Blog About Cell Phone Cordless Headset

Thanks to the lovely folks at AT&T (and to my incessant whining), I was provided a nifty and futuristic MicroCell device that works like a mini cell tower in my apartment to boost the signal on my phone (and hopefully not cause all kinds of cancer). While my phone now displays four bars at most times, it’s not infallible and dropped a call last night. But unlike my pre-MicroCell existence, reception was excellent prior to said dropped call.

As for improving service for people who do not live in my apartment, AT&T’s Ellen Webner said the company is “readily aware we need to enhance the coverage.” She emphasized that service issues in New York City are not for lack of funding or resources. “New York City is the top priority of the entire company as far as wireless coverage and performance,” she added.

But it’s not as simple as merely building a cell tower to improve the signal; AT&T actually has no towers in the city, relying instead on equipment placed on the rooftops and sides of buildings. Getting co-op boards and landlords to agree to install this equipment can be tricky business, especially in a historic district like Brooklyn Heights.

To that end, AT&T has ways of camouflaging the equipment so that it blends in with the architecture.  “We have antennas on the Flatiron Building in Manhattan,” said Webner. “But nobody would ever know.”

She owed that there is more traffic on the AT&T network than ever before, but that they are making aggressive changes to ensure better results for customer. To their credit, I have noticed that my iPhone now works much better in Manhattan than it did last year.

It remains to be seen how and when cell phone service in Brooklyn Heights will improve, if at all. AT&T insists they are working on the problem in the area, and maybe in time the signal will improve and we can all dance together in the streets while making millions of uninterrupted cell phone calls. For now, however, my advice for the afflicted would be to get your hands on a MicroCell, and hope for the best.

Price : $45.99

Customer Rate :

Features

• Use your BlackBerry smartphone or A2DP-compatible music phone to play and wirelessly control music on your home stereo
• Plugs into your stereo using 3.5mm stereo cable or RCA auxiliary cable
• Tap a finger on its touch-sensitive surface to bring it to life or put it to sleep
• Compatible with other devices embedded with Bluetooth A2DP stereo music streaming profile

Product Description

Break away from your regular headsets and enjoy your favorite music throughout the comfort of your own home. This small, stylish device works with your home sound system or personal stereo to stream the music stored on your BlackBerry smartphone or other compatible devices. To wirelessly transmit your music, simply connect the Gateway using the accompanying 3.5mm stereo cable or RCA auxiliary cable to your stereo system, turn on the gateway, pair your device, and that’s it! You are free to roam up to 30 feet without missing a single beat. The BlackBerry Music Gateway is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled mobile devices so you can stream your music from your BlackBerry smartphone, PC, laptop, or any other compatible mobile phone. This easy to use, ultra portable accessory is great for those looking to enjoy their music the way it is supposed to be heard.

Customer Reviews

Haven’t received it yet!!!, June 6, 2010
By Jean Lefebvre
I made a mistake and used my old address to ship my product. I’ve been in contact with Blue Harbor Online for the last 3 weeks now. Their answer: we need for the product to be shipped back to us by PURO. I never hear of them for over a week now. Sooooo…. I don’t have my product and I can’t evaluated it. Nobody at Blue Harbor Online offered me any solution to my problem but waiting. I’ll let you make your own opinion about them yourself. Cheers all!…. Jean L.

Fantastic Wireless Music Device, May 15, 2010
By hdtravel
This device is just fantastic !

I use it with my Nokia e71 phone and my Apple 64GB 3G iPad to stream music wirelessly. Stream stored music or Web radio.

Works great in the car and around the home and office. No more messing with ugly cables. Just gently touch it and the audio starts playing through your amplified speakers.

The audio quality is quite nice and clear and solid. No interference, no pops, no noise.

I had no trouble pairing it with my devices and it keeps paired.

No power supply is included with it. You must supply a power supply that has a mini-USB type plug. These are common and cheap. They are used by many cell phones and other devices such as GPS receivers. This is the mini-USB type plug, NOT the thinner micro-USB plug.

This is just a really cool device. It will amaze people how you play your music wirelessly. I am now ordering a second one. You will love it.

“Charging” Cable is VERY misleading, May 2, 2010
By Andy Foote
Even the printed material with this item states “Charging” cable – there is NOT charging of this device. It requires plugged in power 100% of the time. Very misleading.

That said, the audio and distance is good. On my iphone and ipad, both seem to dissable volume control – so I have to reply on my speaker volume – that the gateway in plugged into.

Sweet little device, April 30, 2010
By S. Sax
Update: June 08, 2010: Just paired this device with my Apple iPad… sweet! Works perfectly..

*****************************

This is a really functional device that I use with a Blackberry Storm 2.

Pro’s:

1. Very simple install

2. Very small form-factor

3. Works exactly as advertised – streams music via a reliable bluetooth connection

Con’s:

1. Requires the older format, larger plug (which is not included; need to purchase separately). BlackBerry Folding Blade USB Charger for BlackBerry 6210, 6220, 6230, 6280, 6510, 7100g, 7100i, 7100r, 7100t, 7100v, 7100x, 7105t, 7130e, 7210, 7230, 7250, 7270, 7280, 7290, 7510, 7520, 8700c

2. Does not have a port for an optical connection to the sound system

The Amazon product description needs to be updated – this device works with the Storm 2 and all current BB models, as well as the older models listed in the product information.

I believe this handy device was introduced in 2008; it really needs to be updated to address the items listed in my Con’s. Even so, I recommend it as a very useful addition to your Blackberry installation.

The Perfect “Gateway”, April 27, 2010
By Prem Raj
I was a little skeptical about buying this product considering a handful of reviewers commented on the extremely poor audio quality. Nevertheless, I decided to take the plunge. Two words – no regrets!

Being an audiophile myself, I can tell that the audio quality is not perfect but it is clear and has no interferences / disturbances / noise. This is paramount for delivering audio wirelessly. I was pleasantly surprised – especially since I bought it to use in my car, a place where it is usually rife with interference.

My 2009 BMW 320i has USB and Aux jacks so it makes the Blackberry Bluetooth Gateway(BBG) perfect. The USB just powers the BBG and the mini-jack connects to the Aux. As the ports are hidden in the arm-rest, the BBG and its cables can be stowed away neatly. And for those who think that it only works well with Blackberry devices, I have my BBG paired to my iPhone 3G.

Now, I have my iTunes playlist on the go and if I don’t feel like it, I launch an app that plays Internet radio stations (connect via 3G – telco / data charges apply) and I have Internet radio on the move. SMS alert tones are also delivered through the audio system and my son gets a thrill of the stereo “effect” when he plays games on my iPhone in the car.

If you already have a bluetooth car kit and are worried that they won’t work together, this might help. I have a Parrot bluetooth car kit (aftermarket – works with my BMW’s steering controls) and both devices pair to the iPhone simultaneously. When a call comes through, the iPod (in the 3G iPhone) stops and the Parrot car kit takes over and mutes the stereo system so that you can take the call! When the call has ended, Parrot “relinquishes” control, unmutes the system and the iPod continues from where it left off.

A caveat though – this set does not come with its own power adapter or USB cables so you’re expected to have one of these to power it up. And although some reviewers say that the BBG has to be powered on to retain it’s pairing information, I’ve had no such problems. Turning off the ignition powers down the BBG completely and when I start my car up the next day, it pairs seamlessly again to my iPhone without my intervention. The only problem I have is choosing what playlist I want for my drive.

A brilliant device overall. I am planning to buy one or two more, perhaps for my bedroom and living room systems.