Bluetooth, although using very similar technology, works at a miniscule level of radiation in comparison to mobile phones. It is considered by many leading experts to be an entirely insignificant risk to the user. I am not here to deliver a full study on the subject myself so I’d now like to tell you the difference that using a headset has made to my working life. As simple as it may seem, the fact that I can now speak on the phone without having to sacrifice the use of one of my hands has made my day to day work infinitely easier. Due to the nature of my work, I am often required to speak on the phone and operate my computer at the same time; sometimes transcribing quotes, typing addresses and searching for them on Google Maps, or simply checking my e-mail to corroborate information. Until now I have been struggling with both single-handed typing and wildly distracting head/shoulder phone holding techniques, both guaranteed to reduce productivity and accuracy of information, and generally make my day harder than I’d like it to be. My new headset has solved all of these problems, and I am a happier and more productive man because of it.
As well as the desk-based side of things, consider the following; Many of us are obliged to travel far and wide to get to certain jobs, and for a lot of people this calls for a large number of hours on the road. In the world of freelancing, this is time when one simply cannot afford to be out of phone contact, and I’d hope that we all know the dangers of taking a hand off the wheel to operate a mobile phone. Quite simply, the ability to stay in touch with employers and other business associates whilst on the move is essential, but endangering the lives of other road users, pedestrians and yourself is just not acceptable. This accepted, there are just 2 options; install a car kit, or get a Bluetooth headset. My arguments against the former are that it can be a good deal more expensive, particularly when installation costs are factored in to the equation, and that this expense limits you to hands-free use in the car only. The Bluetooth headset option can be both cheaper and a great deal more practical, since a headset can be used almost anywhere.
I don’t believe that Bluetooth headsets are the saviour all mankind, but having used one and benefited so greatly from doing so I can honestly say that they deserve a great deal more respect than they currently get. Given the massive advantages that such a device offers to those of us in the freelancing community, not to mention the health benefits that apply to everybody, purchasing and making use of a Bluetooth headset is simply a must.
By Jim Hatley
Image by Johnny Vulkan
