BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth Headset Review

Aug 14 2008, 12:00am CDT | by Shane McGlaun

With many states enacting hands-free laws for cellular phone users, the Bluetooth headset is becoming much more common that it was before. There are many Bluetooth headsets on the market, but not all are created equal. Today we are going to look at a new Bluetooth headset from BlueAnt Wireless called the Z9i. Read on for all the details.

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Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The BlueAnt Z9i is an update to the BlueAnt Z9. The Z9i can pair with five devices and can connect to two phones at a time. The headset ships with small and large interchangeable ear buds, a translucent ear hook, and a rubberized adjustable ear hook. The headset is available in gloss black and soft touch red. BlueAnt also uses improved noise cancellation software to provide clear calls, and the software can be upgraded via a PC.

The headset uses Bluetooth version 2.0 and has a range of up to 10 m. Users can answer and end calls, redial, mute calls, and voice dial directly from the headset. Talk time for the Z9i is up to 5.5 hours with a standby time of 200 hours. Weight is 10 g without the ear hook and 11 g with an ear hook.

Setup & Use
I tested the headset with my Apple iPhone, and found that it paired to my iPhone without any problems. The controls of the headset are very easy-to-use. The volume buttons are easy to find and use. The single larger multifunction key is also easy-to-use. BlueAnt includes both a USB charge cable and AC charge cable to keep the headset powered and ink pen style tie clip is featured under the earpiece for easy storage when not in use.

The rubber earpiece is comfortable, though in my case the fit was not tight enough to use the headset without the ear hook. Call quality is top notch on both ends of the conversation. I could clearly hear everyone I talked to using the headset, even when in the room noise louder than usual and the fan is running in the room providing a stiff breeze. The people I called gave perhaps the best complement to the BlueAnt Z9i headset. Many of them remarked that they had no idea I was using Bluetooth headset and thought I had the phone up to my ear.

The little headset is also attractive to look at and can be worn by both men and women. The headset provides plenty of volume making conversations easy to hear even in noisier environments or outdoors.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Comfortable
Long battery life
Easy to pair

Cons

Wouldn’t stay in my ear without ear loop

Verdict
The BlueAnt Z9i is a top-notch headset with a comfortable fit and good battery life and a call quality. Anyone in the market for new Bluetooth headset will want to compare the BlueAnt Z9i before making a final purchase decision.

9.0

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.