Put a Dragon in your wagon
Posted by Tim Hillebrand on 06/23/08 in Featured Posts, General, Headsets, Mobility Site Week in Review, Mobilitysite Reviews, Tritton
The Callpod Dragon Bluetooth wireless headset is a truly unique device, but then so are most of the peripherals produced by this company. Yes, the Dragon could be considered just another headset, but it’s so much more, and that’s what makes it unique. Before I get into its other attributes, let me tell you about its headset functions.
One of the first things I test with any Bluetooth device is its ease of connectivity. The Dragon was no problem and connected instantly. That got things off to a good start.
What didn’t get things off to a good start was trying to get it over my ear with glasses on without the ear hanger or hook becoming detached. It seemed a daunting, impossible task. I had to take my glasses off. Then I threaded my ear into the loop. It squished my ear and was immediately uncomfortable. After all sorts of awkward gyrations, I was able to reconnect the earpiece to the unit above the ear bud that fits into your ear. Then I found out that I had put the earloop on incorrectly. After that, it worked much better.
One size does not fit all. I will admit to being on the elephant end of the ear size scale. This unit may fit someone with tiny ears better. I also found that the earpiece easily disconnected from the unit, and I worry about losing it.
However, I must say that once properly connected to my ear, the sound quality and functionality was very acceptable. Connection was a breeze. Its noise cancellation dual mic technology helps tremendously with sound quality and reducing background noise, even if you are in traffic or at an airport.
The big MFB (multi-function button in the middle of the unit connects and disconnects calls, puts them on hold and creates three-way calling triads.
I’m not certain how long it took to charge completely the first time because I got tired of waiting and went to bed. Battery life is good though with a projected 8 hours of talk time and 300 hours of standby.
The Dragon measures 1.25 x 2.16 x 2.25 inches, is uniquely round in shape, and weighs 0.9 ounces. Note that the firmware is upgradable with an Internet connection.
In the Box
I have to comment on the box first. The Dragon is mounted under a see-through lid as if it were a crown jewel in a museum exhibit under extremely tight security. I never could figure out how to open the box. I finally had to take out my box cutter and perform major surgery to extract it.
Here’s what you get in the box when you finally break in: Dragon headset, AC charger, car charger, USB cable, Chargepod adapter cable, extra earpiece, printed manual, and a zipper bag carrying case.
I really appreciate all the different ways it is possible to charge a Dragon. You can even get a portable charging unit from Callpod that adds yet another way to slip it some juice.
Special Features
Now what makes this device so special? Yes, it performs all the expected functions of a normal wireless, Bluetooth headset, but what else does it do?
One of the main features that separates this headset from others is that it functions as a walkie talkie if you have two of them paired over a 250,000 square foot area.
Dragons work on virtually all popular phone platforms with Bluetooth capability. But, you can also, with a Bluetooth connection, use the headset for telephonic communication from your desktop or laptop using Skype or MagicJack.
Dragon technology offers ranges of connectivity up to 100 meters in distance from the phone source. This is another feature that sets them apart from most other similar devices.
With the help of an interesting peripheral, the Dragon will turn into a conference call speaker system. Check out Callpod’s Phoenix mobile conferencing system that can connect up to five Dragon or even other Bluetooth headsets that allows users to speak in full duplex. You can also use Phoenix with an Internet phone hookup such as MagicJack or Skype.
Conclusions
I found the Dragon ear loop uncomfortable and too easily detachable so that I worried about it becoming disconnected and losing it. Callpod should work on the comfort factor and create a better method of connecting the ear loop to the device.
I appreciated all the ways Callpod accommodates charging this device, its long battery life, and its ease of connecting. Its functionality was faultless. Perhaps a little more volume would be a good thing.
Given all the other uses—conferencing and walkie talkie—the Dragon is a gem among headsets and worth of your consideration. With all its extra functionality, it is an excellent value for the price.
Dragons come in three flavors: Titanium Silver, Black Chrome, and Carbon Fiber. The suggested retail price is $99.95 and are available at many electronics outlets. Shop around for a better price. I have seen them for as low as $59.95. See them online at www.callpod.com.
Written by Tim Hillebrand · Filed Under Featured Posts, General, Headsets, Mobility Site Week in Review, Mobilitysite Reviews, Tritton
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Wow, this review seems so familiar. I can’t quite put my finger on it, though. What is it about this product that rings a bell. Hmmm?
Wait, I think I got it:
http://mobilitysite.com/2008/05/callpod-dragon-bluetooth-headset-review/
Okay, guys, the Callpod contest is over, so no more humorous submissions! ;-)
I enjoyed reading both reviews. It’s interesting to read the different perspectives. Sounds like a cool headset