By Brian Schultz
Provincial legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving will be enforced soon, and Manitobans are getting prepared.
High on the list of items to pick up this holiday season seem to be Bluetooth headsets — hands-free devices for use with your cell phone, so that you can keep both hands on the wheel while on the road. Several retailers ChrisD.ca visited over the weekend were either sold out of the device, or had very few left.
Future Shop on Regent Avenue only had three models left in the entire store, with another shipment expected early this week. Costco on Regent had two cheaper models available made by Uniden, which retail for $21.99, but had about a dozen units by Motorola for around $60.
Across the street at Walmart, Bluetooth headsets were also hard to find. One employee we spoke to said they’re “this year’s hot item,” as drivers prepare to get used to the devices before they’re forced to use them.
Each unit ranges in price, depending on the features you’re looking for. A basic unit will run you around $20, but a more advance setup with a noise cancelling earpiece and higher speaker quality retail for over $50. All units generally provide the same amount of battery life, which averages to be 9 hours of talk time and 8 days of standby time when not in use.
Just one rule when it comes to Bluetooth headsets: When you’re not on a call, take it out of your ear!
