Motorola HS820 - Is it worth it?
Written: Aug 23 '05 (Updated Mar 22 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, lightweight and good sound (in the beginning).
Cons: Lower volume as time goes by and poor charging.
The Bottom Line: I would look for another Bluetooth headset.
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| GOkinaka's Full Review: Motorola Bluetooth Headset Hs820 |
Well, since my phone was a Blackberry 7290, I didn't want that large phone up to my ear everytime that I needed to talk with someone. I didn't want to be tethered to my phone with the included wired headset, so I went in search of a wireless Bluetooth headset at the local Fry's Electronics to see what they had to offer.
Initially, the selection was limited as a lot of the headsets were sold out. They did have a Logitech Mobile Bluetooth Headset, and I picked one up. However, within a week I went back to Fry's to return it as I thought that it was just a little too big.
So, I wound up getting the Motorola HS820 at Best Buy as it was the same headset as a co-worker had, and he was impressed with it so far.
Here are my thoughts, so far.....
SIZE
One of the reasons why I picked this headset was it's small size and it's lightweight. I didn't want a big honking headset like some of the Jabra models out there, and the actual dimensions are approximately 2.5 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches. There's no boom (with a microphone) that needs to be swung out for usage, so you don't need to fear that you'll be easily breaking anything on the headset. Rating: 5 out of 5
FIT
The design of this headset makes it easy to fit on either ear as it is adjustable for the left or right ear. You just need to read the directions to easily change the orientation of the headset (for a left or a right ear). The "earhook" is made of a rubber-like material that is soft of the ears. I do feel that the headset is a little loose on the ear, so I wouldn't go playing football while wearing this one. Rating: 3 out of 5
SOUND
Okay, this is the most important feature when considering a wireless headset.....how it sounds. Well, initially when I started using this headset, the sound was great. I would have to turn down the volume a little bit because it was so loud in my ear. Also, unlike some other headsets that I have used in the past, there wasn't any echo that the other party would hear. So far, so good right?
Well, within a couple months I noticed that the volume of the headset wasn't as loud. I tried to turn up the volume on the headset, but it was already at it's highest point. Not only did I notice this, but my co-worker (who has an identical Blackberry and headset) noticed the same change in volume. So now, if someone is talking quietly, it's a little hard to hear them. Sure, I've dropped this headset on the ground a few times, but it's light and small enough that it really shouldn't matter (obviously it does with this headset). Rating: 3 out of 5
TALK TIME/STANDBY
The reported battery talk time and standby time is for up to 300 minutes of Talk Time and up to 100 hours of Standby Time. I've used my headset for an entire workday and afterhours with no problems, and since I do use it a lot during the day I always charge it up at night. The headset comes with one AC plugin charger, but you can also order an additional auto charger as well.
*UPDATE (03/22/06): I've since noticed that the headset doesn't always charge properly even when plugged in to charge all night. You have to make sure that it is connected properly to the charger otherwise you'll hear that annoying beeping noise to let you know that it'll soon die on you. Rating: 2 out of 5
OTHER FEATURES AND SPECS
· Wireless connection to compatible phones up to about 30 feet away.
· Dual volume controls on the headset
· A light indicator that provides a signal that shows status of the headset
· Call management functions which include answering or ignoring calls, voice dialing, last number re-dial, 3-way calling and holding of calls
· Bluetooth 1.2 compatibile with phones
THE COST
I bought this headset earlier this year for about $60 at Best Buy although I know that you can get it cheaper nowadays for about $45 or so.
OVERALL
Initially, I had thought that this was a great headset as it was small, lightweight, and sounded great. However, with the degradation of the sound from the headset, I'm going to have to recommend that you look for another headset. I know that I will as soon as I get around to it.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
GOkinaka
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Member: George Okinaka
Location: Las Vegas, NV (USA)
Reviews written: 130
Trusted by: 196 members
About Me:
George is a native Las Vegan in commercial real estate who loves to travel.
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