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:

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

I'm very satisfied.......2007-12-23

I've had 4 of these (or their predecessor) over a several year period. I liked my first one so much, i got a second one as a back up in case the battery died (i can't use it while it's charging because the coiled cord pulls it down toward the cigarette lighter/charger thing and it won't stay in my ear because of the pull of the coiled cord). Also, in case i might lose mine, i liked knowing i had a back up because i hate driving while holding the cell phone in my hand. I like the sound quality. I'm able to hear other people and they can hear me.

One of my first two of these died and Motorola sent me a new one, i guess it must've still been in warranty. It just stopped working, dead, wouldn't take a charge. The next two never died, but the little rubber ear seal thing fell off on one of them, after a really long time, a couple of years at least, and then it was harder to hear with it, and i was glad i had two. I still have the other old one that's been working for a long time with no problems but recently, the ear seal thing has partly come loose. It still works fine, but i saw this good price on this one on amazon so i got it to have an back up.

The only things i don't like about these--one, they use that two pronged charger while my phone uses mini USB, and i wish the handsfree charger uses mini USB too, so i'd only have one charger instead of needing two different ones, and the other thing is, i find the pairing maneuver harder than i would like, the way you have to hold it closed while pushing the button, and then quickly open it when it starts flashing while still holding the button down, it's awkward and too hard for me to remember easily so i sometimes have to use the user manual or call support because it stays connected with my phone so well, i dont have to use this maneuver very often and i forget how to do it.

but overall, for me, this handsfree has good quality sound and stays connected. Very reliable. Pretty comfortable. It's worked well with three or four phone models i've had. I've tried numerous wired hands frees in order to have something as a back up when the wireless one's battery dies during use, and the sound is always much poorer on those, not so much hearing my caller, but them hearing me, i get complaints on the wired ones i try. I never get complaints with the HS 850.

Motorola HS850 Bluetooth Headset - Black

Average customer rating:

too heavy and bulky
Worked well so far!! and Now breaking apart! 1 year of use so far
HS850
Great Headset
Survived washing machine and still works great!

Motorola HS850 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

Motorola | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
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Product Features:

Bluetooth wireless technology means that the sheer convenience of hands-free communication is enhanced with total freedom of movement.
Unfold the boom microphone, place the headset over the ear and a link will be established automatically.
This universal accessory encourages users to update, change and evolve because it is compatible with all other 1.1 compliant Bluetooth wireless technology phones by Motorola and other manufacturers.
Smaller Size, Bigger Power. This tiny powerhouse is less than 5 cm in diameter when folded and weighs just 20 grams.
Increased talk time of up to 8 hours and standby time of up to 200 hours.

ASIN: B0007XY66O

Amazon.com Hands-On Review

The HS850 folds neatly and fits easily in your pocket.

Two softly pulsating blue LEDs signal when the headset is in use.

The last major change is purely cosmetic. The new headset is sold in this very nice black color and is also available in blue-gray, like a darker version of the HS810's color. I find both colors 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.

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.

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

Customer Reviews:

too heavy and bulky.......2007-12-31

i had the h700, which as it turns out is lighter and more streamlined, i thought the product would be super light and barely visible on the ear...but is is a bit bulky for a blue tooth piece for the ear...i would check for lighter products...

Worked well so far!! and Now breaking apart! 1 year of use so far.......2007-11-15

I have this set for a year or so. It works well till date.
But the plastic part close to volume button cracked and broke, which is very close to ear hanging loops hinge. Used the crazy glue.
Lets see how much long it holds on.

HS850.......2007-10-30

This product looks great and that is it. It works when it wants to.

Great Headset.......2007-10-26

This is a great product I had it for about 2 months already, This is a big difference from when I had the H500. Battery Life is good. Only thing is, it doesn't stay on my ear to well, had the same problem with the H500; a lot of time it feels like its gonna fall off, but other than that the sound quality is great.

Survived washing machine and still works great!.......2007-10-23

I've had this headset for several years. I had echo problems when I used it with my LG 8100 so I stopped using it, but then I got an iPhone and decided to give it a try. It paired right away, sounded great, and was a joy to use. Recently, it had an inadvertent encounter with the washing machine. I let it sit out a couple of days to dry, gave it a full charge, and then attempted a phone call. Much to my surprise it still works perfectly. Highly recommended to iPhone users who don't check their pockets before doing the laundry!

Motorola RAZR V3 Cosmic Blue Phone (Unlocked)

Average customer rating:

Razr V3
Language and usability issues
Excellent Phone
Very Disappointed
Black and Blue

Motorola RAZR V3 Cosmic Blue Phone (Unlocked)

Manufacturer: Motorola
ProductGroup: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone Accessory

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

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

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

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Accessories:

Product Features:

Unlocked for use with your existing GSM 850 MHz, GSM 1800 MHz, GSM 900 MHz or GSM 1900 MHz service provider and SIM card. Note: This phone does not come with service or a SIM card.
Razor-thin Aircraft Aluminum Case in sleek Cosmic Blue and includes a European charger with American adapter for travel versitility
External colour display and 64K internal display make picture caller ID even sweeter
Integrated VGA camera with 4x zoom, 22kHz polyphonic speaker with MP3 ringer support, MPEG4 video Playback, 3D Graphics Engine, and Java™ MIDP 2.0 all make downtime uplifting
Integrated Class 1 Bluetooth® wireless technology stays in touch up to an amazing 100 metres (300 feet) away

ASIN: B000E8FDVY

Amazon.com Product Description

Thin is definitely in. At just over a half-inch thick, the Motorola RAZR V3 is the perfect combination of sleek design and powerful features. With long-range Bluetooth, support for video playback, a VGA (640 x 480) camera and a gorgeous color screen, the RAZR V3 is everything you're looking for in a stylish mobile companion. The Motorola RAZR V3 is truly an impressive quad-band phone. And now it is available in beautiful cosmic blue.

Take a closer look at the cosmic blue RAZR V3's functions.
Design
The RAZR V3's design takes the standard clamshell form factor to the next level with an impressive, anodized aluminum construction. A large 176 x 220 color display with 262,000 colors dominates the inside of the top cover. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 80 full-color display that can display pictures, time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. The VGA camera lens is housed above this display. Up/down buttons are placed on the left side for volume control while a voice button on the right side of the unit allows you to enter voice memos and create voice dialing profiles. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad, which is precision cut from a single sheet of nickel-plated copper alloy. A charging port and USB data cable port is placed on the bottom of the phone.

Calling Features
The RAZR V3's internal phone book can hold up to 1000 contacts, while the phone's picture ID system allows you to assign pictures to your most common callers. It also supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone. There's even an included application, MotoMixer, that lets you mix your own ringtones. For times when you want to be discreet, there's a vibrating alert. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear while voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names.

Because the RAZR V3 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation.

Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The RAZR V3 is a messaging and wireless Internet powerhouse. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is also supported via AOL Instant Messenger and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols.

iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. And with Internet service and a data plan (not included) and its Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the RAZR V3 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator with currency converter, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the phone's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard, can be used with Motorola's Mobile Phone Tools PC application to manage and synchronize contacts, calendar and other data with your PC.

Imaging and Entertainment
With 5 MB of internal memory storage, the RAZR V3 shines in the entertainment department. The phone's VGA camera features a 4x zoom, image quality options, and an auto-timer so you can be in your pictures, too. Capture stills and then send them to your friends via MMS messaging or email, or to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. The phone is capable of MPEG4 video playback when you receive a video message, or if you upload video to the phone via USB or Bluetooth. The RAZR V3 also supports custom graphics for wallpapers so you can dress up the phone to suit your fancy.

Operating the RAZR Battery Door
The RAZR V3's battery cover is designed to have a very tight fit with the phone case. You may need to use your fingernail or a very thin instrument to depress the small battery cover release button. When replacing the cover, make sure the cover securely snaps into place before operating the phone.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola RAZR V3 weighs 3.35 ounces and measures 3.86 x 2.09 x .54 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.67 hours of digital talk time, and up to 250 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

Customer Reviews:

Razr V3.......2007-12-31

Cool color, stylish. Number pad is very sensitive and intuative, Signal retention is very good and voice clarity is best I have found. Great value for you money.