I switched to a bluetooth headset shortly after hands-free cell phones becoming state law for drivers. The kind that sticks in your ear.
Now, after several weeks of using it, I have developed an irritation reaction to it. I’m thinking of going with a stereo headset, like earmuffs. Or has someone got an earpiece thats REAL comfortable to recommend?
I’m using the Jawbone, and like I say, I find it increasingly uncomfortable.
“…craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit.” – P. Korn
Replies
DH got the one that hooks on his visor in his truck. Wow. Very clear sound, and very easy for him to use when he's driving. When he's on the jobsite, he just answers his phone...(lol, or not).
In other words, he sees no sense in having the ear-thingy. It would annoy him.
>>> good girl...never call him at work>>>
My wife calls frequently - and usually when I'm on a ladder, holding something in one hand. Which I like (that she calls frequently, that is), because I'm at work so much - and because sometimes she'll bring me lunch!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
we make fun of the geeks that wear the ear thinngy at work, usually run them off the job. If their telephone is more important than the job, we dont need them.
Listen BB, your jobsite is completely different from Huck's or my DH's.
Don't let the angry eat you up.
we make fun of the geeks that wear the ear thinngy at work, usually run them off the job. If their telephone is more important than the job, we dont need them.
I'm the boss. No one runs me off. I run off people that make fun of others, since all my jobs are a team effort, I work with team players!
-----------------------------------------
edited to add: most of my advertising lists my cell phone as my primary number - because I'm almost never in the office during business hours. For the same reason, all my sub's and suppliers use my cell phone #, not my office #.
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 12/28/2008 12:55 am by Huck
>> edited to add: most of my advertising lists my cell phone as my primary number - because I'm almost never in the office during business hours. For the same reason, all my sub's and suppliers use my cell phone #, not my office #. <<
I get it.
BB has a very different work environment. I don't blame him for his attitude, where he works.
DH is pretty active on his phone with subs and all...I know better than to call him and interrupt...lol.
Communication is important.
the boss is usually in the trailer, I was talking about concrete driver, too busy talking to watch the line I,m trying to back him up too. or the finisher that talking to some babe instead of placing the mud. The laborer who doing a deal instead of operating the shovel.Nothing worst than being up in the air moving steel or placing material and you got one guy talking not paying attention to whats going around him.That why out in the field of operation, no music, no personal telephone, no earwick. I have a cell but the most calls is just "Come to the trailer"Its alway, "Get off the phone" "wait a minute" and then the concrete truck run off the foundation.I have sent perfectly good concrete back to plant because they wont get off the phone.Even if I recieve a call I have to walk outside of the field of operation.
"If their telephone is more important than the job, we dont need them."
agreed.
I'm the boss too ... but I just ain't that important.
if the phone can't be clipped to my pocket it's set somewhere important.
I have voicemail ... the whole world knows how to use it.
even my wife.
she also knows I ain't that important ... so she don't call much.
I'm also not important enough that I gotta take and make too many calls when I'm driving. And when I am super important ... haven't found a road yet that doesn't have a side to pull over on. (I'm really bad at writting things down when I'm driving)
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Like I mentioned to Huck, the bluetooth visor thingy is pretty cool. All DH does is hit the button and talk when he's driving. He also has a built in voice-recorder in his truck though, so if he needs to capture information from an incoming call, he just hits another button to record it (no need to take any notes until later.)
Probably very different work circumstance from yours though. On any given day, he might be running 3-4 different crews 150-300 miles away from on another...yep, lots of driving and communication involved. His truck IS his office (laptop, cordless printer, etc...) driving, driving, driving, busy, busy...we didn't nick-name him One-Board-Bob for nothing...lol (there is your giggle for the day!
No way could he sport the ear-thing either though. It does work for some though.
On any given day, he might be running 3-4 different crews 150-300 miles away from on another
Wow. I've run mulitiple crews spread out, but that's pretty extreme. Truck mounted model would definitely be the way to go there. I'm considering one, but right now my jobs are just me and my subs, and one or two at a time, driving time is minimal.
And come to think of it, after the first of the year, I don't have no jobs waiting. Maybe I'll just invest in some cardboard signs instead: "disabled veteran of the war on poverty", and stand by the offramps.
:)"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I have the S9's and they are stereo and you can switch between your phone and music but the controls are real tiny. They also aren't terribly comfortable because it's the pressure of the headband that hold it into your ears.
To me the only comfortable possibility would be the old fashion looking ear muff type and then I wonder if you could even hear anything on the outside world in an emergency.
BTW...I got my S9's for about $30 new on Ebay...They're not bad but not great for any length of time.
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Edited 12/28/2008 5:17 pm ET by andybuildz
That pretty much lines up with the reviews I've read of them. I think I'm gonna try a couple of the earpieces that were recommended here, and maybe get a car unit for driving. Is it possible to switch bluetooth units back and forth like that?
The earpiece I have isn't always uncomfortable, but it starts to irritate by the end of the day. Even the tiny pressure needed to answer a call becomes painful."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Anything other then the ear muff type I think will irritate your ears after a short while.
I don't think our ears are made to have sumpin' stuffed in em' fer too long.
Not to get off the subject too much but questions like this make me think about that guy someone posted about a little ways back. the guy that was the cheapest guy on the planet and wrote a book about how to do things on the cheap. One of the things he found out in his research ...which I TOTALLY agree with is that about 85% of the things we think we want or need we can TOTALLY do without.
I know it's just a simple statement but it's really stuck with me every time I think I "need" something. I've been finding that there's something much simpler that will work just as well if not better. I think we fixate on things and loose site of the real answer........not directing that at you....more at me when I bought my S9's.......that I never use anymore...lol
Member transistor radios we kept in out top shirt pocket : )
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
I have a job for you. Kitchen remodel for my mom.
Nice house, lots of art there. (nice studio too)
Trouble is, it's all the way up in Chico. (Knowing my mom, she'd probably put you and your wife in her extra bedroom for the duration, or you could stay in the studio.)
She has most everything picked out. Also, she's very easy to work with. Hope you don't think I am kidding. I am not. DH can line you up with dependable subs, np.
Have tools, will travel."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Hope you don't think I am kidding. I am not.
Hey, tried to email you via your profile, but no go. You can email me, or phone me on my bluetooth :), and give me your mom's number...or give her mine. Happy to give her a bid on her project. And yes, I could use a list of good sub's for the area! Where is Chico? Up north of here, somewhere. Man, I need to get out more!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Up north, past Napa and Sacramentohttp://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&saddr=bakersfield+ca&daddr=chico+ca&hl=engeocode=&mra=lssll=39.762103,-121.815033&sspn=0.135388,0.363922&g=chico+ca&ie=UTF8ll=38.993572,-121.761475&spn=4.584614,11.645508&z=7'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb
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Like I said, she is completey easy to work for. Trust me, she knows the drill. As an artist and perfectionist, she can do awesome tile work. I grew up in a house under constant remodel circumstances. She has been known to make great sammiches on a regular basis for her crew.
Don't know why the email won't go, but try this [email protected]
Chico is quite aways from you, though...
Chico is quite aways from you, though...
beats spending my day with Oprah and Dr. Phil!"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
dont you love it, be on top of a building, hey hold this, or what the dimension, "What you on the phone again?" "With who?" 'Your wife" you better get off before I throw you off the building.I know phones are important, but I see too many people on casual personal call, twenty thirty times a day.My project is controlled koas from 7 to 5. Dont need somebody dropping the ball or holding up a crew because his wife wants to talk.
Are you just talking to youself now?
As I mentioned before, I rarely call him at work because I know he is busy.
My 15yo kid has a cell phone, but only uses it to contact her dad or me. As well, she does not do the online thingy...how un-hip is that? No MySpace, NoFaceBook, No Nothing.
Did I mention her grades to you recently? She's my lil' darlin' daughter with a learning disorder. She hears everthing later...kinda like you. It's hard to learn and take notes in class when you hear everthing late.
I feel for you. My daughter had a learning disorder caused by certain hormones that her body produced which would actually short-circuit her brain waves...
It's called BEING A TEENAGER!!
(she got over it)"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Well, it isn't quite like that.
She has had this problem for quite sometime. Please don't make fun of it.
I am really proud of her progress in school...
Not making fun of it, just applying a little levity to the stress of parenting.
My daughter had some serious issues also, which I won't go into, but to say that we only had one child because of it, no time or energy for another. We eventually had to home-school her, and I'm grateful to my wife, who took the brunt of the burden of dealing with her issues. Now she's an adult, and seems OK, but it leaves scars. Humor is therapeutic for me. Realize its not the same for everyone, so sorry if it came across otherwise for you."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
It's not unsual for him to go from Sacto to Elk Grove to Folsom to West Sacto up to Reno and back...then back over to Rocklin.
Go Bob, go.
That's sweet that she brings you lunch!
I never call him unless it's something really important...like when the kitchen faucet wouldn't turn off...lol...np, I know how to shut it off.
MotoRokr S9's are the best that I have found. Let you listen to your MP3s and manage your calls at the same time.
Naive but refreshing !
Here's an in car (truck) speaker phone running by Bluetooth tech called Blueant:
web site is Here: http://www.myblueant.com/
the device attaches to your visor and it's gotten high marks from the tech community and especially from Leo Laporte of The Tech Guy Labs and on Twit.tv. Blueant web site has several Bluetooth gadgets that may appeal to your needs.
I have the Blueant Supertooth Lite and is by far the best solution i have ever come across. Super clear audio in and out and very user friendly in the hello & goodby department. Another thing I like about it is that it shuts off when I leave the truck and just needs to be reactivated when I get back.
On a hill by the harbour
I only use my bluetooth earpiece in the truck. I think you will find the headphones are not legal as they block both ears.
I suggest you find a different make as it might be the type of rubber reacts with your skin.
Head phones when working Motorola S9 work great. I get about 6 hours before recharging needed. My phone is a V3xx with the mp3 player built in. Its very welcome when working in a showroom with dreadful background music playing.
I sincerely hope those thing go the way of Parachute pants,
TieDyes,Pet Rocks,Crimped Hair,Boy George, and sweat Bands! People please!
the headphones are not legal as they block both ears.
Now there's something I hadn't thought of!
I suggest you find a different make as it might be the type of rubber reacts with your skin.
I shopped around and couldn't really find any headphones I liked - the choices are limited. I want something that can be comfortable for 6-8 hours at a stretch. So now I'm back to looking at one-piece units, hoping to find one more comfortable than the Jawbone unit I've got.
I've seen the S-9, and it got mixed reviews. Someone mentioned the earpieces being a little large, and that's the problem I have with the Jawbone - uncomfortable earpiece. I'm thinking I may have to get a couple units, and switch back and forth, for comfort. Or maybe a full headset for the jopsite, and an earpiece or car-unit for driving.
Thanks for the imput."...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
I really just wanted to know who had a comfortable bluetooth earpiece or headphones they could recommend, but I guess I should explain why I need one, since a few people seem to have a built-in antipathy toward the new bluetooth technology.
First off, as the boss, I live or die by my phone calls. I'm the general contractor. An urgent call from a client, a subcontractor, or a supplier cannot wait for me to retrieve my messages at the end of the day. Sub's will typically call with urgent questions the moment they come up - not a day ahead of time. And if a client calls and says Hey, theres a weird wet spot growing on my ceiling below your remodel project, I need to know NOW.
I don't wear my earpiece because I am "important". On the contrary, if I was so important, then everyone could wait for me. I wear an earpiece because the people I work with, and for, are important to me. Those people deserve a direct line to me when they need it, to the extent possible. With Bluetooth, it becomes possible for me to be in the middle of something requiring both hands, and still field the calls as they come. Since I'm usually on the jobsite, tool in hand, for 8 hours a day, that's a big plus for me.
Also, unlike a lot of people, I don't have time to sit down and sift through saved messages at the end of the day. My schedule is tight, and I have commitments in the evenings Monday - Friday. More often than not, I get home, take a quick shower, dress, and I'm off again. I do try to work some time in every day for computer work: emails, breaktime, download photos or videos, work on my website and the other websites I've built for clients.
As far as "making fun" of people who use the new technology, because they're "geeks". I run into this attitude a lot, usually from older people who haven't embraced the new technology, and resist all things new or different. Some people I know in the contracting business refuse to get a computer, or use the internet. To me that is just plain foolish - this new technology is here to stay, and becoming more vital for businesses to embrace every day, in order to stay competitive.
I'm an old fart too (I still haven't figured out how to take photos with my cell phone, and I've never yet text-messaged anyone in my life!). I'm not a gadget freak, I don't run out and buy the latest gizmo each time one comes out - but things like computers, internet, websites, digital photos and videos, email, hands-free telephone, these things are already time-tested devices who's benefits are undeniable. They're not gonna go away anytime soon.
I'll tolerate a certain amount of "lets make fun of someone" on the jobsite, if its all in jest. But one thing I do not like or condone is "gang" mentality. Team mentality, not gang mentality, is what I want on my jobsites. Now, if an employee spent an inordinate amount of time on the cell phone, I'd have sit-down with them - in private. But that has never been a problem for me yet, even when I had a half-dozen employees. My policy with employees or subs is praise in public, reprove in private.
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Edited 12/28/2008 9:39 am by Huck
Hey Huck,
I disagree with the outlook but I'm not disparaging you
in any way. So in the interest of a open discussion- While we do live in a time Technological marvels and
communication has become more immediate and vital, perhaps
the notion that one must be reachable at any given second
has become a bit over stated.
There are many professions that need open communications to
function well. Yet I have to ask, what would truly change if
you checked your mess. every hour or so?
Little or nothing.
I'd go so far as to say, one could check them at lunch!
Most phone calls can wait. In fact the vast majority aren't
very important at all.
The Blue tooth has now taken this to a point where we are
literally available regardless of the immediate circumstances
in our life.
People are Driving, operating machinery, walking through
traffic, ignoring "real" people they are with. The list goes
on and on.
It's not productive to what your supposed to be doing (like
custom carpentry).which in our vocations requires our
"FULL ATTENTION" to be executed safely and well. My contention is, at the very least stop what you are doing
and take the call.
Better yet, Finish what you are doing and call them back. As far as making fun of people, They honestly look ridiculous.
Doesn't matter if a "Geek" or a "Super Model" wears them.
I'll wager the truth in that will be proven by their becoming more
and more discrete (thank the lord).
Edited 12/28/2008 11:39 am ET by Henley
To each his own. I didn't start this thread to criticize people who don't want to use an earpiece for their cell phone. I do it my way, you do it yours. The earpiece works for me.
I seldom take breaks, and usually don't take lunch either. That's just me. I often find, when I retrieve messages and call back, I'm only initiating a lengthy game of phone tag. Time consuming and frustrating.
I agree - when you're doing something that requires your full attention, give it your full attention. And I also agree that it seems silly when people are together and yet talking on their cell phones to someone else, in a trivial conversation. I don't do that.
As far as what looks "ridiculous" - that's in the eye of the beholder. I could list a litany of everyday things you never think twice about that were once viewed as looking ridiculous - i.e., women in pants, helmets on bike-riding kids, earrings on men, facial piercing (still looks ridiculous to me - but obviously not to a lot of other people. I don't go around making fun of it, 'tho), heck, even concrete finishers in rubber boots and sheetrockers on stilts look ridiculous to me. But they get the job done, and I think that's the point.
I don't wear an earpiece for a style statement, but I won't be intimidated by fear of what people say I look like wearing it. If it helps me get the job done, I'm on board.
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Sorry Huck, I wasn't criticizing you. I tried to make that clear. What I criticize is the notion that we are all so hectic and
frantic to talk with one another. We all have time to focus on
what what we are doing. In fact we don't have time not to.
I'd bet you didn't always' need the ear piece, and I'd bet you
could still make a living without it.
That's not an attack on you, it's a criticism of us all. I'll stop interrupting your thread. Chuck
Could we eliminate some of our technology, and, as a society, seek a simpler, more ordered existence? Sign me up, I'll be the first on board. Like I say, I'm not a gadget lover, just a businessman. "...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Huh.Unemployment at all time high.Economy worst since the 40's.Global warming?List goes on.Ain't technology great.
I can't wear a bluetooth earpiece with any degree of success but I have a corded headset from plantronics that works great. I bought my first plantronics headset for 50 bucks at radio shack and when I accidentally yanked the cord out I found they were no longer availible. I have since found one at a yard sale for a buck or two that works great.After trying three bluetooth headsets from 39 to 100 dollars I have decided they don't work for my activities which involve a lot of background noise. I was encouraged to try a jawbone but I am weary of wasting money on earpieces that aren't loud enough or don't block out the background noise effectively. The corded one is great.I like to retrieve my messages or return phone calls while I am sweeping the floor, cleaning the shop, emptying out the truck or doing other mindless tasks. The headset lets me do the mindless tasks while getting my phone business out of the way.Karl
Good explanation! Just another tool, thats the way I look at the new technologies. As a commercial drywaller, I sometimes get laughed at when I walk up with my laptop in the morning, but in that laptop are the latest RFI's and 8x12's showing correct locations of walls, equipment etc. Key elements to keep things on schedule and the owner/ general happy with our company on site.
That said, I hope I never start wearing those ear things. A cell on vibrate can get my attention and I can choose to take a call or not. It bugs the heck out of me to see people walking around and talking to those things, borders on rudeness and grandiosity.
Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
It bugs the heck out of me to see people walking around and talking to those things, borders on rudeness and grandiosity.
hmmm, and that would be because...???"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
Probably just my perception. Gotta get out of here, taking the boys on a hike today. Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.
Wait a minute...you asking for one that plays music as well as telephone talk?
I thoght thats what you were asking for being you wanted it in stereo
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
no - by stereo I meant two earpieces - but one is ok, if comfortable enough"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com
ohhhh...sorry..I got the s9's b/c you can switch between your phone and your ipod in true stereo with ease.....pretty much
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
Well said,
I am not much of a fan of frivolous cell usage but work is not everything in life. People need to administer their private lives as well.
As far as embracing the technology goes I finally caved in to the laptop world. For years i have used a desktop so as to restrict myself from computer work during the hours I run my crew in order to be more hands on and directly involved with the job. Over the past couple of years it seems that saying I will do that on the computer tonight just does not cut it anymore from a professional image standpoint.
I have also been using a PDA for the last 5-6 years and that helps with the email. Being able to email a photo to or from your phone can greatly simplify alot of conversations.
On a hill by the harbour
Blue tooth was never intended for voice/music transmission but it works very well.
My ear piece is no longer made, it was made by Plantronics and replaced by the 510 model. My ears have space behind then and this is where the electronics fit so the unit is well supported. My last one came from a guy whos ears are tight to his head so he could not use it. Only reason i replaced them is because the rechargeable battery would not recharge.
http://cgi.ebay.com/M2500-Wireless-Headset-Bluetooth-BRAND-NEW-Plantronics_W0QQitemZ160259825637QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBluetooth_Wireless_Products?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
This link is the m2500 which I use.
I've got this Plantronics one and it's comfortable for me.
http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=38227462&navid=155441519
But a stereo one would let you switch between your phone and ipod (or other BT enabled device) easily.
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Just got the Motorola H680. Works OK, but I have to change ears after about 4 hours.
Wasn't going to get one, but after getting about 30 calls last Monday, I broke down. I'm a service plumber and with some of our customers, I HAVE to be available to take a call.
I do feel your pain, both figurativly an literally.
http://reviews.cnet.com/best-bluetooth-headsets/?tag=rb_content%3brb_mtx
I just picked up a Plantronic Explorer 220 earpiece at Costco for $24, I like it a lot better than my Jawbone. More comfortable, stays in place better, the on/off and volume controls are much more logical. So far, so good!
"...craftsmanship is first & foremost an expression of the human spirit." - P. Korn
bakersfieldremodel.com