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  1. Hardware Review: Andrea Electronics WNC-1500 Wireless Computer Headset

    by , 03-11-2013 at 10:52 AM

    What is it?

    The Andrea Electronics WNC-1500 is a Wireless Computing Headset featuring digital audio enhancement and noise cancellation.

    The Verdict:

    The WNC-1500 is an excellent option when looking for a wireless communication device for VOIP. Communication was crystal clear in a variety of busy environments. The headset is very comfortable and provides a secure fit allowing for a pleasant listening experience.



    What’s in the box?

    The WNC-1500 Comes with the headset, a 2.4ghz USB adapter, USB charging cable, a convenient carrying case, and an instruction manual. Software is also available for download from AndreaElectronics.com


    Description:

    Andrea Electronics is widely known in this community for the stellar series of Superbeam USB microphones. When installing a automotive PC, the Superbeam was the best available option for hands-free audio communication for a very long time. The quality of the Superbeam bundle has been reassembled into a wireless audio headset named the WNC-1500.


    Each part of the WNC-1500 package has been considered for fit and finish. The headset itself is extremely comfortable, which each part of the headset which touches your ear cushioned more than adequately with genuine leather. The attached microphone with included pop filter rests away from the face but in ideal position for vocal clarity. Microphone placement was considered not only for clarity, but it stays out of the way during video conferencing for the most part. The headband is also cushioned and does an excellent job of securing the headset speakers comfortably. Being wireless, the device is made to be mobile, and consideration was certainly made to keep the headset snug without being painful.


    The WNC-1500 comes with a convenient set of controls on the right earbud. Included buttons are for volume control, music playback next/previous track, power, and configuration. The buttons are raised with a firm press, but unless you use the headset often, you may find using conventional computer controls more friendly. I find myself hunting for the proper control through trial and error too often.


    The most endearing feature of the WNC-1500 set is the audio quality. Its crystal clear that in it's out of the box form, the headset is made for verbal communication. Despite being wireless, I could effectively speak and listen as if using a landline form of communication. There was simply no static or filtering noises with callers, and they never reported issue in response to my end. Andrea calls it "military grade acoustic noise cancelling technology", I'll just say it does the job and then some. The headset does just enough to filter ambient noises locally as to not disturb what your ears are hearing through the 40mm speaker drivers. By default, the headset doesn't thrill in regard to music or gaming enjoyment, but the included software has a 10 band graphic equalizer to aid in this regard. Despite this, I still felt at times that the headset muffled the audio experience while gaming at its most ideal setting. The virtual surround sound feature was lacking.

    The WNC-1500 is powered by a built in lithium-ion battery. Simply plug in the WNC-1500 with the included USB cable and it will charge fully and relatively short time. The LED indicator on the headset will indicate when charging has completed. During testing, I observed battery life in the 5-7 hour range, more than enough for one sitting. The wireless range too was outstanding as audio clarity would hardly be affected until I was some 40 feet from the USB adapter. This far exceeds any bluetooth headset I've used to date.

    The Positive:

    • Terrific audio quality and noise cancellation
    • USB rechargeable
    • Comfortable design and secure
    • Fold away design and included carrying case means the headset will go where you do
    • Excellent battery life and range

    The Negative:

    • Not immersive sound for gamers
    • Must use device manager to enable/disable the USB adapter as your primary sound card


    The Verdict:


    The WNC-1500 is an excellent option when looking for a wireless communication device for VOIP. Communication was crystal clear in a variety of busy environments. The headset is very comfortable and provides a secure fit allowing for a pleasant listening experience.



  2. Hardware Review: Bybyte 2-Channel Programmable Wireless Switch

    by , 03-16-2011 at 12:14 PM

    What is it?

    The Bybyte 2-channel programmable wireless switch allows on/off control of up 2 devices with the included wireless remote.

    The Verdict:

    The Bybyte 2-channel programmable wireless switch is a great solution to the problem of having to deal with tedious resume times when restarting a car PC. The device has a great build quality, and is flexible enough to tackle multiple startup/shutdown problems easily and effectively. Anyone looking to have near-instant boot times should consider this product as a quality option.

    The Bybyte 2-channel programmable wireless switch is available at the mp3Car store



    What’s in the box?

    The 2-channel programmable switch comes with the key chain transmitter, the control box, wiring harnesses, and instruction manual.


    Description:

    As car PC users, we all know the drill. Get in the car, start the ignition, and wait 30 seconds or more for the music to play. There are a few ways around it, but in general, resume times are the biggest day to day problem of a car PC install. Luckily, Bybyte has put together a solution. The 2-channel programmable wireless switch allows a car PC to begin the boot process before users step foot in the car. It works via radio frequency, and has a range of up to 30 feet. Installation could not be easier (see video review for a installation demonstration). Configuration is just as easy. There is a one button on the receiver board that allows the device to work as a momentary switch or a normally opened/closed switch.


    I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the device as well. The control box is very small and can easily be tucked into a dashboard. There is an audible confirmation of commands received from the high-quality transmitter that stems from the control board. In fact, the sound is loud enough to be heard from outside the car. This comes in handy, especially when you're not sure if you pressed one of the two remote buttons. Unfortunately what you don't get with this one-way system is any kind of visual indicator of the PCs on/off state.


    So for all its configuration options and the fact that it will not only manage the state of your car PC, but also a second device such as your monitor, auxillary lighting, or any other 12 device you would want to start via RF, the Bybyte 2-channel programmable switch is a sure bet to improve any car PC installation.

    The Good:

      ● Simple in design, implementation and configuration
    ● Perhaps the easiest solution to resume wait
    ● Built with high quality materials
    ● Remote has a sliding cover to hide buttons when not in use


    The Bad:

    ● Key chain is one-way, no state indicator for times you accidentally start the PC

    The Verdict:

    The Bybyte 2-channel programmable wireless switch is a great solution to the problem of having to deal with tedious resume times when restarting a car PC. The device has a great build quality, and is flexible enough to tackle multiple startup/shutdown problems easily and effectively. Anyone looking to have near-instant boot times should consider this product as a quality option.

    The Bybyte 2-channel programmable wireless switch is available at the mp3Car store