skeleton from howardforums posted his review of Nextlink AX after 1 day of usage. Nextlink AX is a extremely light bluetooth headset with exchangeable/rechargeable battery. It can be charged through the mini-USB interface.
It is scheduled to be official released in December. The review is from howardforums
More pictures here by Bengalboy
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I have had my AX now for a day, and I love its concept. It replaces my former Moto HS810, which in its time was small. While the AX has many redeeming features, the present model has a few annoying bugs that need to be resolved.
Some of these complaints have been echoed by other users elsewhere.
All of my testing was performed on a Imate PDA2K, and duplicated on a Nokia 6600. This was done on two networks in Canada: Fido at 1900 MHz, and Rogers at 850 MHz.
Circuitry flaws with the AX:
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- The sound volume that the other person hears from the AX is quite faint. While the volume is enough to be heard, the listener does complain of my voice sounding distant.
- The sound quality that I hear is sometimes poor. In particular, many new users have complained of crackling noise. This crackling noise occurs (I suspect) from the bluetooth radio switching radio frequencies, which is causing electrical noise. This can readily be duplicated by listening to a clear conversation, then raising a hand to cover the AX, but without touching it. The human hand can absorb a significant amount of radio waves as this exists in the 2.4 GHz frequency (same as microwaves, of which human tissue is absorbant). In compensating for the reduction in signal quality, the BT receiver will step to alternate frequencies. Properly shielded components should not suffer from cross interference - but I believe this is the case in the AX. In short, I suspect that Nextlink needs to add some shielding to some critical components on the PC board.
Design flaws with the AX:
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The plastic shell has a minor flaw in its mould dimensions. The front male tab found at the microphone is slightly too short to engage the female indent. I fixed this by shaving off about 0.1 mm at the base of the indent. This should be fixed in the die tooling.
What I like about the AX:
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- The sound volume that I hear is loud - this is substantially a result of the phoneset that the other party is using (say a landline handset). (Contrast this will the quiet volume that the caller hears of my voice - the result of only the AX itself.)
- Obviously the diminutive size. I have compared the AX to comparative pictures of the 5G, and surprising I might be more satisfied with the AX. (I don't like the longesh throat under the body of the 5G).
- The miniature usb connection makes sense.
- USB charger (more mobile and tidier on the desk space) compared to conventionally a/c adapter.
- The silicone spring mechanism. It is brilliant, giving the ergonomic fitting of the device to one's ear with marvelous performance. Fits tightly but unnoticeable (no pain as found with other hard plastic fittings).
- Removable rechargeable battery. (After one year of use of my former Moto HS810, the builtin rechargeable battery died - they all do eventually.) Nextlink feature for battery replacement will ensure extended life of the product by allowing user replacement of the battery.
- Single multifunction button allows easier control of on/off function with single-handed dexterity.
Minor comments for suggestions.
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- The USB necklace. (I removed the necklace strap, and attached the usb male plug to a miniature 5mm diameter split ring. This allows me to attach the dummy usb plug to my keychain.
- I discarded the felt case, and substituted a small nylon pouch that is fitted with a belt loop. This was purchased for $5 CAD from a pet store - used to attach to dog lease to carry dog poop bag.
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