget, Yahoo!, Digital Trends all concur on this point). I’m not so sure, since there’s those mysterious black lines leading away from each clip. Why is that? I don’t know. I’ll have to e-mail iLuv customer service to get the skinny on that.

[update 2006-11-19]

The price of the i202’s have mystically gone up from an original price of $90 to $110. Bigger-than-hoped-for demand? Perhaps.

[update 2006-11-11]

I have e-mailed iLuv customer service and directly asked if the ear clips have any wires connecting them. I haven’t gotten a response yet. Just have to wait and see..

[/update]

The i202’s are exactly what I’ve been looking for in a bluetooth audio device:

• no wires (supposedly) between the individual ear clips
• has a mic
• has a decent amount of estimated playback time / talk time
• elegant design (kind’ve subjective.. but I think they look a lot better than Bluetake’s i-PHONO headphones)

Basic specs from the product page:

• Cost – $90 $110
• Compliant with Bluetooth v1.2
• Profiles – HSP (?), HFP (?), A2DP (streaming stereo mp3 quality audio), AVCRP (remote control of audio playback)
• Standby time – 200 hrs
• Continuous Listening time – 14 hours @ max volume
• Continuous Talking time – 13 hours @ max volume
• Integrated microphone

What’s in the Box?

• Wireless stereo ear-clip headset
• Wireless audio transmitter (mini-jack?)
• USB Power adapter (for plugging into the wall to charge)
• USB cable (plug’em into your computer to charge)
• Instruction manual
• Warranty Card

Detailed Specs

• Speaker Driver: 30mm NdFeB speaker driver
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz (receiving)
• SPL: ?118dBA
• Bluetooth Version: V1.2
• Bluetooth Profile: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
• Standby Mode: < 200hrs
• Listening Mode: < 14hrs (@ max. volume)
• Talking Mode: < 13hrs (@ max. volume)
• Power Sources
  • Built-in rechargeable battery
  • USB power adapter
  • USB port on a computer
• Unit Dimension (W x H x D): Approx. 55mm x 58.5mm x 21mm (2.2″ x 2.3″ x 0.8″)
• Unit Weight: Approx. 51g (0.11 lbs)