Throw out that crappy $12 headset you bought at Wal-Mart to talk o­n Skype, because IO Data's new hotness is o­n the horizon. The 'PDI-B911/PHF" is a Bluetooth hands-free kit that connects to your PC via USB.

But for some reason, the device is limited to PCs that do not have integrated Bluetooth.

IO Data Device Corporation will release the "PDI-B911/PHF" Bluetooth hands-free kit for audio chat in mid-July. It is Open Price, but estimated at around 12,800 yen. Supported operating systems are Windows 2000 and XP, and is limited to those PCs that do not have integrated Bluetooth functionality.

This product is a set, consisting of a Bluetooth USB adapter and a headset. It can be used as a hands-free unit for audio chat via IP phone and messenger software.

The headset, apart from an earphone and mic, furnishes an incoming call button. The battery is lithium ion, and can idle for roughly 110 hours -- actual talk time is about 4 hours. Recharging takes roughly 3 hours. The maximum range is 10m.

The body size of the headset is 26.8 x 26.7 x 58.1mm (W x D x H), and it weighs 14g. The USB adapter is 19.9 x 59.2 x 8.3mm (same), and weighs 8g. Included is a USB extension cable (50cm), AC adapter for the headset, replacement earphone rubber, neck strap, support software CD-ROM, and so o­n.

Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2005/0622/iodata3.htm

Press Release:
http://www.iodata.jp/news/2005/06/pdi-b911phf.htm

Product Information:
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/mobile/keitai/2005/pdi-b911phf/