INTRODUCTION

    Is less more? Nowadays, it’s easy to pick up a device that touts many features. As is often the case, however, devices that deliver a broad spectrum of features seem to do everything adequately rather than doing a single feature well. Conversely, devices that do one feature at the expense of many seem to do that feature well. Bluetake’s BT400GX is one such device, it acts as a headset and that’s about it. Given that this item is not feature-rich, does it perform well as a headset? Read on as this device is reviewed.

WHAT’S HOT

    So simple a cavemen could use it (no offense Gieco man!). Nothing new here, but a few points worth mentioning:

   Here’s our comparison matrix…the BT400GX sports 6 hours of talk time, which is decent, but not great. This unit also has one of the lowest street prices.

SETUP

   This involved the standard Bluetooth pairing process: start the Bluetooth radio on an enabled phone and and scan for new devices. Within a few seconds it should recognize this headset as:

"BT400 GX"

. Pairing code is the industry standard "0000". No problems were encountered when establishing a pair with both my phone.

PRODUCT FEATURES

   The headset itself is pretty clunky. Slightly larger than your average Bluetooth headset. I found the fit to be extremely comfortable though, probably in part due to the speaker; there is no flanged earbud as can be found on some other headsets. For some folks this could be considered a disadvantage, but I actually found it to be beneficial. The speaker would slide comfortably over the ear canal without any additional pressure.

   Volume is controlled via two buttons (top and bottom), and the unit also has a large side button for turning the headset on and off, pairing, and answering/making calls. There’s a small blue led which blinks blue during call duration, red for low power/charging mode, and a blue/red blink during pairing. The earhook can be removed, reversed, then clipped back on. This allows the user to wear the headset on either ear.

(all images link to higher resolution)

The BT400GX ships in a small blister box, nice and minimalist.

Here’s an un-boxing shot. Included: the BT400GX headset, USB Cable, multi-lingual Manual, Warranty info.

Here’s the BT400GX compared to some familiar items. Pretty chunky.

Side profile: not bad for a headset, but again, pretty chunky.

The under-belly of the BT400GX; here we can see the speaker and the mic, note: no user replaceable earbuds.

Here’s a look at the BT400GX propped up on the earhook, note the miniUSB port… Great stuff!

Here’s a glimpse at the LED: blue for talking, red for charging plus low batt, red/blue for pairing

  Both range and call quality were good, in fact, I was extremely happy with the call quality of this item. The other party was able to hear my voice loud and clear, and I was able to hear them without any noticeable distortion/static.

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HELP SUPPORT

    This item carries a 1-year warranty. Usage instructions are shipped with the device and available via the Bluetake website.

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SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    The Bluetake BT400GX is compatible with any Bluetooth device that supports the headset or hands free profile.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
It feels a little cheap, and although I doubt it would actually fall out, the main button is loose. Some users may prefer additional features such as multiple pairing and a smaller footprint. Bluetake list items such as "speaker", "mic" and "earhook" as on their site as features…. Bit of a stretch!

PURCHASING

   
The BT400GX retails for approximately USD$45.00 via the Bluetake site. A quick search online revealed availability for as low as USD$24.99.

PROS

• 
  

  Simple, reliable performance

• 
  

  Once configured, easy to use

• 
  

  MiniUSB compatible

CONS

• 
  

  Feels cheap

• 
  

  Chunky

• Lacks features – may bother some

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

OVERALL IMPRESSION

   In a world of crazy devices, its comforting to see something refreshingly simple. My initial impressions of this device were pretty adverse, but the minute I began using it, I realized how efficient and reliable this unit really was; hence, my opinion immediately changed. This is one device that focuses on a single feature, does it extremely well, and can be obtained for under $30. At the end of the day, I want to be able to make and receive calls wirelessly. I don’t care if the device is pretty or not. For me, less is definitely more.