i913 Noise-canceling headset with Bluetooth wireless technology

I made a error in this post. I stated I had the i903 version when its the i913. I stated that something's didn't show up with it when this is the version that comes with limited items. It looks to be the same headset but different packaging. I've corrected this.

I've had it in my head for a while that I want to either listen to Sirius Satellite Radio streamed from my computer or to a podcast and not be tethered to the computer. Now I can use my iPod of course for the podcasts, but I've been starting to listen to live feeds as well. Plus I have worn my current cabled headsets out. 

So I went out and did some research into Bluetooth headsets. Now that I have the Lenovo X61 Tablet with Bluetooth, I can connect wirelessly with many of my peripherals such as my Sprint Sanyo 8400 Cell Phone with EVDO, and my Holox BT-321 Bluetooth GPS receiver.

My requirements were Bluetooth connection that supports A2DP, Stereo headset, long lasting battery, able to connect to two different Bluetooth devices and able to switch back and forth as needed. Boy I set my expectations high.

I found several different mono headsets that meet most of those requirements, but I wanted stereo. I found the iLuv i913 Noise-canceling headset with Bluetooth wireless technology.

It came with a ok bag, USB cable, Mini-USB to 3.5mm cable, and that's it. It was supposed to come with a Airline plug, USB Power Adapter and a Audio transmitter.  I'm a bit disappointed in that. I wanted the i903 which comes with the above Striked list, but I can't find the i903 anywhere. I would like to use the Audio transmitter to connect to my iPod, but now I'll have to either tether with the Mini-USB to 3.5mm cable or just buy another wired in-the-ear headset.

Its a foldable headset, with labeled right and left earphone. On the right earphone has the Bluetooth button that is the multifunction button. It will turn on the Bluetooth, switch devices, and set the paring mode. Also on the rim of the earphone is the Play/Pause button and the USB Connector. On the left earphone is the power switch. Its a three switch, Off, On without noise cancellation and On with Noise cancellation. Each earphone has a cushion that is a bit small for my ear, but is comfortable none the less.

Pairing to the X61 was not a problem. It immediately recognized it. Entering the super secret pairing code worked great. (Why don't they pick a different number instead of the same number everyone else uses?) It paired up as a Stereo Headset as well as Hands Free audio device. The i913 can only pair to two devices at once. By pairing as a Stereo Audio as well as Hands-Free Audio counts as two. The good thing is that I can listen to my podcasts and if a Skype call comes in, the headset switches over to Hands-free and allows me to talk over Skype. It switches back to the Stereo Audio after the call is done. I haven't done this with my cell phone yet, but I'm sure it would work fine.

The i913 sounds good. I don't expect much other then stereo sound. The noise cancellation doesn't silence everything, but allows you to hear the music or whatever is playing more clearly. You can hear a difference when it is off. I did look for a Bluetooth device with in the ear buds to block all the outside noise, but didn't find any that met my requirements.

The battery is stated to last 8 hours while in Stereo Audio listening mode and 9 hours Hands-Free Audio Talk mode. I've had it on listening to Sirius's Coffee House for over 4 hours and still work with out issue. I haven't had a marathon telephone call since my wife (my girlfriend at the time) and I lived in different parts of the state. Since there is no plan on me traveling to far I don't think I can test this one anytime soon. I have tested it out by calling friends across the country and have been told it sounded fine.

Its really nice to walk away from my computer and still be listening to the podcast or music. There have been times I roll my chair over only to be tugged back by the ears. Its not a pleasant feeling. I've walked into another room with one wall between me and my tablet still able to hear the music. It may drop out now and then but soon reconnects. Now I can walk around the house doing chores still listening to my podcasts without having a iPod attached to me and earphones pulling from my ears.

The only negative thing I've experienced is not with the i913 but with the X61. There is a problem with the X61's Bluetooth. I find that I can only connect via Bluetooth after a reboot or a pairing. I find I can't connect after coming out of sleep. It happens with all my Bluetooth peripherals. So that's a current draw back.

 Now for the real test of traveling in my car using the Bluetooth GPS, being connected to my Cellphone's EVDO via Bluetooth and call someone on Skype using the i913. I'll let you know how it goes.