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Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones

Manufacturer: Logitech Inc. Part number: 980461-0403

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$80.10 - $99.99 at 4 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.5 stars Very good
Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 55 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Compared to the range of options out there for Bluetooth MP3 player headphones, the Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones offer exceptional design and value.
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	Rate this store See store profile	In stock	Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price	$89.99 Shop now as of 12/02/2008
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Buy.com	Rate this store See store profile	In stock FREE SHIPPING		$89.99 Shop now as of 12/02/2008
Amazon.com Marketplace	Rate this store See store profile	In stock		$80.10 Shop now as of 12/01/2008

*Total price for the Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones are estimated and may vary slightly based on exact tax, shipping, manufacturer rebate or any sale/promotion on the merchant site.

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CNET editors' review

Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones

price range: $80.10 - $99.99

Reviewed by: Donald Bell
Edited by: Jasmine France
Reviewed on: 04/26/2007

The good: The Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones are remarkably light, flexible, and resilient. The sound quality is decent overall with an emphasis on bass. The Bluetooth transmitter can be used with any audio source that has a minijack headphone output.

The bad: Troubleshooting possible Bluetooth connection problems can be a hassle compared to the reliability of hardwired headphones. Unlike previous Logitech designs, there are no playback controls on these headphones.

The bottom line: Compared to the range of options out there for Bluetooth MP3 player headphones, the Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones offer exceptional design and value.

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Photo gallery:
Logitech FreePulse Bluetooth headphones

We remember when Logitech released the first Bluetooth headphones for the iPod back in 2005. In fact, we still have those antiques here at our office. Although the originals were innovative for the time, they were expensive at $150 and suffered from a fragile headband and heavy earphones. Fortunately, the Logitech FreePulse Wireless Headphones have solved these problems and do so at a list price of $109 (current street price is less than $90).

Design
The design of the Logitech FreePulse Bluetooth Headphones is one of the better we've seen. In general, behind-the-neck headphone designs commonly suffer from placing an uncomfortable amount of weight or pressure on the ears. The FreePulse model manages to skirt this problem by using a lightweight, flexible carbon spring-steel wire inside a silicone headband. This resilient wire core also eliminates the problem Logitech has faced in the past with breakable plastic headbands.

The FreePulse headphones uses adjustable silicon over-ear straps to secure the headphones in place, and although some people just can't stand to have straps on their ears, most users will be fine since there is very little weight involved. We found the cushions on the headphone speakers comfortable, and the thickness of the cushioning is an improvement over the original iPod Bluetooth headphones. By draping them over your ears instead of squeezing your head like a vice, the FreePulse headphones were easy to wear for an hour or more without discomfort.

If the FreePulse headphones suffer from a design flaw, it's that users cannot adjust the length of the headband. Logitech's designers seemed to err on the side of caution and provided enough room for those with large heads or lots of hair. The rest of us will need to use the adjustable ear straps to position the extra headband away from the head to avoid bumping against the neck.

The Bluetooth transmitter for the FreePulse headphones is nothing fancy. The square, black transmitter measures 1.5-inches across and 0.5-inches deep, with a power button and a connection indicator on one end and an adjustable stereo minijack on the other. Unlike other iPod Bluetooth transmitters, the FreePulse doesn't use the iPod's proprietary connection port (leaving it free for devices like the Nike + iPod Sport Kit). The upside of the FreePulse's simplified transmitter is it can be used on any audio source with a stereo headphone jack--including computers and home theater systems. Logitech also includes a handful of adapters that give the transmitter a snug fit for 4GB, 5GB, Mini, and Nano iPods.

Features
The features on the FreePulse headphones are wonderfully basic. Power buttons on both the headphones and Bluetooth transmitter turn red when activated, and then turn blue once they've established a Bluetooth connection. The volume control located on the right headphone was simple to use. Behind the volume control, on the top edge of the right headphone, you'll find the headphone's power button, which doubles as a volume mute button when pressed momentarily.

Performance
The Logitech FreePulse Bluetooth headphones were not intended to hold up to audiophile scrutiny. The ideal candidate for these headphones is someone looking for lightweight, unobtrusive headphones to use at the gym, or out on a jog--situations where wires are inconvenient and noise-blocking headphones could be hazardous. While we thought the FreePulse headphones provided better than average sound quality with bass to spare, users looking for high-fidelity wireless headphones should look at products like the NaviPlay Bluetooth headphones for iPod or Pioneer SE-DIR800C for home theater use.

We tested the Bluetooth transmission range of the FreePulse headphones around the office and at home. In both scenarios, we were able to put about 30 feet between the headphones and the transmitter before hearing any hiccups--a useful distance, but not luxurious. Most likely, the only distance the transmitter will need to reach is between your head and your gym bag. Battery life held up to its claim of around 7 hours and recharging was quick and easy. Very brief (one second) audio dropouts would occur from time to time, but this is common with all Bluetooth headphones we've tested. Aside from these momentary dropouts, no audible interference from radio or cell phones could be heard.

Final word
Logitech has been refining its wireless Bluetooth behind-the-neck headphones for quite some time now and the design quality of the FreePulse is proof of that effort. Users looking for an affordable, full-sounding pair of wireless headphones that can handle the abuse doled out by long jogs and cluttered gym bags need look no further.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 55 reviews
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Specifications

Manufacturer: Logitech Inc.
Part number: 980461-0403
Description: Love your iPod or MP3 player, but hate the cords? With Logitech's FreePulse Wireless headphones you can enjoy your music without being tied down or tangled up. Integrated volume controls and Bass Boost mode let you take control of your music, while advanced Bluetooth 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate wireless technology ensures clear, interference-free audio with up to 33 ft. range. Extended life rechargeable batteries provide up to six hours of playtime. The high carbon spring-steel headband is lightweight yet rugged, and the soft-touch comfort rings provide a secure fit. The FreePulse Wireless headphones are compatible with most audio players, and include custom-fit iPod adapters - just charge, plug, and play!

General
Product Type Headphones - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Color Black
Headphones
Headphones Type Headphones - Binaural
Headphones Form Factor Behind-the-neck
Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 EDR
Sound Output Mode Stereo
Remote Control
Type None
Wireless Link
Transmission Range 33 ft

Connections
Connector Type 1 x Audio output ( Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm )
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories IPod adapter kit
iPod Compatibility IPod
Power
Power Device Power adapter
Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
Battery 1 x Headphone battery
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 2 years warranty
Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years

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