Bluetooth Headset problems - the first time Apple reminds me of Windows

Question

I have spent hours over the last several days, attempting to get my BT headset -- Plantronics 590a -- to work w/my PPC Mac Mini and PowerBook G4 which were purchased June 2005. Both machines have internal BT modules which according to System Profiler were made by Cambridge Silicon Radio - CSR. The Mini had firmware v5.x and the PowerBook v3.x. Despite following directions to download/apply the BT firmware updater approx. 30+ times, the PowerBook won't take the firmware update. However after approx. 15x the MacMini took the firmware update, which regressed its reported firmware version to 2.x.
In any event, whenever I attempt to use my BT headset, I get the error that the BT device wasn't found or whatever, and at least 2 programs lock up. Typically two or more of Skype, iTunes, System Preferences (Audio).
I lived with years of this sort of BS when I was a MS Windows user. I can't believe that Apple doesn't have a solution more recent than a 2+ year old firmware update, to a problem that -- according to these very message boards -- affects many, many Apple users.
For the love of God Apple, please don't make me yearn for my days in Windows purgatory. Act like a professional company that strives for high user satisfaction, and deliver a remedy such that industry standard bluetooth headsets can "just work" together with your latest and greatest products.
Any suggestions are welcome EXCEPT for those describing how to reset the PMU, PRAM, and/or to download and install the firmware update. I have read every variation of these directions, and faithfully excecuted same, with no productive result (other than regressing the firmware version of my MacMini internal BT module).
PowerBook G4 (Titanium)(PPC), MacMini (PPC) Mac OS X (10.4.6) PowerPC

Answer 1

OK, I have found a solution that works reliably, although I am hesitant to recommend it to anyone else...
I have only tried this w/Skype and my Plantronics BT headset. I am running OSX 10.4.6 fully updated as of several days ago. I have Skype setup to launch on login/startup.
Skype > Preferences, set audio in/out to internal speakers or whatever, just not the headset.
Quit Skype.
Open Preferences > Bluetooth. Delete the headset profile (if it exists). Add a new device = "Headset". While BT Assistant is searching power on headset and make it searchable (I think just turning the headset on will do this). When the BT Assistant recognizes the headset click 'Continue'; after it gathers more information click 'Continue' again. Enter the pairing code -- I think usually 0000 -- when prompted.
NOW STOP when you see the dialogue saying the device has been successfully configured. DO NOT click the 'Quit' button to dismiss this dialogue!
Now -- with the BT Assistant dialogue box still open -- open Skype and log in. Then, in Skype > Preferences change the Audio input/output to your headset.
Now you should be able to use the BT headset w/Skype w/out problems.
I find that I have to repeat this exact procedure every single time that I want to use Skype to make a call (several calls in a row are fine, but if any significant time elapses I have to do this procedure again).
Seems to work for me.
Good luck!