iLounge

Another joint development of Contour Design and Bluetrek, the Metal Bluetooth Headset ($80) is the thinnest wireless Bluetooth 2.0 ear piece we've yet seen for cell phones such as the iPhone: it has the rough dimensions of a Sony Memory Stick with a rubber-tipped in-canal earphone sticking out of one side. With a silver aluminum body that's accented by chrome, Metal has three tiny buttons on one edge and a unique power connector on the other, requiring a special, included plastic USB connector for recharging. Also in the box are a belt clip, six total rubber eartips, two optional clear plastic ear mounts, a car charging bulb, and a USB extension cable for use at home or in the car. Despite the mere 5.5 gram weight, it promises up to 5 hours of talk time and 7 days of standby time. Updated: Our Metal unit refuses to charge with the included USB charging device and cannot be used, an issue that is apparently somewhat widespread. We are awaiting word on a replacement and will update this First Look with additional details as we have them.