Go Hands-Free with these 5 Bluetooth Bargains

Despite all the motor vehicle laws and safety studies that should discourage it, people still drive around gabbing on handheld cell phones, which is roughly as safe as driving while slightly intoxicated. Enter Bluetooth. To borrow from the Doors song, you can talk, and still "keep your eyes on the road, your hands upon the wheel." (We're sure Jim Morrison would approve.) Here we present the best Bluetooth deals that will help you keep on course while remaining in the communication loop.

1. Bose Bluetooth Headset
   Price: $79.95 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $6

   Is It Worth It?: Bose has made a name for itself as a company that designs some of the coolest, best-sounding stereo speakers around. We're ranking this deal from newegg as an Editors' Choice, because it's half off (originally $150), and features noise reduction technology, up to 4.5 hours of continuous talk time (175 hours on standby), a battery indicator, and more.

2. Refurbished Parrot Advanced Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit
   Price: $139.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $50

   Is It Worth It?: Offered by eXpansys, this refurbished unit allows you to make hands-free phone calls with the clearest audio around. Plus, the 2.4" LCD allows you to see who's calling before picking up. It also comes with an RF remote control. It's available at an enticing price low, not to mention the fact that it's dropped $10 since we listed it last week. Note that no warranty information is provided.

3. Refurbished Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset
   Price: $19.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $18

   Is It Worth It?: This sleek-looking Jawbone 2.1 Bluetooth headset from Best Buy has dual microphones and noise shield technology. It also features a wireless range of 33 feet, additional earbuds with optional ear loop, and up to four hours of talk time. We saw this item for the same price a few days ago, but this time around, it comes with a 90-day Jawbone warranty.

4. Plantronics Explorer 243 Bluetooth Headset
   Price: $9.45 via coupon code "A4C6A5" with $2 s&h
   Lowest By: $4
   Expires: November 3

   Is It Worth It?: Such a deal: This headset was originally $39.95 before the price fell to under $10. Plantronics products won't win awards for super-sleek design, but they offer no-frills reliability. Plus, this headset incorporates all call features into a single button, while delivering up to five hours of talk time.

5. Sony Ericsson Men's Evening Classic Bluetooth Watch
   Price: $69.95 with free shipping
   Lowest by: $5

   Is It Worth It?: For those who like clever gadgets, here's one from the electronics wizards at Sony Ericsson: a watch that features Bluetooth 2.0, vibrates when you receive a text, and has a reject/mute call button and music player control. Offered by eXpansys, this watch has been designed in partnership with watch industry leader Fossil and comes with a stainless steel case, leather strap, and rechargeable battery as well.

Front page photo credit: AutoToys.com

Lou Carlozo is dealnews' Green Dad columnist. He was most recently the managing editor of WalletPop.com, and before that a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune. Follow him on Twitter — @LouCarlozo63. You can also sign up for an email alert for all dealnews features.