Now hear this: good headsets for Bluetooth cell phones.(up front: News/ Trends/ Advice)

Bluetooth, the technology that lets you use a cell phone with a wireless headset, is coming on strong. More Bluetooth phones are available, at prices that start around $130. Bluetooth headsets cost as little as $30, and many are smaller than ever. They eliminate fumbling for a ringing phone and are more convenient than a wired headset. When paired with a cell phone that has voice activation (virtually all Bluetooth models do), the devices can make or take calls, even if the phone is up to about 30 feet away. (They beep or vibrate when you're called.) Here's how to choose a Bluetooth headset, plus good choices from recent tests:

Compactness costs. A small, sleek headset can cost more than $150 and will probably have a smaller battery and thus less talk time per charge.

Setup takes time. Bluetooth phones and headsets must be electronically introduced, in a sometimes tricky procedure called pairing. Some models have a button to simplify the process. Most Bluetooth devices are monogamous. If you buy a second Bluetooth headset or want to connect with other Bluetooth devices-a printer, a PDA-your phone has to sever ties with the old headset before pairing with the new partner.

Charging differs. All models come with wall chargers; a car charger is ...