Callpod Dragon (titanium silver)
Manufacturer: Callpod, Inc. Part number: CDHS-0001
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Callpod Dragon is comfortable and user-friendly, but we wish the sound quality was better.
Read more
Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Callpod Dragon (titanium silver) price range: $49.99 - $119.95
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 12/06/2007
The good: The Callpod Dragon is a great-fitting headset with easy-to-use controls, plus a very wide connection range of 100 meters. It also features multidevice pairing and walkie-talkie functionality.
The bad: The Callpod Dragon had subpar outgoing sound quality, with the occasional echo and background hum.
The bottom line: The Callpod Dragon is comfortable and user-friendly, but we wish the sound quality was better.
Most Bluetooth headsets have a range of around 10 meters or 30 feet, and if they are outside of this range, the Bluetooth connection fails. This is typical of Class 2 Bluetooth technology, and until recently, not many headsets adopted the higher sensitivity and power of Class 1 Bluetooth, which promises a range of around 100 meters (328 feet). The Callpod Dragon Bluetooth headset is one of the first Class 1 Bluetooth headsets we've seen so far, and we were indeed impressed with how far we were able to extend the connection range. In addition, the Dragon features noise-suppression technology, multidevice pairing, a walkie-talkie feature with another Dragon headset, and a very secure and comfortable fit. Our only complaint is that outgoing sound quality wasn't the best. At $129.95, it's certainly quite a pricey headset, but if you want a headset with a large connection range plus walkie-talkie capabilities, the Callpod Dragon fits the bill.
Sporting a circular disc shape, the Callpod Dragon certainly doesn't have the look of a traditional Bluetooth headset. Measuring 1.25 by 2.16 by 2.25 inches, the Dragon looks more like a tiny black and gray hockey puck. That said, we liked how lightweight it was at only 0.9 ounce, and we liked how it lies flat to the face when worn. The multifunction button is placed prominently right in the middle of the headset, and thanks to its large size and rounded surface bump, it is easy to press even when the headset is worn. On the top of the Dragon is the Power button, which also acts as the volume rocker. You can push it down to toggle the power on and off, and you can rock it left and right to adjust the volume. This was also easy to press and use. Above the multifunction button are red and blue indicator lights, and underneath it are dual microphones for noise suppression.
On the back of the Dragon is a slender earbud that fits just inside the ear, along with an ear hook that can be switched to fit either the left or right ear. The ear hook is not quite optional, since you really do need it for a secure fit. But once it is properly placed around the ear, the Dragon fits like a glove. It's definitely one of the most comfortable and secure-fitting headsets we've tried. We should note that Callpod suggests you wear the headset in such a way that the headset's two microphones align in a straight line to your mouth, for better sound quality.
The Dragon has many of the typical Bluetooth headset features that we've come to expect: the ability to answer, end, and reject calls, call mute, and dial support. It also has some bonus features, like conference call support and multidevice pairing, meaning that it can be connected to two devices simultaneously. A nice bonus is that it can be paired with another Dragon headset for walkie-talkie functionality.
We tested the Callpod Dragon Bluetooth headset with the RIM BlackBerry Pearl and the LG Venus. The Dragon automatically goes into pairing mode the first time it's turned on, which is a big help in getting us started. If you want to send it into pairing mode again for another device, you can simply press the Power/Volume key once. Perhaps it was because of the full duplex speaker in the device, but we experienced excellent incoming call quality. Our callers sounded loud and clear, with natural-sounding voices. Outgoing sound didn't fare as well, however. Callers reported a slight echo in our voice, plus an occasional distant hum in the background. That said, they still managed to hear us in crowded environments, like a noisy restaurant.
We were definitely impressed with the Bluetooth range of the Dragon. When paired with another Dragon headset to test the walkie-talkie functionality, we were able to communicate even though we were in different corners of the CNET building--about 300 or so feet between us. We should note that at around the 250- to 300-foot mark, we heard increased static and noise, though that may have been because of the walls between us.
The Callpod Dragon comes with an AC adapter, a USB cable, and a car charger. It has a rated battery life of 8 hours talk time and 12.5 days standby time.
User reviews
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Awesome device!
by e8link on December 20, 2007
Pros: Range, Sound quality is fine
Cons: No replaceable ear gels like jabra
Summary: It's tought for me to rate a product a perfect 10 unless it's just perfect in every way.
I'm using this with a Samsung Blackjack phone and ...Summary: It's tought for me to rate a product a perfect 10 unless it's just perfect in every way.
I'm using this with a Samsung Blackjack phone and the range is awesome! Two story house with finished basement, I can leave the cell phone in the basement and still talk fine on the 2nd floor. I've had various Jabra model's before and a Nokia BH800 and the maximum range was perhaps 8 feet.
Unlike the CNET review I think the sound quality is good.
I love the fact that this is firmware is upgradeable - but not with Vista 64 bit - you will need to use a 32 bit computer. I will mention that I emailed their support email about the issue, and they offered to adjust the sound quality and upgrade for free - just send it in - and I got a real reply not from a support bot. I'm trying to remember when I got a great response from tech support and it's been few and far between.
The car charger, charging cable via USB and wall plug are something everyone SHOULD include but don't.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What are these other people thinking?
by johnniepost on February 18, 2008
Pros: Great range, easy to wear all day
Cons: Wish it had different colors.
Summary: I don't know what these bad reviews are for. I saw this back at CES 2008 in Vegas. I was instantly hooked. The long range, great battery life, and ...
Summary: I don't know what these bad reviews are for. I saw this back at CES 2008 in Vegas. I was instantly hooked. The long range, great battery life, and sleek design is all you want in a headset. Don't be fooled by the other reviews.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great headset, easy to setup and use
by joemusser1 on December 26, 2007
Pros: simple ergonomics, lightweight
Cons: none so far..
Summary: Was a breeze to pair with my MacBookPro & iPhone. Swaps effortlessly between Skype & iPhone calls. Love the long range I am getting from it, and the sound quality ...
Summary: Was a breeze to pair with my MacBookPro & iPhone. Swaps effortlessly between Skype & iPhone calls. Love the long range I am getting from it, and the sound quality is a big step ahead of both my old Motoral & SonyEricsson BT headsets... Now if only the iPhone would support Stereo BT 2.0, and call pod would make those....
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty freakin sweet!
by bobloblaw2 on December 17, 2007
Pros: Loud volume, decent range, not bulky.
Cons: Wish it was a stereo headset for my iphone
Summary: The volume controls are great, the incoming sound is good. I have used it in windy conditions and the person on the other end can hear me fine. I recommend ...
Summary: The volume controls are great, the incoming sound is good. I have used it in windy conditions and the person on the other end can hear me fine. I recommend it.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst...Headset...Ever!
by johnpmorton on February 9, 2008
Pros: It looks good in the box
Cons: uncomfortable to wear, lousy sound.
Summary: I had a terrible experience with this thing. I bought it, tried it out and took it back within an hour. I could go on and on about the plethora ...
Summary: I had a terrible experience with this thing. I bought it, tried it out and took it back within an hour. I could go on and on about the plethora of reasons why you shouldn't buy this headset, but I'd rather say something else; for the same amount of money buy the Sennheiser VMX 100 - Far better headset!!!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Horrible product hate it
Pros: Packaging, Pouch for storage & style looks trendy
Cons: Too big & bulky, hard to adjust in ear, arm attach broke 2nd day, doesn't stay well, volume week, material like cheap plastic, difficult to use
Summary: Hate it horrible in all aspects, wasn't allowed to return due to some stupid policy, waste of money, don't buy this product, replaced it with fantastic samsung product
Summary: Hate it horrible in all aspects, wasn't allowed to return due to some stupid policy, waste of money, don't buy this product, replaced it with fantastic samsung product
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The callpod dragon was great until I tried it on.
by timparrish on December 2, 2008
Pros: Style, packaging and walkie talkie feature...I bought 2 to use with a passenger on my motorcycle
Cons: It just will not stay in my ear at all, even trying both tips supplied. I tried several days but just not working. I used on-line support and they were not very helpful at all..."no one else has reported having problems with the fit" kind of thing.
Summary: If I could find a way to modify and fit my ear then it might have a chance. Otherwise both units are sitting in the bag gathering dust and I ...
Summary: If I could find a way to modify and fit my ear then it might have a chance. Otherwise both units are sitting in the bag gathering dust and I am out $200.
I'll do more research before buying in the future. -
Worst headset I have ever used
by racer99 on September 26, 2008
Pros: Can not think of any
Cons: Very poor audio reception and sending
Summary: This is a piece of junk, I can not get ahold of anyone at the company or the disctributor whko sold it who cares to help with the problem. Drops ...
Summary: This is a piece of junk, I can not get ahold of anyone at the company or the disctributor whko sold it who cares to help with the problem. Drops call, people I call cannot hear when called. When I call back with outhte headset, things are find.
I do not recommend this heaset. (sounds like the company has a bad quality problem and is not willing to stand behind the product when you get a bad one) -
Terrible device - audio quality so poor people won't talk to me.
by jmasterman on August 20, 2008
Pros: light, comfortable
Cons: Nobody would talk to me because they couldn't hear me!
Summary: After trying this product for 2 days I failed to have a single call in which I didn't have to abort using the device and switch to another headset ...
Summary: After trying this product for 2 days I failed to have a single call in which I didn't have to abort using the device and switch to another headset or the phone directly. My wife flat our refused to talk to me while using the device because the quality was so bad. Even worse, when I called to return the product the company won't provide any refunds!!!!! So I'm stuck with a device that doesn't work.
I hope these guys go out of business. They are terrible. -
awesome features! big and heavy with a horrible ear loop
by i177agionation on August 8, 2008
Pros: Awesome features! Class 1 bluetooth 100 meter range, and callpod to callpod walkie talkie with some distance 72,000 meter
Cons: the callpods very cool features got shot to hell with the horrible ear loop. The ear loop is hard, non-rotatable, non-adjustable and looks like the knobs holding them in place will fall off in a mont
Summary: don't buy it!!! wait for a better improvement on the earloop. A bluetooth headset with such awesome features is NO USE if you don't feel comfortable wearing it.
Summary: don't buy it!!! wait for a better improvement on the earloop. A bluetooth headset with such awesome features is NO USE if you don't feel comfortable wearing it.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Callpod, Inc.
- Part number: CDHS-0001
- Description: Talk on your mobile phone without wires with the Dragon Bluetooth headset. With a 328+ ft range, you can roam around your office or home without having to carry your phone. Dragon can also connect with your PC for Skype calls simultaneously, allowing you to switch between your PC and mobile phone with a press of a button. With advanced dual-microphone noise suppression, the callers on the other end will enjoy crystal clear voice even if you are at an airport, noisy restaurant or car. Works with all Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, computers and PDAs.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth 2.0, Wireless bluetooth earphone
- Width 2.6 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Weight 0.9 oz
- Recommended Use PDA, PC multimedia, Cellular phone
- Additional Features Bluetooth, Upgradeable firmware
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
- Headphones Technology Dynamic
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0
- Bluetooth Profiles Headset Profile (HSP), Hands Free Profile (HFP)
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
Microphone
- Type Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB
Power
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
- Run Time (Up To) 8 hour(s)
- Standby Time 300 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Callpod, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Callpod, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.callpod.com/
- Address:
850 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607
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