Motorola HS850 Bluetooth Headset [Bulk Packaged]

Amazon.com Hands-On Review

The Motorola HS850 is the company's update to their HS810 headset, one of my personal favorites. The changes made to produce the new HS850 are few, but the effect is relatively substantial. But first, let's start with what is the same.

Like the HS810, the HS850 makes use of a body design that employs a folding microphone boom. The folding microphone boom acts as the on and off switch, as well as just providing a convenient way to make the headset smaller and more pocketable when not in use. When a call comes into your phone, you can turn on and answer the phone at the same time just by unfolding the microphone boom. You can end the call and turn it off by removing the headset and re-folding it. Using the headset in this way conserves battery power, since no battery juice is wasted on standby time - time where the headset sits around waiting to be contacted by a mobile phone or other compatible device. The physical design of the HS850 and the battery savings it imparts is my favorite aspect of the Motorola HS850.

Of course you don't have to remove and turn off the headset between calls. If the headset is already on when an inbound call comes, you will hear the ringing come through on the headset and can answer it by pressing on the main multi-function call control button. You can end the call with this same button, and adjust volume levels with the two volume buttons. If you are using a phone that supports the Hands Free Bluetooth profile, then you can also use the call control button to reject an inbound call or redial the last number.

The HS850's audio properties are also like those of the HS810 before it. The audio quality in both directions is very clear and understandable, but sounds a bit thin. You and the party on the other end of the call will both be able to understand each other easily, it just doesn't sound as full and natural as it might with some other headsets. The HS850 makes up for this small lacking by having great resistance to wind noise, though. That makes the headset perfect for people that enjoy driving with their windows down, or those that work outside. Most headsets are very susceptible to wind noise, the HS850 bucks that trend.

And now for the new stuff. First up, a more powerful battery. The HS850 I tested managed an amazing 7 hours and 50 minutes of talk time. That is a full two thirds improvement over the older model. The truly amazing part is that this new battery life didn't come at the expense of added weight. Like the HS810 before it, the HS850 weighs only .7oz (19.9g).

The next major change perhaps sounds more important than it worked out to be in reality. The HS850 supports the newer Bluetooth v1.2 spec, whereas most headsets support v1.1 only. Motorola claims that when used with a v1.2 compatible phone (there are still relatively few available at the time I write this), the HS850 will be able to connect faster, use less battery power, and offer improved audio quality. While I can see what appears to be a slight improvement in connection speed, I haven't really noticed much of a change in battery life or audio quality.

The last major change is purely cosmetic. The new HS850 headset is blue-gray in color, like a darker version of the HS810's color. I find it more attractive than the light silver found on the HS810.

But regardless of the color, you can't go wrong with Motorola's HS850, which I consider to be perhaps the best value on the market.

--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com

Pros:

Small, light
Comfortable
Nearly 8 hours of talk time
No wind noise
Can be worn on both ears

Cons:

A bit unusual looking
Audio lacks bass

What's in the box: Motorola HS850 Bluetooth Headset, User Manual, and Quick Start Guide.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Bluetooth Headset even after 2 years.......2007-12-31

The Motorola HS850 is one of the few products that I would rate 5 stars. I've been using it for 2 years and it continues to have better voice quality than the phone I use it with. Battery life is very good and I can usually get at least 6 hours of talk time before recharging.

The only problem I've encountered is that my current phone, Sony-Ericsson z520a, doesn't always connect with the HS850 right away. The phone itself has been buggy and problem-ridden so I'm betting it has to do with the phone and not the headset. At times I'd need to remove the phone battery and reboot the phone before I could get it to recognize the headset.

Headsets are a very personal choice, what one person finds comfortable may not be comfortable for another person. I've found the HS850 to be comfortable and lightweight and I can easily forget I have it on. The volume is adjustable to a level comfortable for nearly all situations. After 2 years of frequent use, the silicone strip used to seal sound around the ear wore out and I've just removed it. The fit is good enough that I don't miss it and I don't plan to order a new one as long as mine keeps working.

The only negative issue I've found is that when the battery is in need of recharge, the triple-beep warning comes only about 60 seconds before it dies. Since mine is an older model Motorola may have addressed this issue, but maybe not.

This bluetooth headset is worth it!! Great price too! No Joke!!.......2007-12-31

This Bluetooth headset is a good buy!! Since this was my first purchase that I ever bought on Amazon, I strongly recommend that you buy this!! Since the DMV now requires drivers to have a headset soon, I am glad to see that its performance is good, but there are sometimes when I am using it, my callers don't hear me clearly, but that is the only flaw that I can see. But overall its a great price!! So buy this headset because its a good way to set your phone to go Bluetooth and a good purchase for beginners for whom don't want to purchase an expensive model Bluetooth.

Superb quality for the price.......2007-12-30

Considering the low price, this is probably the best value headset currently available. I've lost three of these over the years, and keep ordering it again despite having four other headsets that I also use regularly. The flip-out boom mic is an excellent design that picks up your voice clearly even in noisy rooms and saves battery life without the annoying problem of having to hold down a button or check to see if the headset is on or off. The buttons are easy to access, even with driving gloves, requiring just the right amount of pressure. It's relatively comfortable, with a soft rubber flange around the speaker that keeps the ear from getting sore (though few headsets can match the Sony HBH-GV435 for comfort). I do find that it sometimes feels loose, making you wonder if it will fall off. It never does, but the design of the hinge is just a wee bit looser than it could be, causing that annoying feeling. When not being used, you just flip closed the boom mic and it fits nicely into a pocket, though the HS700 is smaller and more convenient for storing. Battery life is reasonable, but other headsets do offer better power efficiency. But for the price, you just can't go wrong with this unit.

!.......2007-12-28

my major problem was that the phone couldn't adjust to my ears since they are small. Also, it took too many steps to connect the device to my phone.

motorola.......2007-12-25

I like to tnx to amazon for help alots of people to save lots of money my hs 850 bluetooth is perfect,it was for my wife

Average customer rating:

Worked for 20 minutes...then won't connect
I only use it with my PS3
Bluetooth headset
NOT THE BEST
It's ok works fine

Motorola H350 Bluetooth Headset - Black

Manufacturer: Motorola
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

Hands-Free | Type | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

Motorola | Brand | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

Accessories:

Product Features:

Ergonomic Earpiece
Works with any Bluetooth-Equipped Phone
Walk up to 30 Feet Away from Your Phone and Stay Connected
In-Headset Answer/End and Volume Controls
Bluetooth version 2.0 and EDR technology

ASIN: B000GUKT9Q
Release Date: 2006-10-04

Product Description

Motorola H350 Bluetooth Hands-free Headset is universally compatible with all Bluetooth enabled cell phones, PDA and other devices. Blending a stylish design with the latest Bluetooth version 2.0 plus Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) technology, the Motorola H350 offers the ultimate Bluetooth experience. This simple device is not only easy to use and comfortable to wear. Its lengthy battery life and wire-free capabilities allow you the freedom to do whatever you desire. One touch control effortlessly allows you to power the headset, receive and end calls, and place callers on hold

Customer Reviews:

Worked for 20 minutes...then won't connect .......2007-11-22

I bought 2 of these actually. One for my wife which works ok. And one for me, which I got to work initially, but 20 minutes later it disconnected itself and I haven's been able to get it to work since. Unfortunately, I threw away the box so i don't think I can return it. I bought the Plantronics 510 which is a little bulkier, but I find it works much better. I guess I'm out the 30 bucks for the Motorola.

I only use it with my PS3.......2007-11-17

I purchased this set so I could talk smack online when playing games like Rainbow 6 or Call of Duty 4 on my PS3. I got it to work after about a week of registering and unregistering the headset a number of times. At first I thought it wasn't going to work at all. But finally it works. There are a number of glitches that I had to overcome in order to get it to work properly. For example, I have to turn the headset on BEFORE I start the game or it won't work whereas normally you should be able to turn on and off whenever and it should work. Another weird thing is that I always have to turn it on and off once and then on again or it won't work properly either. I am however fully satisfied with it once I get it to work. The volume is perfect and the range is pretty good too. I can go all the way to the kitchen and it is still crystal clear. The battery could last a little longer. Overall, you get what you paid for. It is one of the cheapest headsets around. Do I recommend it? Only if you're looking to pay the lowest amount possible for a bluetooth headset.

Bluetooth headset.......2007-10-30

I received the item at a fast rate. The headset was in very good condition and wasnt hard at all to connect with my phone.

NOT THE BEST.......2007-09-06

It's a bit hard to evaluate because much of it depends on the type of phone and service you have. I have a 1st generation Motorola slvr phone. The H350 connects fine but I sometimes have trouble getting clear reception. Sometimes I have to reset it because the other party can't hear me but i can hear them. Also it sometimes just turns off on me, I'm not sure how or why it does this. In general it's not the best choice.

It's ok works fine.......2007-08-27

It's ok works fine and battery life is very good, I have a motorola i880 ande last sunday for work I had to speak 3hours and, what do you think? the movil power-off first for battery.

Motorola Bluetooth Headset H350 - Pearl Grey [Motorola Retail Packaging]

Average customer rating:

Good Item
Motorola Blue Tooth H350
Motorola Bluetooth Headset H350 -- easy to use

Motorola Bluetooth Headset H350 - Pearl Grey [Motorola Retail Packaging]

Manufacturer: Motorola
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

Hands-Free | Type | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

Motorola | Brand | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

Accessories & Supplies | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Accessories:

Motorola BLT-04 Bluetooth Headset Carrying Case

Product Features:

Links with up to 8 Bluetooth compatible devices
Bluetooth 2.2
Rechargable
1 Year warranty

ASIN: B000GURADE
Release Date: 2005-06-29

Product Description

Customer Reviews:

Good Item.......2007-11-06

This item works very well and I am happy with the performance. I would recomend to others.

Motorola Blue Tooth H350.......2007-08-30

Be advised on the product description, the information is wrong. The description claims 10 hours of talk time and 200 Standby, whereas the headset only provides 7 hours of talk time and 150 hours Standby. Also the description states the device is Blue Tooth 2.2, but the headset itself only goes to 2.0. I would not have bought this devise had I known the true specifications. Make sure you don't get scammed.

Motorola Bluetooth Headset H350 -- easy to use.......2007-06-12

This is a great price and is very easy to use. I am not that great with electronics and always have to have my children's help. This one I was able to put to use right after charging and found it easy to use and enjoy.

Motorola HS820 Bluetooth Headset - Hematite Gray

Average customer rating:

Wouldn't buy it again
Volume!!!!
not working
Motorola
Stopped working after 8 months

Motorola HS820 Bluetooth Headset - Hematite Gray

Manufacturer: Motorola
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

Hands-Free | Type | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

Motorola | Brand | Accessories | Categories | Cell Phones & Service

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