AGn Designs

The i199 looks a lot like many other iPod docks on the market.   That is, it’s about the size of a shoebox and features a small cradle on the top side to hold an iPod.  But near the iPod cradle is a spot to plug in a tiny BluePin module, which adds Bluetooth functionality.  With the module in place, you can stream music from a phone to the i199’s speakers or trasmit sound from the unit to a wireless headset.  Though the Bluetooth function isn’t built in, exactly, pairing was painless, and the sound was excellent.

The device also features a CD player, which plays MP3 CD’s, too.  A digital tuner controls the radio – with the option for as many as 40 presets – while the clock has an alarm that can wake you up with tunes from the radio, CD, or iPod, or with a buzzer.  It even has an option to play files stored on a USB drive; the only thing missing from the i199 is satellite-radio support.

The unit isn’t quite as attractive as similar boxes from Apple and others, but it’s hard to beat the feature set and robust sound.  The LCD is utilitarian but clear and easy to read, even from a distance.  An included remote rounds out the impressive package, which has a lot more to offer than similarly priced solutions.

iLuv 199; $199; www.iluv.com

These light, folding headphones won’t snuff out the Bosses of the world, but iLuv manages a pretty compelling offer with its i913 Noise Canceling Headphones. The company takes its Bluetooth connections very seriously, and in that respect these headphones are an option that road warriors can’t afford to ignore.

The cans pair easily with compatible cell phones and MP3 players. An optional Bluetooth dongle (bundled with the $189 iLuv i903) lets you use the phones wirelessly with non-Bluetooth devices (like the iPod). Simply plug the dongle into the headphone port on any device that has one, and set both it and the headphones to pairing mode.

Wireless transmission isn’t worth much if the resulting sound is poor, but these headphones have passed many tests – quite easily.  The sound reproduction was treble-heavy, as is often the case with Bluetooth devices, and there is some low frequency distortion at high volumes, but the headphones should be good enough for everyday business and recreational use. Bass was present in good measure, and the details of audiobooks and a variety of music genres come through with clarity.

We’d like a more rugged build for gear meant to be schlepped from city to city; the folding joints on this headset feel especially susceptible to damage, and in general the physical heft isn’t commensurate with the high price tag. A stiff case would alleviate our fears, but iLuv skimps on protection. That’s not a deal-breaker, but those who tend to beat on their travel bags should shop with care.

$149; www.iluv.com

They don’t call it the Phone Booth for nothing.  The latest Plantronics headset features top-notch sound-isolating and noise-canceling technology to give you the silence you need to be productive on the go.  For use with VoIP calling, music listening, gaming, or any other application, the .Audio 480 Virtual Phone Booth’s sound-isolating earbuds ensure you can hear well in even the noisiest of airports, and its noise canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology keep conversations intelligible for both parties.  As Plantronics’ smallest and most portable computer headset, the .Audio 480 folds up and fits easily into your carry-on.  Peace and quiet has never been this easy.

Plantronics .Audio 480 Virtual Phone Booth Headset

$89.95 for the analog version, $109.95 for the USB version

www.plantronics.com

Just as a good suit can take you from day to evening, a good smart phone can take you from work to play without any hiccups.  The new Moto Q9h does just that.  Its HSDPA data capabilities and Windows Mobile 6 OS will keep you connected from nine to five.  And you’ll love the revamped keyboard; in fact, it’s the best we’ve felt on any smart phone in the past year.  Come 5:01 p.m., you’ll be able to loosen that tie and have some fun; the Q9h shoots 2-MP stills and records videos at 30fps — perfect for YouTube.  Plus, this smart phone supports a plethora of media files and stereo Bluetooth connectivity.  Even with all of these features, the Q9h measures a pocket-friendly 0.5 inches thick.

Moto Q9h; $TBA; www.motorola.com

Bluetooth speakers typically come in two varieties: big and booming, and small and crappy. The compact Parrot Party breaks the portable mold by providing rich sound in almost any setting. At only 9 inches long and 21 ounces, it fits easily in any briefcase or travel bag. Stream music from your stereo Bluetooth-enabled music phone to the Part and let the Class-D amplifier, dual full-range speakers, and Stereo Widening and Super Bass settings tool you into thinking you’re listening to a full-sized stereo. A 3.5mm auxiliary jack and an optional Bluetooth dongle (sold separately) ensure that the Party won’t be picky about whom it plays with, and four hours of rated playback on its rechargeable battery means it won’t leave your party in awkward silence.

Parrot Party; $169; www.parrot.com

The first LG Chocolate music phone was sexy but marred by finicky controls.  The sequel, available in three flavors (Black, Blue Mint, and Black Cherry), brings a better interface and new features to the mix.  The Chocolate’s best upgrade is its new Navigation Wheel that makes scrolling through your music library – now organized by artist, genre, and album – a breeze.  The touch-sensitive buttons provide force feedback.  Optimized for use with Verizon’s powerful V CAST Music service, the slider features a customizable equalizer and lets you set music to play in the background while you’re busy texting or browsing Web over Verizon’s EV-DO network.

LG Chocolate VX8550; $99 (after two-year contract and rebate); verizonwireless.com

The Apple TV

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