I took the maximo IP-HS5 iMetal isolation headset with me to WWDC 2010 this year, figuring it was a great way to test them out on both my iPhone and iPad. And it was. Due to “enhanced security” I had to be at the airport hours early, which meant hurrying up and waiting most of that time. Luckily I had a few podcasts and audio books on my iPhone so I queued those up to tied me over.

Now, low-bit rate talking isn’t the best indicator of sound quality, but I have found many headsets over the years didn’t handle just such low-quality talking very well. Some were never loud enough, many were never clear enough. The maximo ip-hs5 on the other hand did a good job. (In a fair bit of turn-around, I even used them to record both iPhone live! and iPad live! from on location in the hotel).

Sitting behind me on the plane were a pair of pre-schoolers who’s parents biological creators lacked the custodial fortitude to ask them to stop kicking the chairs of those of us in front of them or screaming at the top of their lungs. So, I was also able to test out the iMetal’s isolation and while I don’t think anything under full blown cans could have drowned out the poor, boundary-deprived kids behind me, they did a great job of muting the overall ruckus.

I’ve mentioned before that my grappling-mangled ears have a hard time keeping buds in, and no size ever seems to stay in place long. However, the iMetal have a snap-on lanyard so if — or when — they fall out, they stay around your neck and you don’t end up dragging them embarrassingly behind you.

As to music, I listened to everything from instrumental soundtracks to rap to pop to alternative while I did my writing and the sound quality was great given the budget price of this headset. There was good base and surprising subtlety and while I’m far from a golden ears they did sound a tad better to me than Apple’s in ear headset.

Speaking of which, instead of white plastic the iMetal have black cord, so it’s a very different look and feel. I like both.

Maximo also provides a handy carrying case, keeping the iMetal safe and protected from pocket to packing. Nice.

So if you’re looking to up your in-ear iPhone or iPad game without breaking your bank account (remember, high end models can run several hundred bucks), maximo IP-HS5 iMetal isolation headset are worth checking out.

Come this “summer”, iPhone 3.0 — see our walkthrough — will allow iPhone 3G (and perhaps next-generation iPhone users) to enjoy new Bluetooth functionality including stereo headsets, both the A2DP audio and ARCP control protocols. For consumers, the Motorola HT820 Stereo Bluetooth headset (available from our sibling store, WMExperts) may be an option you want to consider come release day. For developers testing using the A2DP/ARCP profiles on the iPhone 3.0 Beta, they might even be something you want to consider now.

Note: This pre-review will not be focusing on iPhone 3.0 functionality, which is currently in closed beta. It will concentrate only on the headset itself. However, for those developers needing an A2DP headset for testing 3.0, it’s our understanding this one works well on multiple units, over multiple carriers.

Form Factor

Controls

There is the “M” logo that blinks blue when the headset is on and each earpiece has a unique function. The left earpiece is used for making calls and has the volume control buttons (up and down). The right side is for music, skipping tracks, charging USB port and attaching an extra 3.5mm headset.

Functionality

This headset boasts some really nice functionality; 17 hours of talk, 15 hours of music, 500 hours of standby. This is more than enough to get you through a couple of days of use. In my testing, I was very pleased with the battery life. I am not an audiophile (heck, I listen to everything in 128kbps) so these things sound awesome. I can’t attest to this if you are huge audio-junkie. Regardless, they sound better the the headphones that come with the iPhone.

Conclusion

I have never used a stereo  Bluetooth headset before and I have to admit I was very impressed. Not only from the wireless freedom they give, but the sound was rather good. The added value of making phone calls was a really nice bonus. The only real issue I have with this headset is the weight. I wear glasses and these headphones rest directly on the top of your ear. The “resting piece” is a solid rubber, but still, after 20 minutes of use, I would notice ear fatigue. I don’t attribute this to the headset, but if you wear glasses, this type of headset may not work since it adds more pressure on the top of your ear since it is also competing for space with your glasses’ frame. If you don’t wear glasses, this headset might work for you. If you do, I recommend the Motorola S9 Stereo Bluetooth headset; check Rene’s review for more info.

This headset is great, and I will “suffer” through the minor ear fatigue just to use them. They provide a great value in functionality and sound great.

Pros

• Stereo bluetooth and headset in one!
• Sound is great
• Very comfortable, padded earpiece
• Additional 3.5mm jack for headphones
• Built in volume controls and skip tracks functionality
• Awesome battery life

Cons

• Heavier than your average headset
• If you wear glasses, can cause fatigue on your ears
• Not best for laying done

TiPb Accessory Pre-Review Rating:

The iPhone and music pretty much go hand and hand. Your music deserves to be played through a more than decent stereo headset, one that can deliver clear, clean, crisp sound at any volume. That said, I jumped at the chance to try out the iharmonix Pro i-Series Stereo Headset and put it through some serious usage. You can purchase this exact headset right in TiPb’s very own store, for the low price of $39.95. Honestly, I did not know what to expect while waiting for UPS to drop these babies off but I will admit, I was pleasantly surprised. For a full review, read on after the break!

Design

Lets start out by taking a look at the Pro i-Series design. All in all, I am fairly impressed with its build quality. Is it as fancy as some of the higher priced headsets out there? Not at all, but for a $39 it’s not to be scoffed at. The quality is definitely sturdy enough to last for the life of your phone. The headset’s wires are designed fairly well with a thickness and coating that keeps them from getting tangled easily. That would be good news for all of you who are jamming them into your pockets. It is also important to note that they are about 4 inches longer than the stock Apple headset.

Also included is an in-line microphone with an end and send button. You can use the same button to pause, skip tracks, etc., just like you are able to with the headset included with the iPhone.

Iharmonix even tossed in two different earbud sets so that ears of all sizes get the perfect fit. The memory foam earbuds, which you compress with your fingers and put into your ears, were difficult to insert but I did get them to fit. The rubber earbuds on the other hand were way more comfortable for me. Granted this all depends on your ears and what you prefer.

With every aspect of it’ design being positive up until this point, I did I manage to find one negative. Compared to the Apple headset, the 3.5 mm headset plug stands out a bit more than I am comfortable with and does not offer any flex or give if it were to be bumped or tugged on. I’ve always been a bit leary with any headset I’ve used for the simple fact that, with one good whack or tug, you are bound to end up with a crack in the plastic around your iPhone’s 3.5 mm jack. So that is something that should have been taken into consideration. Other than that one minor concern, iharmonix did a really nice job designing this particular headset.

Usability

Now this is where the Pro i-Series shines. Out of all the headsets I have used since getting my first iPhone I can tell you that you will be hard pressed to find one that will outperform this headset, especially in this price range. The sound quality while listening to music is definitely splendid. You get good bass and more importantly it is clear and heavy without getting distorted at higher levels. As is the case with similar headsets, the bass does not take away from the mids or the treble, so the balance is spot-on at low or high volumes. For all you fans of Dieter and Mike, who star in TiPb’s Phone Different Podcast, you’ll be really pleased to know voices come across superbly.

Color me impressed. You will not get a better bang for the buck than this.

That brings us to call quality. The Pro i-Series is very good. For the most part, the person on the other end of the call sounds very natural and there’s very little background noise. Most of the time friends told me I sounded loud and clear. There were a few instances that I was told I sounded distant but overall that was far and few between.

Conclusion

If you have been looking for a modest replacement for headphones that come with the iPhone, I would not hesitate to pick these up. Sure there are other headphones out there that outperform the Pro i-Series but you better be ready to fork over $100 plus. For $39.95, you really can’t beat the overall quality of the iharmonix Pro i-Series Stereo Headset.

Pros

• Excellent quality for the price
• It’s cheap!

Cons

• Lack of flex in 3.5 mm plug
• Earbuds may not fit comfortably depending on your ears

TiPb Accessory Review Rating