Beaks and Barks

Retractable Cord Leash

Peter Greenberg: The Gadget Guy Reviews And Proclaims The Best Bluetooth Headset

Here's a look at four new Bluetooth headsets that promise better performance than their predecessors. Of course, we've been hearing that for years, so are these really better and worth buying?

I tried them under a wide range of conditions: in my car with the air conditioner and radio on; outdoors in the breeze; and in noisy airports. I called friends and left messages on my answering machine to listen to how I sounded.

And at one point there was even a coffee grinder involved.

BLUEANT Q1
The Q1 is a small convex-shaped headset with a metallic finish and a large circular button on the front, and up/down volume buttons on one edge. Comfort was excellent for all-day wear. The voice quality most of the time was very good; occasionally my words were clipped a tiny bit.

On a breezy day and in my car with the air conditioner and radio on, I was easy to understand. In nearly all situations I was able to hear those speaking to me clearly, and their voices were rich sounding. It also worked well outdoors in a slight breeze.

What's special is the control which made it the easiest of any headset to use. I could speed dial by pushing the large button and say "call speed dial 1." It confirmed my command and then dialed. Its voice capability is a real advantage over other headsets that rely on pressing tiny buttons for various lengths of time and in different combinations.

The Q1's multipoint feature links it with two phones at once. So, for example, you can hook up the Q1 to both your cell phone and business phone and answer either one with the headset. Or it can connect to a phone and a computer to use it as a Skype headset.

Verdict: Best small headset yet.

Sound ID 300
This headset was the most difficult to use of the three. The Sound ID 300 is similar in size to the Q1. It has two tiny buttons along the edge. Volume and clarity were good on my end, but others often complained that my words were severely clipped, static-ridden or partially dropped.

The headset was comfortable to wear, but the plastic ear loop was not adjustable. Accessing its features requires holding down multiple tiny buttons on adjacent edges, and the LED indicator was nearly impossible to see outdoors.

Verdict: Nothing special; you can do better.

PLANTRONICS VOYAGER PRO
This latest headset from Plantronics trades the discreetness of the others for performance and battery life without sacrificing comfort. The battery and controls sit behind the ear counter-balanced by the boom microphone that stretched halfway to your mouth. It's quite comfortable and feels more secure and less likely to fall off while running through an airport. Small buttons on the housing and on the boom control volume, power and other functions.

Performance is excellent on both outgoing and incoming conversations. Sound is rich and natural, and some I spoke with were surprised to learn I was using a headset. Its ability to work in a light breeze was excellent-better than anything I've tried. The Pro also has multi-point technology to use with two phones.

The large battery provides almost two days of use versus barely one day from most smaller headsets. It's ruggedly built, and the company emphasizes it can be carried in a pocket without getting damaged. One useful feature is a voice prompt when your battery is low.

Verdict: Best overall performance

JAWBONE PRIME
The just-released Prime replaces the Jawbone 2. While it looks nearly identical to its predecessor, it's significantly better in performance. Sound quality at my end was fuller and less trebly. Its background noise reduction, the second generation of its "NoiseAssassin" technology, is much more effective, and it works in very breezy areas.

With the car's air conditioner on high and the radio blasting, I was easily understood. Even standing next to a running coffee grinder I could be heard. Those I spoke with thought the performance was the best of the group.

For Jawbone's noise reduction to work it needs to be up against your face to detect your jaw movement. With earlier models, if the headset wasn't positioned properly, chances are you could leave a message that no one could understand. The new model features a backup system that proved quite effective. In addition, a new eartip design improves contact against the face. The Prime comes with a multitude of eartips and earhooks, a USB charger, and a non-standard connecting cord.

Verdict: Great performance and the best of the small headsets in adverse conditions, but not for ease of use. For now, expect it to sell close to its list price of $130.

Recommendations:

The BlueAnt and Plantronics Pro are excellent performers, but the new Jawbone Prime betters the BlueAnt when used in noisy environments. The BlueAnt and Jawbone are more discreet; the former gives you great ease of use while the latter works better under adverse conditions. The Plantronics offers top performance and long battery life, a necessity for business travelers. The Sound ID 300 fails to match the performance of the others and is not a good value at the highest list price of the three.

Don't lose that headset!

If you're concerned about losing or misplacing one of these expensive Bluetooth headsets, check out the BlueClip retractable leash. The reel, with a thin retractable cord, clips onto a purse, pocket, belt or a shirt collar. When not using the headset, the cord reels it in. From $15.

About the Author

After more than two decades as travel correspondent for ABC's *Good Morning America* and as Travel Editor for NBC's *Today* show, Peter Greenberg continues to be America's most recognized, honored and respected front-line travel expert.For more information please visit - www.petergreenberg.com

how do i get my new puppy to like her retractable cord leash and walk with it?

I'd say get a plain ol' nylon leash or leather(leathers real good) the retractable leashes suck. You have no control over your dog and they can easily PULL you...

Retractable Badge Reels

Flexi Classic Retractable Cord/Tape Lead, 23-ft Long Version of the original retractable leash. Features 23 ft. length....

FLEXI CAT LEASH BLACK 10' $9.99 Flexi Mini Cord Retractable Cat Leash in BlackThis is the original retractable cord leash. The leash has a comfortable, patented one finger brake operation. Everything you could want in a retractable leash--durable construction, a smooth, quiet, reliable retraction mechanism that works every time, tough braking system, comfortable fit, and a safety loop to use in addition to your cat's harness. Yo...

Flexi Classic Lead 16-Feet Small Cord for Dogs up to 26-Pound, Pink $13.34 One-hand-operated braking and retracting system. 16 foot retractable cord. For small dogs up to 26 pounds....

Petmate Blue Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead $18.89 Petmate Blue Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead allows your pet greater freedom while still being under your supervision. The patented handle allows you to easily control the length of the leash while reducing arm strain. Best of all, the Walkabout comes with rugged body design and an anti-wear cord ring. Gain more control over your dog on walks with this excellent Petmate Blue Colored Wa...

Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead $19.87 Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead allows your pet greater freedom while still being under your supervision. The patented handle allows you to easily control the length of the leash while reducing arm strain. Best of all, the Walkabout comes with rugged body design and an anti-wear cord ring. Gain more control over your dog on walks with this excellent Petmate Red Colored Walk...

Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead allows your pet greater freedom while still being under your supervision. The patented handle allows you to easily control the length of the leash while reducing arm strain. Best of all, the Walkabout comes with rugged body design and an anti-wear cord ring. Gain more control over your dog on walks with this excellent Petmate Red Colored Walk...

Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead $19.87 Petmate Red Colored WalkAbout Retractable Cord Dog Lead allows your pet greater freedom while still being under your supervision. The patented handle allows you to easily control the length of the leash while reducing arm strain. Best of all, the Walkabout comes with rugged body design and an anti-wear cord ring. Gain more control over your dog on walks with this excellent Petmate Red Colored Walk...

Flexi Classic Retractable Cord Leash black $21.1 Retractable cord leash with a comfortable one-hand breaking sytem makes walking the dog an easy task. Leash extends to a maximum of 16 feet. This leash is for medium-sized dogs up to 44-lbs.

Flexi Long 1 Retractable CORD Leash for Dogs up to 26 lbs. $24 Flexi Long 1 Retractable Cord Leash is the world's longest retractable cord leash for walking your dog. It extends up to 26 feet and is for small dogs up to 26 lbs.Directions: 1. Extend your arm forward and press the brake button with your thumb to prevent the dog from further extending the leash cord. 2. With the brake button depressed, step towards your dog and at the same time bring your arm to your side. 3. Release the brake button and swing your arm towards the dog so that the leash cord can retract into the leash housing. Press the brake button again to prevent the leash cord from extending further. Repeat this procedure as often as needed.Warning: To avoid potential eye and face injury and cutting, burning and amputation injuries to your body from the leash cord and hook, all users must read and follow the enclosed Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet before using the Flexi Dog Leash. For use by responsible adults only. NEVER use the leash near or around infants and children. NEVER WRAP THE LEASH CORD AROUND FINGERS OR OTHER BODY PARTS!

Flexi Long 2 Retractable CORD Leash for Dogs up to 44 lbs. $26.88 Flexi Long 2 Retractable Cord Leash is the world's longest retractable cord leash for walking your dog. It extends up to 26 feet and is for small dogs up to 44 lbs.Directions: 1. Extend your arm forward and press the brake button with your thumb to prevent the dog from further extending the leash cord. 2. With the brake button depressed, step towards your dog and at the same time bring your arm to your side. 3. Release the brake button and swing your arm towards the dog so that the leash cord can retract into the leash housing. Press the brake button again to prevent the leash cord from extending further. Repeat this procedure as often as needed.Warning: To avoid potential eye and face injury and cutting, burning and amputation injuries to your body from the leash cord and hook, all users must read and follow the enclosed Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet before using the Flexi Dog Leash. For use by responsible adults only. NEVER use the leash near or around infants and children. NEVER WRAP THE LEASH CORD AROUND FINGERS OR OTHER BODY PARTS!

Flexi Classic 2 Retractable CORD Leash for Dogs up to 44 lbs $22.5 Flexi Classic 2 Retractable Cord Leash is one of the original retractable cord dog leashes with the smooth and long lasting Flexi retracting mechanism. It extends up to 16 feet and is for small dogs up to 44 lbs.Directions: 1. Extend your arm forward and press the brake button with your thumb to prevent the dog from further extending the leash cord. 2. With the brake button depressed, step towards your dog and at the same time bring your arm to your side. 3. Release the brake button and swing your arm towards the dog so that the leash cord can retract into the leash housing. Press the brake button again to prevent the leash cord from extending further. Repeat this procedure as often as needed.Warning: To avoid potential eye and face injury and cutting, burning and amputation injuries to your body from the leash cord and hook, all users must read and follow the enclosed Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet before using the Flexi Dog Leash. For use by responsible adults only. NEVER use the leash near or around infants and children. NEVER WRAP THE LEASH CORD AROUND FINGERS OR OTHER BODY PARTS!

Flexi Classic 1 Retractable CORD Leash for Dogs up to 26 lbs $19.25 Flexi Classic 1 Retractable Cord Leash is one of the original retractable cord dog leashes with the smooth and long lasting Flexi retracting mechanism. It extends up to 16 feet and is for small dogs up to 26 lbs.Directions: 1. Extend your arm forward and press the brake button with your thumb to prevent the dog from further extending the leash cord. 2. With the brake button depressed, step towards your dog and at the same time bring your arm to your side. 3. Release the brake button and swing your arm towards the dog so that the leash cord can retract into the leash housing. Press the brake button again to prevent the leash cord from extending further. Repeat this procedure as often as needed.Warning: To avoid potential eye and face injury and cutting, burning and amputation injuries to your body from the leash cord and hook, all users must read and follow the enclosed Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet before using the Flexi Dog Leash. For use by responsible adults only. NEVER use the leash near or around infants and children. NEVER WRAP THE LEASH CORD AROUND FINGERS OR OTHER BODY PARTS!

Flexi Mini 10 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Small Pets up to 18 lbs. (Blue) $14.97 Flexi Mini 10 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Small Pets up to 18 lbs. (Blue) A retractable 10 ft. cord leash with one-hand-operated braking and retracting system. It is intended for dogs, cats & other small animals up to 18 lbs.

Flexi Mini 10 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Small Pets up to 18 lbs. (Pink) $14.97 Flexi Mini 10 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Small Pets up to 18 lbs. (Pink) A retractable 10 ft. cord leash with one-hand-operated braking and retracting system. It is intended for dogs, cats & other small animals up to 18 lbs.

Flexi Comfort 16 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Small Dogs up to 26 lbs. (Black) $20.97 Soft Grip Handle, Retractable Cord Leash, Maximum length of 16 ft. For small dogs up to 26 lbs.

Flexi Comfort 16 ft. Retractable Cord Dog Leash / Lead for Medium Dogs up to 44 lbs. (Black) $23.97 Soft Grip Handle, Retractable Cord Leash, Maximum length of 16 ft. For small dogs up to 44 lbs.

Flexi MINI Retractable CORD Leash for Dogs up to 18 lbs. $16.2 The Flexi MINI Retractable Cord Leash is great for smaller dogs. It gives you complete control. For instance, if you have your pet out in your yard to do their duty you might want to give them the full extension to let them have some space, however it adapts nicely if another dog comes in the yard you can retract the lead and keep your dog closer to you for more control. New one finger operation makes this the best lead yet!Size: Extends up to 10' (for dogs up to 10 lbs.Directions for Use: 1. To OPERATE: Hold the flexi leash by the handle, not the leash cord. The leash cord will run in and out freely without sagging. 2. TO STOP LEASH: Press the brake button down firmly with your thumb. The brake will stay locked as long as the button is pressed. 3. TO LOCK BRAKE: Press the brake button down firmly and with your thumb push the lock forward. The leash will remain at a fixed length. It is recommended to use the permanent lock only when you want the dog to walk to heel. 4. TO RELEASE BRAKE LOCK: Press the brake button with your thumb; next, using your thumb, draw back the lock; then slowly release the brake button.Warning: To avoid potential eye and face injury and cutting, burning and amputation injuries to your body from the leash cord and hook, all users must read and follow the enclosed Warnings and Directions for Use pamphlet before using the Flexi Dog Leash. For use by responsible adults only. NEVER use the leash near or around infants and children. NEVER WRAP THE LEASH CORD AROUND FINGERS OR OTHER BODY PARTS!