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Functions
I tested the Motorola H700 Bluetooth Headset with a Motorola mobile phone, and it simply worked flawlessly. The H700 functions like a wireless extension for the RAZR V3c; it even makes use of the voice activation technology of Motorola's phones.
I can't say whether the headset would work as well with another manufacturer's phone because I did not have access to one during my tests. Nevertheless, it is clear that Motorola's engineers poured their hearts and souls into their fifth-generation design for the headset.
The headset's multifunction button works exceptionally well to answer calls, end calls, reject a call, redial the last call, and switch over to a second call without ending the first. The button is placed intuitively opposite the ear and it didn't hurt when I pressed it. The two volume buttons, located opposite one another on the top and bottom of the headset, are also in just the right place. Holding the two volume buttons down both mutes and unmutes a call. The fact that the H700 has only three buttons makes it one of the simpler headsets to use.
What really impressed me, however; was the H700's PowerFlip design. While the microphone boom was closed, the headset was inactive and not using power. When a call came into my phone, all I had to do was open the boom and the headset instantly connected with my phone and the caller on the other end. The headset's PowerFlip design saves battery life and makes for an extremely intuitive, ergonomic and pleasurable experience. The PowerFlip technology is also what makes the headset so compact for storage in a pocket.
Sound Quality
While the Motorola H700 Bluetooth Headset does not sound bad, it also doesn't sound great. Overall, I'd give the device a B minus in this category, especially compared with other headset's I've tried. Don't get me wrong, the device sounds good, but not as good as Motorola suggests in its marketing materials.
The H700's noise-reduction technology is not the same as other headsets' noise-cancellation technology, which might make all the difference. The noise-reduction technology does seem to improve the sound quality for the person on the other end of the call, however, compared with headsets that have neither technology. The H700 also has an echo-cancellation technology, which seems to work on the user's end, but people on the other end of the phone commented that I sounded like I was talking in a tunnel during my tests. Echo cancellation? You be the judge.
Range
Motorola advertises a 10-meter, or 30-feet, range for its H700, but the headset gets 10 feet at best. During my tests, the headset started to break up, or lose connection, after walking more than three feet away from my phone. It was difficult to understand the person on the other end at about seven feet, and I lost calls after walking more than 10 feet away from the phone. The headset's range is one of few downsides to the device.
Conclusion
Reviewing Motorola's H700 Bluetooth Headset was generally pleasurable, though the company could put more effort into the comfort of its ear hook for its next version. I'd also recommend noise-cancellation technology, if possible. The H700 would be the best headset out there if these factors, and the device's range, were improved. But the H700 is still among the better headsets available, especially when considering how well it functions with the device it's paired with. Add in the ease-of-use factor, as well as the aesthetics of the device, and you have one splendid little Bluetooth headset in the palm of your hand. I would recommend this product to anyone who asked me about it.
Pros
- Flawless functionality with other Motorola products
- Extreme ease of use
- Great connectivity
- Ergonomic and aesthetic design
- PowerFlip microphone boom
- Small (tiny) size
- Longer than advertised talk and standby battery life
- Noise-reduction and echo-cancellation technologies
Cons
- Poor Range
- Not comfortable to wear, despite weight
- Difficult to adjust ear hook
- Sound quality
- Non-replaceable (but rechargeable) battery
By Andrew J. Manuse of "For the Eyes of the Beholder," a Manuse Media Company Web site.
Posted June 25, 2006 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
