By Gregg Ellman
McClatchy-Tribune
Seems like this is a week for Bluetooth technology and for those who are still in love with an older stereo or TV, the Belkin HD Bluetooth music receiver is a perfect accessory.
The HD receiver brings together your old system with any device having Bluetooth technology, including iOS and Android-based devices.
Setting it up is simple; plug the HD receiver into your existing system with the included cables (3.5mm to RCA and coaxial HD Audio cables) and pair the receiver with your Bluetooth device. The pairing is done with a simple tap of your device to the new receiver.
For users of Android 4.0 or 4.0.1, you’ll need the free Belkin BT app for the tap-and-play feature.
From there the receiver allows your handheld media player to send any audio files you have stored on it to the existing speaker systems.
Up to eight devices and can be stored in the receiver.
Detail: $59.99; www.belkin.com
Monster headphones
Since the Monster iSport Freedom headphones are wireless with Bluetooth, once you slip them over your ears they make you feel like you’re listening to a live concert on the go.
Along with the great sound, the iSport gives you a water-resistant, sweatproof and even washable design.
A multi-function key controls the power, volume, next or previous track and even allows you to answer calls. Obviously, there is a built-in microphone at the base of one ear cups.
The iSport Freedom headphones are made with a fashionable neon green design, a rubberized finish, and a reflective safety trim for night time use.
Each ear cup is comfortably padded with 400mm drivers sending out the great sound and are connected with a flexible headband.
There’s also a 3.5mm connection if you want a wired connection with the included in-line mic cable.
Details: $249.95; www.monsterproducts.com
3-inch speaker
The WhiteLabel SoundDew water-resistant Bluetooth speaker is music-friendly at home, work or play — even the shower.
What makes it waterproof and somewhat indestructible is an internal protective water- and dirt-resistant housing encased with a rubberized outside shell.
The design incorporates a hook on the speaker to let it hang from anything that will hold it including belts, backpacks and handlebars.
The sound quality from the 3-inch speaker is impressive and the portability makes it a great accessory.
A 3.5mm aux-in lets you plug in non-Bluetooth devices for listening and a built-in mic lets it work as a handsfree speaker phone.
Details: $49.99 available in blue, black, khaki and red; www.whitelabel.co/sounddew.html
PrintStik
The PlanOn PrintStik PS905ME printer has a line on the box “Print anything, anywhere in just seconds” and after you see it in person, you’ll see this is an accurate statement.
It’s small, portable and very easy to use.
Measuring just 11-by-2-by-2 inches makes it easy to store in a backpack to print boarding passes, movie tickets or anything you have to have on paper right there and then.
It’s designed to be cable-free and connects to your smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth but can connect with the included USB cable. Power is supplied by the built-in rechargeable lithium-Polymer batter.
The paper is stored on a 20-sheet roll cartridge (one included) and the whole setup is stored in a nylon zipper case.
All of the controls including power, a paper feed and a battery level indicator are easily accessed on the side.
When you consider how big and clunky our first home printers were, this one is pretty amazing for document printing.
Details: $299 for the printer, 3 print cartridges with 20 pages each $29.99; www.planon.com
