BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-700 Review

Introduction and Design:

When you're a big time business executive, you're probably known to be extremely organized with the aid of a trusty high-profiled BlackBerry smartphone like the Bold 9780. Sporting that kind of handset, the BlackBerry Wireless Headset HS-700 might seem like a worthy candidate in complementing your business persona. At the same time, it looks like it packages all of the most subtle refinements found with RIM's more notable smartphones – which would seemingly enable the HS-700 to emulate a similar success. In tow are features like voice command, voice prompts, noise-cancellation technology, and automatic volume control. Included with its packaging are 2 ear hooks, 5 earpieces, microUSB cable, wall charger, and a user guide.

You can't help but compare the HS-700 to something like the BlackBerry Bold 9000 as it encompasses a premium design to its construction – despite its traditional looks. Even though it's average in size, we adore the implementation of quality materials like its glossy black plastic, chrome bezel, and leather like surface to give it that distinctive and tasteful allure.


Forgoing using either ear hooks, we're content with the tight fit of the earpiece provided by the headset as it comfortably stays in without feeling too overbearing after a period of time. Naturally, the ear hooks can be placed into the specified slot to allow an assuring grip to the ear.

Sadly, its discrete intention to combine its powering mechanism into the earpiece dramatically reduces its continuous usability for long periods of time. Instead of twisting the earpiece to turn it on, we would've preferred seeing it as a separate switch/button – or somehow be combined with the existing call control key built into the leather surface or the dedicated voice command button on its side. Nonetheless, you're going to need to store it else where, like your pockets, if you want to conserve additional battery power because it can't be worn while set to the off position. Charging the device is accomplished via its microUSB port which is located on its rear side.

Performance:

Bringing it to life for the very first time, we're greeted to some simple voice guided instructions through the earpiece which makes the setup process a breeze. Additionally, it's able to distinguish our voice to execute proper instructions by pressing on the dedicated voice command button, like finding out the battery level or playing a song, which enables for a seamless hands-free experience. However, noisy conditions tend to hamper its accuracy – but speaking louder generally fixes it.

Unlike the HS-300, the automatic volume control on this model appears to adjust accordingly as it exhibits a reasonable level that makes voices sound natural without much interference. And even in conditions where background noise is heavily present, it manages to emit sufficient tones to make it very easy to comprehend voices.

Conversely, our callers had some difficulty in making out our voice due to the amount of noise evident in the background. In fact, the noticeable sound of wind can be heard by our callers as we used the headset in the car with the window down. You'd imagine that its noise cancellation technology would kick in at some time, but it unfortunately does little to reduce the amount of interference going to our callers.


Battery life is more than respectable with the HS-700 as we managed to obtain a continuous usage of 4.5 hours – which is what the manufacturer has it rated for. With the included microUSB cable, you can simply charge it through an accessible computer to top off its capacity.

Conclusion:

If it's a true hands-free experience you want, then the BlackBerry HS-700 is something you want to keep an eye out for since it's able to accomplish a myriad of functions via voice controls. From placing calls to controlling a music player, you won't be required to place even a single finger on your handset while using the HS-700. Even though its noise cancellation functionality is lacking, it's still able to provide a satisfactory experience that complements any high-profiled handset out there. Although it's priced at $129.99, it should be a sufficient price point with its well-rounded features. What we don't like about it is that it doesn't offer anything particularly worthy in terms of innovative items.