The Motorola H17 Bluetooth Headset is a tiny, superb headset with dual microphones, Crystal Talk clarity, and a flip-out switch to turn it off when you're not using it.
I recognize that I have somewhat quirky preferences when it comes to Bluetooth devices, but here it is: when I'm not using a bluetooth device, I want it off. I absolutely hate answering the phone only to have no sound and realize that the call is being routed to a Bluetooth headset that's, well, somewhere other than my ear. I also like that a headset that it off is a headset that's not draining the battery.
Fiddling with long-press on buttons is a hassle, I much prefer a simple, straightfoward switch. The Motorola H17 Bluetooth Headset has just that, a flip out boom that not only turns the headset on and off, but also auto-answers the phone when you flip it out during an incoming call.
Add in dual-microphones for outgoing voice quality that's second only to the Jawbone (in my humble opinion) and Moto's under-appreciated "Crystal Talk" technology for incoming sound quality that's second to none and you have a winner. I'm also impressed with the quick-charging microUSB port (same port as the Pre and Pixi), just 15 minutes of charging is good for over 2 hours of talk time. The H17 also has voice alerts to keep you apprised of the headset's status without making you remember arcane combinations of blinky led colors.
Motorola has been offering flip-out boom headsets for a very long time now, but the H17 is the first to come in a size that's competitive with the other top-line headset out there. So far, I love it.
My review unit was provided by the PreCentral.net Store, which has the H17 for only $89.95, $10 off the MSRP. A couple more shots after the break.
Comments
Private vid?
yeah I can't open the vid either.
Blocked outside the US?
Blocked in the US too, apparently.
Quote:
"I recognize that I have somewhat quirky preferences when it comes to Bluetooth devices, but here it is: when I'm not using a bluetooth device, I want it off. I absolutely hate answering the phone only to have no sound and realize that the call is being routed to a Bluetooth headset that's, well, somewhere other than my ear."
Not quirky at all. I refuse to be a full time cyborg. BT comes off of my ear the moment the call ends. So I also hate to answer my phone and have the BT pick up. I find myself yelling "hang on" while I look for the device on my desk somewhere.
So, I usually hang it from the V neck slot of my shirt when not in use. I wonder how well this model stays put? My Jawbone always stays put. But I finally lost my Blue-ant because it did not.
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Finally, a bluetooth headset I might actually buy. I love the easy on/off feature.
Ouch - I wish the PreCentral store would charge a more competitive price for these accessories, as I'd like to support it. Unfortunately the prices are often much higher than other sources - too much of a premium. $10 off MSRP is still much higher than other sources.
Can't PreCentral's store come up with more reasonable costs?
Need to be a2dp for me to be even interested with the Pre.
Agree, no a2dp to listen to podcasts is a big mistake esp for the Pre. I noted upon pairing no music icon next to cell icon.
I have the Jabra BT530 Bluetooth Headset which does this, though I dislike the switch and earpiece could be better.
its okay I guess :P... good job though
OMG, Is that your watch?? :)
Dumb question, I'm sure. Does the Palm Pre support ASDP? I did a quick search and none of the various A2DP phone lists included a Palm device. Thanks.
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