Testing:

Our testing was done by using the Nitrox x735 Bluetooth stereo headphones with both an Apple iPhone 3G and an Apple MacBook. The unit was paired to both of these Bluetooth capable devices and tested multiple times with each device in a variety of scenarios. The iPhone testing included listening to music and podcasts, playing games, and making and receiving numerous phone calls. For the MacBook testing, we used the headphones with iTunes and conducted several video meeting sessions using iChat.



While receiving phone calls, all you need to do is push the Bluetooth multi-function button on the front of the device and the call is automatically answered. Making calls was a bit more of a challenge with the iPhone. In order to use the unit with the phone, you'll need to select the speaker button and then choose the Nitrox x735 button. This is just the way Apple has chosen to deal with Bluetooth accessories and may not be a feature on every smartphone. Other than that minor inconvenience, the sound quality was very good. There was no crackling or distortion, and I was never once asked if I was on a speakerphone - as I often am with other headsets. This speaks volumes for the quality of the microphone Nitrox has used in the x735. The earbud quality, while not outstanding by any means, is certainly no worse than any other earbud-type headphone on the market, including the stock earbuds Apple provides with the iPhone.

Using the x735 with our Macbook, we saw similar results. The clarity of speech and call quality was very good, but the audio quality from listening to music was average. The nice thing about the unit is the ability to walk away from the desk and have the other party hear what you are saying even if they can't see you - something you may not be able to do with the MacBook's built-in microphone. There were several instances when I had to sketch something out on a whiteboard behind me, and the person on the other end could hear me without having to shout. While listening to music, I was able to walk down the hall and grab another cup of coffee without losing connection. However, if I went beyond our kitchen the unit disconnected and once I got back in range, I had to reconnect to the device. Nitrox says the range is about 30 feet and we can confirm that figure. This was also very helpful during our iPhone testing as we could charge the phone and still wander around taking calls and listening to music.

During multiple test days, we manage to average about 6 hours of battery with mixed use. Nitrox claims 6 hours for audio and 7 hours for headset/phone use, so that falls right in line with their claims.