Overclocker Cafe - Arctic Cooling Arctic Sound P311 Bluetooth Headset Review

Arctic Sound P311 Bluetooth Headset

Manufacturer: Arctic Cooling
Supplied by: Arctic Cooling
MSRP: $37.95

by Dean Barker (11/13/2010)

Introduction

Stereo headsets have come a long way in the past 30 years. Most of that progress has actually been in the past few to be more precise. Quality sound is what everyone wants but it has to be in a convenient and portable package. Bluetooth got at the portable piece several years ago and the quality has been steadily increasing since. Adding in a microphone originally was important only for multiplayer gaming but now with many states requiring hands free sets for cell phones while driving, wireless cell phone capability so folks can jog while listening to iTunes and still take an incoming call or simply Skype-ing with Grandma; portable quality sound in one versatile product is critical.

A name not often associated with sound products is Arctic (aka Arctic Cooling). Founded in 2002, Arctic Cooling has increased their offerings and reputation with each succeeding year. Now in 2010, Arctic Cooling produces CPU coolers, audio products, power supplies, cases, mice, high performance thermal paste, VGA coolers and much more. We have looked at Arctic's cooling products in the past but their audio line up is what has been getting lots of attention of late. To this end, we have a set up Arctic Cooling's Arctic Sound P311 Bluetooth headsets on the review bench today for a first hand look. Let's get started.

Features

Invisible microphone
Travel Case
Compatible with most cellular phones
iPhone and iPod Touch compatible
Soft padded earphones
High fidelity sound
Bluetooth version: V.2.1+EDR Class 2
Talk time: Up to 20 hours
Standby time: Up to 400 hours
Observed weight: 73.7 grams

What you get

The Arctic P311 Bluetooth Headset comes in a clean silver see through package with a few extras. A straight forward instruction page is included (as is only right) as well as an exceptionally nice molded nylon carrying case. The Arctic Sound P311 Headphones fold up nicely at two places on each side making them ideally suited for storage in a carry on bag, backpack or oversized pants pocket. The cable you see is your USB battery charging cable.

Here's a quick shot of the P311 headphones tucked away in their carrying case. The case as we mentioned before is rather robust. No don't expect it to hold up under being stepped on but light to nominal knocks in a purse or carry on bag will definitely be deflected away from your headset inside.

The Phones

The P311s feel lightweight but sturdy. Each of the ear pieces pivot 75 degrees immediately below a hinge on each side of the frame. This is what allows for the P311s to collapse so easily into that very portable carry case you see above.

Each of the ear pads is fully padded and exceptionally soft. For my part, I've never really found a set of headphones that had uncomfortable padding. But if you think with your own experience, how padding feels and rates is in two categories; neutral or super plush and comfortable. I'm happy to report that the Arctic Sound P311 set decidedly is in the later category.