Phil and I got a demo of the Motorola XH1 Bluetooth headset [$109.95 (30% off!) - TiPb Store Link] at CES 2010 and I’ve been road testing it ever since. The real in-ear, bone-conducting technology was intriguing, and since I really liked the Moto H17, I was curious to see how this one would stack up. So, let’s take a look after the break!

Technology

The Motorola XH1 fights the war against noise with three levels of technology. It will normally cancel any background noise it finds. If that’s not enough, it’s CrystalTalk dual-mic system will kick in to actively cancel things like wind. I left the windows open during my daily highway commute (yes, in freezing Montreal winters — what I won’t do for our readers!) and most of the people I spoke to couldn’t hear a sound.

And then there’s the nu-cu-lar option, Stealth Mode, which actually turns off the mics entirely and instead reads the sound vibrations in your ear and converts that digitally into sound. It’s not quite human, of course, but from the show floor at CES to the loudest places I could find in Montreal — where I thought it would be useless — it remained understandable.

Wearability

In order to do the Stealth Mode bone conduction, the XH1 has to burrow rather deeply into your ear. To me it felt a little deeper than even your standard in-ear headset. I’ll admit, I found it rather intrusive at first but I’m hypersensitive about that kind of thing and even I got used to it after a couple days. It is the price you pay for bone conduction.

Other than that, the ear loop and fit were great for me, and I’ve said repeatedly my grappling mashed ears aren’t very tolerant of poor fit. Like all of Moto’s recent headsets it comes with a few different earpieces so you have a good chance of finding a great match.

Functionality

Unlike the H17 which has the boom flip-to-turn-on feature, the HX1 has an actual on-off switch, but it works well enough. Pushing the button activates the iPhone 3GS’ Voice Control feature so you can speak to dial the phone, play or shuffle music, etc. Holding down the button will repeat the last call. There are also volume controls and the welcome standard of a micro-USB charging port with no finicky “door” cover to get in your way and ultimately break off.

Conclusion

Overall, the HX1′s noise cancelation is among the best in the business and its looks are obviously intended to be more “executive” as well. I still prefer the boom on the H17 as on/off is just so easy with that design, but the XH1 is top of the line for a reason.

If you want a high-end headset that legitimately boasts “Star Trek” style technology, the XH1 definitely deserves a look… er, listen! (And hey, it’s currently 30% off at the TiPb iPhone Accessory Store to boot!)

Disclaimer: the Motorola XH1 Bluetooth headset was provided for review by TiPb’s iPhone accessory store.

When Dieter swoon-ishly told me the Motorola H17 Bluetooth Headset [$89.95 - TiPb Store link] was his new daily driver, I knew I had to try it out — the man is the definition of super-user. And the H17 didn’t disappoint. It’s my new daily driver as well. What makes it a go-to headset? A combination of form-factor and feature sets, and we’ll look at both after the break…

Packed

First, a word on packaging. Motorola has been paying attention to the Apple-inspired renaissance in packaging and it shows. The H17, like the rest of their current line up, isn’t so much boxed as it is displayed in a rounded metallic box with glass windowed display, the headset purchased atop an translucent stand.

You have to turn the plastic cap at the top with a coin and remove it, then pop off the front panel and carefully pull out the headset, but it works as an experience. Hidden away inside is a box with the extras — AC charger and manual.

Oh, the slogan on the box? “Flipping brilliant”. And it is.

Form Factored

I’ve always like the Motorola flip form factor but I’ve not always been wild about the rest of the headset design. Sometimes they’re big and unwieldy or just make you look like you’re wearing a weird, glowing space saucer on your ear.

The H17 gets it right. It looks professional. Small and darkly understated, it fits well and does its job. You extend the flip — like a mini mic boom — to turn it on or take a call, and you fold it back closed to end the call and/or put it on standby.

If you’ve read my previous reviews, you know my ears have been mashed by years of grappling, so I have a lot of trouble finding headsets that will stay where I put them. The ear loop on the H17 accomplishes that fine. I wear glasses as well, so after a while I do notice the extra loop is there, but even after a few hours it’s not uncomfortable enough to make me take it off (the headset, not the ear!). And did I mention it stays in place, where I put it?

There’s a simple, exposed micro-USB port for charging, which I prefer over the sometimes finicky flap covers on other headsets, a big call button on the back, and slim, chromed volume buttons along the top trim.

That’s it. No muss, no fuss. If Moto were to adopt this design line-wide, they’d get no complaints from me.

Feature Fun

One of the great things about the H17 — and something we’re seeing on more and more headsets lately — is the ability to pair with multiple phones. I could pair with both my iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G with no problem. If you have an iPhone and BlackBerry/Android/Palm/etc. you can carry both in your pockets and not need a headset on each ear. Or you and your significant other could share one headset between both your iPhones. You get the idea. For gadget lovers in particular, this is a great addition.

It also works well with the iPhone 3GS’ Voice Control. Just tap the big button on the back, Voice Control pops up and, via the H17, gives you the tone to signal it’s ready. Just say who you want to call and what number — Rene Ritchie, Mobile — and the call is placed.

Specs quote 5 hours talk time, 7 days standby. I think I’m getting slightly more than that, but I primarily use it while commuting so I talk less and standby more than others might.

When I did talk, call quality was good for BT and the people on the other end could hear me even with the window down and a good bit of traffic and wind.

Conclusion

Motorola positions the H17 in the mid-range, lower than the Endeavor HX1 yet slightly higher than something like the H720 (and its predecessors). While I like the bone-conduction in the HX1 (and am in the midst of reviewing it now), the total package (i.e. design) of the H17 is hard to beat.

You can get the Motorola H17 Bluetooth Headset for iPhone now for $89.95 (10% off) at the TiPb iPhone Accessory store.

The Motorola Endeavor HX1 is the latest salvo in the Bluetooth noise-reduction arms race, and it takes it to another level — reading the bone vibrations in your inner ear and digitally converting those vibrations into recognizable speech. That’s right, when regular microphones fail, when even noise-reduction won’t work, Motorola is actually turning off the microphone entirely and reproducing what you say based on sound waves in your skull. It won’t sound as good as a mic, however, but in a crowded place like the floor of CES 2010, rather than a dull, indistinguishable crowd roar, you can actually be heard.

Video after the break!

[UPDATE: And the TiPb Store folks told me they just got the Motorola Endeavor HX1 in stock, and it's on sale 31% off, if the video entices...]

[YouTube video link]

I had an opportunity to check out the Jabra BT2080 [$39.95 - TiPb Store link] and not only is this headset reasonably priced, but has some nice functionality too! You can check it out in the in the . Now, let’s check out why makes this headset nice!

Bluetooth headsets are a dime a dozen these days; the market is literally flooded with them. So, when given the chance to look at the Jabra BT2080, I reluctantly gave it a go. I mean, a headset is a headset right? Well, for the most part yes, but there are some things that separate this headset from the rest of the crowd. For starters, it has a dedicated On/Off button. Most headsets don’t have this feature. Instead they rely on the user holding down the talk button for 5 or more seconds. On the BT2080, you hold the power button for 2 seconds (you don’t want to accidentally turn it off after all). Next you have your standard volume controls. The volume can be controlled from the headset or the iPhone. I mention this because iPhone software 3.0 and later has rather sketchy bluetooth support and I have found some features in headsets to not work. Rest assured, everything on this headset works with the iPhone. To answer a call and end a call you can press the call button on the outside of the headset. Want to dial the last number? Double click the call button.

How do you tell if the headset is connected to a device to if the power is running low? On most headsets you have a single light that blinks or changes colors to indicate all of this information. On the BT2080, you have two dedicated lights; one for bluetooth (connected) and one for power. To turn the lights on, click the call button once quickly and they light up. Very convenient.

So, lastly let’s discuss how the headset fits and how comfortable it is and how it sounds. The good news? Well, there is no bad news! That is right, the headset is lite and gives a few fitting options; it comes with three different sizes of ear-gel inserts and two sizes of ear loops. In my opinion, once you find the ear gel that works for you, it stays in place thus eliminating the need to use the loop. Since the headset is lite, it is comfortable to wear over time. When it comes to call clarity, it sounded good, especially with the ear gel as it did not let any external sound in. As for background noise such as the window down while driving, I did not run into any real issues; people on the other line could hear me. Oh, and one more thing, there was also a good range for the headset to be away from your body without static interfering.

So, I liked this headset and was presently surprised. It is lite, has some nice functions, sounds good and is very reasonably priced. It works for me!

The Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth headset [$89.95 - TiPb Store link] sounds great, fits fantastically, and makes you look like something in between a SWAT team member and a Battlestar comms officer.

I’ve said many times before that I have trouble finding a Bluetooth headset that stays in my ear. Admittedly, my ears have been ground-down by years of punches, kicks, and grappling, but even those that came with various types of loops have left me hanging, or just plain left by falling out.

The Plantronics Voyager PRO, which I’ve been using it as my daily driver (literally — it’s the law where I live) for just over a month now, hasn’t let me down yet. It’s larger than some competing devices, but that size is put to good use wrapping over and behind the ear to house the guts of the device, while the slender boom extends down across the cheek. The look is hardcore sci-fi, the sound is crisp and clear, with noise-reduction and a host of control features (and with the upcoming iPhone 3.1, Voice Control will work over Bluetooth as well). Plus, the battery just seems to keep going and going, with 6 hours talk time, 120 hours stand-by.

For complete tech specs and purchasing details, check out TiPb’s iPhone Accessory Store. For more pictures, look below the fold…

First there was Jawbone. Then Jawbone 2. Now we have Jawbone PRIME, the latest — and maybe the greatest — noise-assassinating Bluetooth headset ever to pair with an iPhone.

Available for $119.95 from TiPb’s iPhone store, we’ll see if it lives up to its reputation, and its premium price… after the break.

What’s in the Box

Aliph really went all out to make the Jawbone PRIME an experience. Right from the start, the headset is presented to you floated in a clear box with a treasure trove of extras stashed beneath. Like with Apple products, you reveal these extras in layers, first a selection of 5 extra ear pieces for a total of six. You have small, medium, and large both for solo wear and for use with either the regular ear loop or the “premium” leather ear loop. Also included in the second layer is the USB cord (standard USB to proprietary connector — unfortunately no micro-USB on the headset end) as well as an AC adaptor if you want to plug the cord into a wall socket. All in all, a generous and well rounded assortment.

Design

Compared to the original Jawbone, which was my primary headset for almost a year, Jawbone PRIME is smaller and lighter, if not appreciably thinner. Yes, the uber-sexy exterior still hides a fairly plump little, kidney bean shaped device that cozies up to its namesake — your jawbone. It’s also got a textured outside face, much like the original, though as with the Jawbone 2, it’s gone from overtly cheese grater-like to a more subtle, dimpled look.

For the fashion-conscious, the simple truth is it remains arguably the best looking headset on the market — and comes in a wide variety of colors so you can accessorize to your hearts content (meaning I went with turtle-neck black, of course).

Usability

Pairing? Come on, we’re iPhone users. You turn it on, it pops up on your iPhone Bluetooth Settings panel, you select it, it asks for verification, and — boom! — you’re paired.

Charging is also a snap — literally. You snap the Jawbone PRIME (much as you did previous Jawbones) into the proprietary USB cable and plug the other end into a standard, powered USB port on your PC, laptop, hub, etc. or into the provided AC adaptor. Of course, I wish they’d used micro-USB on the headset end just so cables could be re-used between devices, so if there’s a single knock against Aliph, that’s it.

Wearing the Jawbone PRIME, depending on whether you choose to rock the ear loop is either as simple as placing it in your ear pointing down and twisting up (for without) or just hooking it into place. Easy peasy.

At this point I have to mention, as I do with every headset review, that my ears have been battered to the point that almost nothing fits right in them anymore (a few in-ear designs aside). So, I went with the ear loop and even then, if I’m not careful to readjust, the ear loop alone typically ends up keeping the device in anything resembling proximity to my head. For you non-mutants out there, you’ll likely have no problem at all, especially given the 6 different fitting options that come with the Jawbone PRIME.

Using the Jawbone PRIME to take calls involves pressing the main “button” on the face of the device. I but “button” in “quotes” because Aliph seems to share Apple’s hatred for obvious clicking mechanisms and so the “button” is completely invisible. You press it much as you do an Apple mouse or new-style trackpad — through the entire surface.

There’s nothing hidden about call quality, however. I tried it out walking outside, in the car during rush hour, and in a big-iron server room with multiple machines, drives, and cooling systems whirring.

This button will also, if held down, turn the headset off or on.

Jawbone PRIME’s second button, located at the top of the device just above the charging port, is even more of a multi-tasker. It will cycle through volume (because there’s no separate volume rocker… tsk!), reject calls, etc. (i.e. initiate voice calls on other platforms). If held down, it will also turn of NoiseAssasin, or turn it back on again.

Technology

Forgive me for quoting from Aliph here, but if you’re interested in more than just does it work (it does!), here’s how:

Acoustic Voice Activity Detector (AVAD) provides a fail-safe mechanism when the Voice Activity Sensor (VAS) doesn’t touch your face. When the VAS is not touching the face, Jawbone PRIME performs as good as or better than any other noise canceling headset. When the VAS touches the face, you get the turbo-boost to the NoiseAssassin performance.

Jawbone PRIME also has a subtle wind feedback mechanism built into the headset that gently alerts you when voice clarity is compromised due to wind gusts so the user can self-correct. While Jawbone PRIME does not completely remove the impact of wind, it does more than any other headset to remove wind and alert the user to the fact that wind may be affecting the conversation.

Conclusion

Jawbone PRIME is the best headset I’ve used to date. Stylish, flexible, and most importantly — highly functional, it builds upon the previous generation of Jawbone’s to raise the bar another notch.

Sure, micro-USB and a volume rocker would be nice, no doubt about it, but those minor discontents can’t take away from the overall package which, if it isn’t best of breed, is certainly a leading contender for the title.

If fit, finish, and performance are more important than a budget price point, Jawbone PRIME just might be the headset for you.

Pros

• 6 fitting options including 3 for ear-loop use.
• Stylish yet comfortable
• Cutting edge noise cancelation technology
• Premium product

Cons

• Apple-like lack of overt buttons and standard connectors
• Premium price

TiPb Review Rating

(Note: I’m philosophically opposed to perfect scores — everything can be improved. However, lacking a 4.9 star option, I rounded up in their favor. Still, I challenge Aliph to shoot for that 4.95 next year, okay?)

In the Box

The Motorola H15 box contains with the headset, two additional ear cushions for comfort, cradle and charge cable (it is not a USB cable, but it plugs into the headset and cradle only, not the computer).

Design

The Motorola H15 is one sweet looking headset! It is not only lightweight, but has a transparent earloop and a couple or selectable ear pieces with a flip microphone. The best way to describe the H15 is that is an evolution of the 700. There is also and accompanying charge cradle which makes for an excellent accessory addition. The noise cancellation feature is one of the main selling points of this device and Motorola states that it is best noise-cancellation headset currently available.

Daily Use

I found the noise-cancellation to work really well. I could not find any supportive documentation in Motorola’s claims that it is the best (the Jawbone headsets are spectacular) however, I can honestly say that none of my call recipients ever complained of any poor call quality due to background noise from driving, shopping, etc. The flip microphone is one of my favorite features. It seems simple enough, but not all headsets implement it; the microphone flips to open and doubles as an on/off switch for the headset. The transparent earloop is quite handy and is somewhat invisible. It keeps the headset in place in conjunction with the ear piece.

Speaking of the ear piece, I swear I have malformed ear canals. Every headset I have used with an ear piece never seems to fit properly. However, this is the closest I have come across (yes, even better than the Jawbone). There are three included ear piece sizes to choose from, however, only one seems to work best for me with extended use; but one is all you need, right?

One of the really nice benefits to this headset is the cradle. I don’t know about you, but I loathe having to plug my headsets into random wall sockets only to have my headset fall on the floor because it is not stationary. So the cradle Motorola provides is a great help to me; I have it sitting next to my iPhone on my desk and it’s safe and stationary. There is also a light on the front indicating charge status, so you know when you are good to go.

The other convenient feature about this headset is that it is tested with over 200 existing phones. This is great because sometimes you might want to use the headset with an additional phone, or let your significant other or friend borrow your headset, and it may not work. This device is thoroughly tested to work with a wide variety of models.

Conclusion

It seems that lately I am on a stellar track of reviewing awesome accessories for the iPhone and the Motorola H15 does not disappoint. I love the look and feel, the call quality, comfort and cradle. All of these variables combine into a great, well-rounded Bluetooth headset. If you are looking for a headset in this price range, you cannot go wrong with the H15!

Pros:

• One of the hottest looking headsets (IMO)
• Very lightweight
• Love the collapsible flip boom for power on/off
• Comfortable transparent earloop to help keep the headset in place

Cons:

• No glaring negative issues!
• More ear cushion sizes would be nice
• True USB cable to plug directly into your computer for charging

TiPb’s Rating:

Do you want an option for carrying your Bluetooth headset without having to wear it in your ear all day, hanging it around your neck, or risk breaking it in your pocket? When you are driving and your Bluetooth headset isn’t in use, do you place it in one of your cup holders like I do? The Speck Products Clip Pod for Bluetooth Headsets is available here in the TiPb iPhone Store for $14.95 and it just might be the answer for your Bluetooth headset-carrying needs. Read further for the full review!

Case Design

The Speck Clip Pod case is triangular in shape with rounded corners, a metal belt clip with the “Speck” logo on back and an elastic mesh pocket in the front to store your Bluetooth headset. The pod is a hardened shell with a soft cloth interior to protect your Bluetooth headset. The Clip Pod can accommodate most Bluetooth headsets, up to 2 inches wide and 3.25 inches long. Included is a Velcro-secured Nylon strap for attaching the Clip Pod to the visor in your car.

Performance

I haven’t used a Bluetooth headset very often in the past due to the hassle of not having a convenient way of carrying one around with me. Wearing a headset in my ear constantly is not comfortable and I don’t care for that look. I don’t wear a headset on a lanyard around my neck and I don’t want to risk breaking my headset by carrying it in my pocket. Having the Clip Pod for carrying my Bluetooth headset is the answer to my headset-carrying challenges.

The Clip Pod is slightly cup-shaped, providing a recessed area for your BT headset to be safely tucked away. When placed in the pocket, the Nylon mesh/Vinyl combo with a sewn-in elastic band keeps your headset firmly in place with the hardened protective shell around it. Protection in the front of the Clip Pod is compromised in order to allow easy access to your BT headset. This compromise is both a pro and a con, in my opinion. When your iPhone rings, you want to be able to access your headset quickly.

When strapped to your visor, the less-protected open front is not really an issue, but if you are wearing the Clip Pod on your waist, you will want to be careful to avoid crushing your headset against hard objects. The metal belt clip is very robust and should provide lots of wear without failure.

Verdict

The Speck Products Clip Pod for Bluetooth headsets is a nice little accessory to have if you tote a Bluetooth headset. I think it is especially useful in the car – strapped neatly to your visor, it’s a great place to tuck away your BT headset when not in use. In my case, it keeps my cup holders free and substantially reduces the risk of loss or damage.

Wearing the Clip Pod on your belt or waist is a handy way to carry your BT headset on your person, but protection of your headset is compromised by easy accessibility. Personally, I have not used a BT headset carrying case before and I’m glad to have found such an accessory. It isn’t perfect – although the pocket keeps your headset firmly in place, it is vulnerable to bumping against hard objects, like counters – but the pros outweigh the cons.

Pros

• Strong metal belt clip
• Protective recessed hardened shell
• Included strap for securing to car visor
• Elastic mesh pocket for secure storage and easy access

Cons

• Storage pocket provides little protection against hard objects, like counters

I have reviewed a few headsets here at TiPb (Apple’s headset, Jawbone and Jawbone 2) and the latest is the Jabra BT2070. This is a slick looking headset! The BT2070 is not just for good looks, it is light and small. The iPhone Blog Store has this headset for $49.95. 

Read on for the review, after the jump!

In the box:

The packaging is clear and contains just the basics: headset, charger, instructions and two earhooks. There is no included case or any other peripherals. Then again, it is a tiny headset, so a case is not needed.

Design and build:

Most of the small headsets I have used, have been solid, and this one is no exception. The design is light-weight and comfortable. The headset is essentially two molded pieces of plastic with an answer/end button joined by a volume up/down buttons accompanying it on either side. The answer/end button is illuminated by a yellow circle that surrounds it then continues to create a division line between the volume buttons; very sharp. The headset can be worn in either ear with or without the earhook. Speaking of earhooks, the headset comes with two; just to make sure it can be as comfortable as possible. 

Using the headset:

After charging the device, I paired it with the iPhone 3G and it worked as advertised. I could listen to voicemails and make calls with ease. The answer/end button was responsive. However, I did find it difficult to adjust the volume while wearing the headset. A good resolution for this is to briefly take the device out of your ear, crank the volume up and manage the volume directly from iPhone’s volume controls. 

The Jabra is comfortable in the ear; much more so than some other headsets I have used. What I like most of all is the headset gives you options; you can wear it with or without the earhook. For example, you can place the device directly in the ear (It is more comfortable than the Apple bluetooth headset, I was surprised) and it fits snugly without being uncomfortable. This is due to the earpiece being a kneadable unlike the Apple headset which was plastic with a solid rubber edge. If you use the earhook, the headset just “rests” in your ear canal. Since the device is so light, you can almost forget you are wearing it (is this good or bad?).

When talking on the device, I had no real static issues. I typically find there is always some static with bluetooth; the technology is far form perfect, but the fact it is 2.0 compliant with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) means that you get good clarity on a call.

Talking with friends, the typical feedback I received was that the device has great noise-cancellation ability. I talked in grocery stores, malls, etc. and most friends said that they heard no background noise or very little (sometimes if you are under a speaker in a store, there is not much you can do about how loud noise is). The only concern here is wind. Yes, when the wind is howling outside and you are trying to talk on your headset… apparently the recipient can’t hear a thing…

Charging the headset took no time; 1.5 at most. You can get about 5 hours of talk time. This is sufficient for me since I rarely talk than 2 hours on my iPhone in a single day. 

Conclusion:

I really like this bluetooth headset. It is relativly inexpensive, light weight, good call clarity and comfortable. If you are in the market for a smaller-style headset that looks good, the Jabra BT2070 might just be for you! There are better headsets out their, but they typically cost about twice as much. For what this headset is, it is a good value.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Light
• Good call clarity

Cons:

• Difficult to adjust volume while in your ear
• Even on maximum volume, could be louder
• Useless in windy conditions

Rating:

Is there a difference between a high-end Bluetooth Headset compared to a normal one? With so many hands-free driving laws being passed these days, the question is obviously on many consumer’s minds. The BlueAnt Z9i ($74.95) is one of those high-end headsets that manages to combine a small and sleek form factor and with a powerful piece of technology, Digital Signal Processor (DSP). On paper, it is everything you want in a Bluetooth headset. How does it test? Does it accomplish everything it sets out to do?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Z9i’s design is extremely sleek and admirably compact. Whereas many headsets of comparable size focus on their notable lack of size over middling specs, the Z9i manages to pack strong, top-of-the-line technology in a very tight package.

The glossy black of the body is accentuated by chrome lining—it matches incredibly well with the black iPhone 3G. There are dedicated volume buttons on the top side of the headset and a multifunction button (power up/down, answer/end calls, and alternate between standard and max noise cancellation) on the headset’s body. Also, the Z9i includes two microphones which are dedicated to canceling noise.

There is an obscenely bright indicator light, which flashes the BlueAnt logo in well, blue (and red). Luckily, there is an option to turn this off because it is quite blinding in a dark room. The earhook design is quite ingenious—where most other headsets have a fixed earloop or one that moves horizontally, the Z9i moves vertically. This offers easier access and greater comfort. The only design quip is that one end of the earhook is strangely visible, an odd decision by the folks at BlueAnt that detracts from the overall sleekness.

In all, the Z9i isn’t exactly adventurous in its design but its execution is top-notch. You would be hard pressed to find a Bluetooth headset that matches great technology with great build quality—those who enjoy a Bluetooth Headset that is small, sleek, and compact will definitely love this headset’s design.

Usability

The Z9i’s packaging includes two earloops (one is transparent), two earbuds, a wall charger (MicroUSB), and a USB cable. The Z9i syncs wonderfully easy with the iPhone and as an added bonus, the Z9i is capable of being simultaneously connected to two different devices, offering seamless transition for those with multiple devices. It offers 200 hours of standby time with 5.5 hours of talk time. Taking advantage of a feature that is lacking in the iPhone, you are able to use voice commands with the headset as well.

I found the Z9i to be really comfortable in the ear. It has a basic earbud design that is really easy on the ears and plus its light weight makes it barely noticeable.

In testing, I found that the incoming calls sounded great, they were clearly audible with no distortion. I had absolutely no trouble hearing the conversation and thought the Z9i was better than most in regards to incoming audio. Though it doesn’t have any technology that adjusts the incoming audio to your background, the easily accessible, dedicated volume buttons do help. 

In quiet situations, the outgoing audio quality is also impressive. Callers didn’t even realize I was using a Bluetooth headset and stated that I sounded perfectly normal with no digitization. The performance in quiet surroundings certainly warrants its high-end price and is impressive due to its dimunitive size.

However, the noise cancellation is not as good as advertised. Though it does block out some background noise and isolates the outgoing audio, it is not the noise assassin that the Jawbone 2 is. When I had the radio on, callers could hear the song fairly clearly.

This might be a philosophical difference between the Z9i vs the Jawbone 2, where the Z9i chooses to accentuate the voice of the speaker and include the background noise while the Jawbone 2 seeks to simply eliminate the background noise. Both work, but if you’re expecting Jawbone-like ability in regards to background noise, you might decide that the Z9i isn’t for you.

Final Thoughts

Let it be clear, that the Z9i is better than nearly every other Bluetooth Headset available and its comfortable fit and long battery life should convince many users that the Z9i is for them. Add the bonus points for multiple device syncing, easy controls, and a small size—it clearly should be considered in every Bluetooth Headset purchase. Though it’s noise cancellation performance is not top notch, callers will definitely hear you a lot easier than other headsets. If you’re seaking a noise cancellation headset, you can do no wrong with the Jawbone 2. If you want something a little more versatile, the Z9i is a great, great headset.

PROS

• Small, Sleek Design
• Comfortable Fit, Easy to Put On
• Sync to Multiple Devices
• Great Incoming Audio Quality, Impressive Outgiong Audio in Quiet Surroundings

CONS

• Not an ‘amazing’ noise cancellation performer
• Odd Earhook Design Exposes chrome

FINAL RATING:

The Plantronics Voyager 520 is the follow up to the very popular Voyager 510 with newer features and better technology. The Voyager 520 is targeted at the user who is looking for supreme comfort and solid sound quality. It maintains professional styling and ease-of-use to provide the user a great Bluetooth headset. How does it perform? Does it measure up to the uber-popular Voyager 510?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Let’s put it this way. The Voyager 520 isn’t the most stunning Bluetooth Headset you’ve ever seen. There are headsets that are smaller, sleeker, and use better colors. The headset is fairly large because of the locked-in, large ear loop. The front face of the Bluetooth Headset looks overly-complicated, with harsh lines, multiple patterns, and different colors.

Don’t get me wrong, the Voyager 520 is most definitely not an ugly headset—it’s just not the prettiest one either. The Voyager 520 looks like the Bluetooth Headsets of yore, more professional and business-like than sleek and stylish.

However, styling and design issues aside, I was amazed at how comfortable and light it felt when worn. The large ear loop rotates nearly 360 degrees and is made of a softer, silcone-esque material. It is likely one of the better, more comfortable ear loops on the market. You’ll barely notice it hanging on your ear

Also, the earbud of the Voyager 520 is unique because it sits soft in your ear canal. As opposed to a lot of classic earbud designs, the Voyager 520’s earbud sits naturally in the ear because of its almost funnel like shape. The earbud is the best compromise of in-ear designs and classic ear phone designs.

When you’re wearing the Voyager 520, the comfortable ear loop and the even more comfortable ear bud makes the headset essentially unnoticeable. Some headsets may be prettier but few even come close to the superb fit the Voyager 520 offers.

Usability

Syncing with the iPhone is a cinch. Plantronics chose to implement a multifunction button that doubles as a volume switch. I found the button to be easy enough to hit but switching the volume up and down proved to be more cumbersome. I accidentally ended a call when trying to turn up the volume.

As I mentioned before, the Voyager 520’s fit really stands out. Even after wearing the device for hours, my ears were perfectly fine and I didn’t feel the need to remove the device. Typically, my ears need a break when earbuds are lodged in but the unique design of the Voyager 520’s earbuds made it a joy to wear.

The incoming sound quality is rock solid. Because of the funnel shape of the ear bud, incoming callers were clear and pronounced. It felt like I was getting the best of both worlds—in-ear sound quality but classic ear phone feel. Also, Plantronics uses AudioIQ to smarten the audio, getting louder in noisier environments and softer in quiet surroundings.

Outgoing sound quality is also good. Though it does pick up some background noise, it wasn’t enough to be bothersome to the caller. Callers felt that I sounded clear with no digitization and preferred the headset to many competitors. In quiet environments the headset’s performance was simply stellar, callers never even imagined me being on a Bluetooth headset.

Talk time is 8 hours, which should be plenty for most users. You’re also able to pair to more than one device, which is definitely convenient. Unfortunately, the Voyager 520 uses a proprietary AC adapter.

Final Thoughts

The Voyager 520 really surprised me. When I first saw the headset, I was expecting middling performance and an uncomfortable fit. I could not be more wrong. The fit of the Voyager 520 might be best in class—it hangs light on your ear yet sits naturally in the canal. Also, the audio quality ranged from decent in noisy environments to simply superb in quiet surroundings. Though I still have a few quips with the design and styling, honestly, it’s closer to being pretty than ugly while still remaining professional. I think the Voyager 520 should be seriously considered by any potential headset user and should be considered a steal for the price!

PROS

• Very, very comfortable fit
• Smart Ear Bud Design
• Solid Audio Quality
• Good Battery Life

CONS

• Average Styling
• Fairly Large
• Weird Charger

FINAL RATING:

Many Bluetooth Headsets are beginning to make and market small, ultra-portable Bluetooth Headsets. Count Samsung as one of them because the Samsung WEP-500 Bluetooth Headset is a simple, stylish, and ULTRA-small Bluetooth Headset.

The headset itself is no bigger than a quarter, with such small stature does it sacrifice in performance? Or is the Samsung WEP-500 Bluetooth Headset the best of both worlds?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

The Samsung WEP-500 is a very impressive looking headset. It’s not the flashiest or shiniest headset around but I think that’s a good choice by Samsung’s Design Team. I think a lot of people will appreciate the WEP-500’s subtle style, it doesn’t overwhelm you with bells and whistles. The headset’s color scheme is classy, with a matte black outlining a sleeker bluish black. It also comes in a version with muted silver outlining a tasteful black.

The Samsung WEP-500 is unique because of its circular design and of course, tiny size. Unlike other ultra-portable Bluetooth Headsets, the body of the Samsung WEP-500 is fairly thin. The indicator light is also unobtrusive but also can be turned off by holding the volume button. I definitely enjoy the overall look and build quality of this headset. Too many times, Bluetooth Headsets scream ‘Hey! Look at me!’. The Samsung WEP-500 is confident enough in its styling choices that it doesn’t feel the need to overcome any perceived shortcomings.

Usability

Because of the WEP-500’s small size, the button layout is rather simple. There’s a multifunction button and volume controls. I found the multifunction button to be much too easy to press and overly sensitive. I’ve hung up on a few calls while trying to adjust the fit and didn’t know what hit me. The position of the button is expected but the button itself is just a little too sensitive for my taste; Samsung should have definitely made a stiffer, less obtrusive multipurpose button.

Another sacrifice in having such a small design is that it requires a charging cradle. I’m not a particular fan of charging cradles because it adds another item that needs to be carried. Luckily, the charging cradle doubles as a carrying case and the WEP-500’s battery life is better than similar headsets. Though 3.5 hours may be paltry to heavy users, for an ultraportable headset, it’s almost as good as it gets.

The fit is decent, the design is almost “in-ear” but it is not as bothersome as in-ear ear buds typically are. Though I did find a few instances where I felt as if the headset was about to fall out—the headset managed to stay fairly secure the whole time. However, I wouldn’t recommend running or even light jogging with this particular headset since there doesn’t seem to be an ear loop option.

A notable feature on this headset is the addition of a secondary microphone. I found it very surprising for a device so small to have TWO microphones. And you know what? The addition of two microphones seemed to have helped and make this headset a standout performer. Callers heard me loud and clear, the echo cancellation really seemed to work. Even in noisier settings, the callers didn’t complain as much as they have in testing of previous headsets.

Incoming audio quality is also very impressive. It has similar technology as Plantronics AudioIQ, which essentially means it adjusts the volume to your surroundings. Specifically, it’ll get louder in loud areas and quieter in quiet areas. Plus the in-ear design helps block out background noise, the incoming audio is really great.

Final Thoughts

Overall the Samsung WEP-500 is a solid performer. It combines subtle style with great audio performance, I am happy to use such a great piece of technology. The fit isn’t amazing but after a few times I’ve grown accustomed to it. The circular shape is unique in the world of Bluetooth Headsets and the indicator light isn’t blinding.

My biggest gripe is the sensitivity of the multifunction button. Samsung really should have made it a bit stiffer, I have accidentally ended a call too many times. After a while I got used to the sensitivity and made it more of a point to handle the headset with care. If Samsung ever comes up with a solution to this minor problem, the WEP-500 will become an excellent headset that everyone should own. In the meantime, I can still recommend this to anyone looking for an ultraportable headset because it still works as advertised: great styling and great audio quality.

PROS

• Great Subtle Design, Classy Look
• Very Good Audio Quality
• Decent Enough Battery Life Compared to Similar Products

CONS

• Ridiculously Sensitive Multi-Function Button
• Charge via Charging Cradle
• Still Not Enough Battery Life

FINAL RATING: 4.3/5

Bluetooth headsets are becoming increasingly popular, on a common day you’d run into plenty of people using these hands-free devices. Some make you look like a bionic man, others simply look bland, but there are a rare few that makes your head turn. The Motorola H9 Bluetooth Headset ($89.95) falls in that head-turner, borderline sexy category.

Sculpted to be no larger than a quarter, the Motorola H9 is sleek, lightweight, and unmistakably TINY. How can they fit a capable Bluetooth Headset in such a small package? Does it sacrifice performance for the sake of good looks? Is it even useful?

Read on for the rest of the review!

Design

Obviously, with such a strong emphasis on the size of the Motorola H9, it better be jaw droppingly small and impressive. And to that fact, it is, the headset is amazingly small yet it still manages to remain sturdy and look sleek.

A blue indicator light illuminates the shiny silver on the front face of the Bluetooth headset. Though eye-catching to most, some may find it annoying so pressing all of the control buttons can turn it off. But there is no denying that the Motorola H9 is one of the better looking Bluetooth headsets available, its combination of good looks and superb build quality makes it without a doubt, a high end set.

However, with such a strong emphasis on the size and design, Motorola keeps the functions of the H9 to a minimum. The key control is simple—a main multi button and standard volume buttons. The H9 is designed as an in-ear headset, so those that dislike the in-ear design should obviously stay away. Also, though the headset is tiny in size, it is a bit thicker than expected.

Usability

Because of the H9’s in-ear design the headset will take some getting used to. Though the lightweight of the H9 helps this issue, the in-ear design may not be for everyone. Also, It doesn’t come with an ear loop so though it is secure for daily use—running or even light jogging will probably dislodge the headset.

The fit is decent, after you get used to the in-ear design it slowly grows on you. It isn’t immediately comfortable like those from the Plantronics Line but it’s not uncomfortable either. The fit will probably boil down to how forgiving you are of in-ear designs.

Since there isn’t room for a charging port on the headset itself, the H9 is accompanied by a charging cradle. To charge, you insert the mini-USB port to the cradle and place the headset on the cradle. The charging cradle doubles as a portable charging unit, which is necessary since the H9 itself only holds 1.5 hour of talk time. With the charging cradle, you can add an extra 6 hours albeit at a 1.5 hour a time pace.

Overall, the Bluetooth headset performs solidly—earning rave reviews in more quiet areas but having problems in slightly noisier environments. It’s amazing that such a small piece of technology can perform as well as bigger-sized products. Though callers complained of background noise such as other voices and wind, when I used the H9 in the car, it performed quite well. The in-ear ear buds worked to keep the incoming audio quality clear because it manages to block out exterior noise.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be honest, with such a tiny design the Motorola H9 will obviously have some limitations. Pointedly, the battery life is a concern for constant travelers not everyone may prefer the fit. Luckily, Motorola packaged a charging cradle that offers a boost to the headset’s battery life and the in-ear design blocks out background noise and isn’t all that uncomfortable.

The most important aspect of the Motorola H9 is that it attempts to be unique in the bland world of Bluetooth Headsets and to that extent, it succeeds. The audio quality is near flawless in a quiet setting and it keeps pace with comparable (but bigger) headsets in noisy environments. If you’re looking for a long-lasting Bluetooth headset and your commute is noisy, the Motorola H9 is not for you. But if you want a stylish design that doesn’t skimp on quality, look no further.

PROS

• Incredibly Small Design
• Great Audio Quality in Quiet Environments
• In-Ear Ear Buds Makes For Outstanding Incoming Audo
• Stylish Look

CONS

• Short Battery Life
• Average Performer in Noisy Environments
• In Ear Design May Put Off Some

FINAL RATING: 4.5/5