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Motorola H700 & H300: Two Great New BT Headsets

One of the things that I have been most impressed about lately is the fact that the quality of the design and performance of Bluetooth headsets has been steadily improving over the past few months with new releases such as the Jabra JX10, Plantronics Discovery 640, Motorola H700 and Motorola H300.

I recently reviewed both the Jabra and Plantronics headsets with the JX10 quickly making it to the top of my preferred list.  This past week I have now also had the opportunity to test both new Motorola headsets which each have excellent and unique design and functionalities with both the Treo 650 and Treo 700w.

In the image below, you can appreciate the comparative size of all of my preferred BT headsets to the exception of the Plantronics Discovery 640 which would have appeared as the third smallest in this ranking.  The Jabra JX10 is still the most diminutive closely followed by the Motorola H700 shown with its PowerFlip closed on the right.

Motorola H700

After testing the Motorola H700 ($89.95) it quickly became obvious why this model has so quickly become the second bestselling Bluetooth headset for our Treo.

Among others, what sets the H700 apart from all other BT headsets is Motorola’s unique PowerFlip which turns the headset On/Off by simply flipping/folding the speaker lid (see images below).  When closed the H700 resembles a small lightweight pebble and it is probably the only BT headset which I would recommend to fit comfortably in the pocket of your pants.

Another particularly useful feature of the PowerFlip is that it allows you to Answer/End a call by simply flipping the speaker lid open or closed (UPDATE: Only with Treo 700w not Treo 650).  Additionally, you can answer a call on the phone and then transfer it to the BT headset at the push of a button.

Other pros include the fact that the H700 is the fastest charging headset requiring only 1 hour for a full charge and also benefiting from a very good 6 hours of talk time while being ultralight.  On the bad side, I was very disappointed that Motorola did not include a USB cable to charge the H700 while on the go – something which I’m increasingly considering essential for all portable electronics.

Overall, were it not for the fact that the call quality is somewhat lower on the Motorola H700 than on the Jabra JX10 I would be inclined to place this headset as the #1 in my preferred list but for now at least the JX10 will remain firmly on top.  Nonetheless, if your budget cannot strech to the considerably more expensive JX10 then the 40% cheaper H700 will prove a perfect choice.

Motorola H300

The Motorola H300 ($49.95) for its part is a headset specifically designed for those Treonauts who are always on the go and always on the phone and who require the maximum talk time and standby time performance.

On this front the Motorola H300 delivers big time with an amazing 30 hours talk time (5 times more than an average headset) and 30 days standby time (4 to 5 times better).  The H300 can achieve this because instead of a small rechargeable internal battery it is powered by a standard AAA battery which is inserted into the headset via a lid at the back of the unit.

Naturally, the increased talk time does come at the detriment of weight and thus overall wearing comfort when compared to my other preferred headsets – half of which now weigh around the 10 grams mark.

Having said this, there is something incredibly practical about knowing that wherever you go you’ll quickly be able to charge your headset by simply inserting a new AAA battery into it without the need to carry a separate charger or cables.  Overall, at only $49.95 the Motorola H300 is not only a practical and well built Bluetooth headset but also one of the most affordable on the market today.

Treonauts are always looking for the best options


Posted by Andrew on January 11, 2006 at 04:24 PM

Treo Accessories , Treo Bluetooth Headset

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Comments

1
by CellphoneSavant | Jan 12, 2006 1:21:13 PM

Thank you for the information on the headseats. They all sound like great products. I am new to your blog and I like what I see. I look forward to future reveiws.

2
by blazio | Jan 13, 2006 11:40:53 AM

I just received the jabra Jx10 and man it is tiny! i can't wait for this little thing to charge up fully so i can try it out. I ultimately went with the jabra vs the motorola H700 based on your comments on this article and the ones made in your review of the jabra. I love your website...very informative! :)

3
by gfunkmagic | Jan 14, 2006 1:34:22 AM

Andrew, you stated that with the H700 you can Answer/End a calls by simply flipping the PowerFlip speaker lid open or closed! But that is NOT what is being reported by users over at Treocentral. Can you please confirm this?

http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?p=879479#post879479

If indeed this does not work, then the H700 is definitely a NO Deal imo...

4
by joelee | Jan 14, 2006 12:54:02 PM

How much does the h300 weight?? You didn't say! Please reply here.

5
by cue79 | Jan 15, 2006 3:38:23 PM

Got the H700 based on the review here, and it has loads of problems. I already returned it to BB. Here's what I encountered, and if this isn't the case, please let me know Andrew, as maybe I got a defective one (although I'm seeing these reports @ TreoCentral as well as per above link).

1) Unit fails as soon as you touch the volume on the Treo.

2) Unit will make load tone in your ear if Treo starts to make call and call isn't ringing by the time the phone/BT link is established.

6
by Plasmo | Jan 15, 2006 7:45:15 PM

Joelee- you didn't mention which device you paired with the H700 - i'm assuming you have the 650. Has anyone tried the H700 with the Treo 700w?

7
by Plasmo | Jan 15, 2006 7:49:12 PM

err- above msg directed to cue79 not Joelee's msg.

8
by gfunkmagic | Jan 23, 2006 7:05:16 PM

I would advise anyone reading this to NOT BASE THEIR OPINONS on the H700 based on this review. Quite frankly, after reading numerous user reviews by Treo users on other sites, this one by Treonauts is absolute garbage, sorry. The review is completely wrong about the the speaker lid automatically connecting to the Treo when flipped open. This is a HUGE issue and it is disappointing that Andrew has failed to comment on this misinformation here. Because of this, I think the reviews here should not be trusted with the same level as other sources...

9
by Andrew | Jan 24, 2006 10:23:31 AM

gfunkmagic - thanks for bringing this to my attention.

I tested these headsets with both the Treo 650 and Treo 700w and incorrectly noted (as you point out) that you can answer a call with the 'flip' on the Treo 650 when in fact this only works with the Treo 700w.

As others have asked me, I will write a separate review of my five favourite BT headsets and compare how they work both with the Treo 700w and Treo 650.

Cheers, A.

10
by halabar | Jan 28, 2006 3:28:49 AM

for the h300... how much of that weight is the battery?.. if a lithium AAA was used, it should be even less weight, with even longer talk time.

11
by Copasetic | Jan 28, 2006 7:50:57 PM

Posted by: blazio | January 13, 2006 at 04:40 PM

Andrew, you stated that with the H700 you can Answer/End a calls by simply flipping the PowerFlip speaker lid open or closed! But that is NOT what is being reported by users over at Treocentral. Can you please confirm this?
If indeed this does not work, then the H700 is definitely a NO Deal imo...
-----------------------------------------------------
It's definitely difficult, if not impossible to flip it open with it on your ear, so it really makes no sense at all. The BT lag to get connected is typical of Moto headsets and the Treo (700 too). Treos and Motorola headsets never had a good track record before, and many are documented "known issues" according to both companies. I guess it's nothing new. They build good products, they just don't get along :) Of course this review didn't go into such technical details, it's just a summary, and that's ok.

12
by Brad Waller | Feb 7, 2006 2:52:52 PM

It looks like both of these have basic speakers that sit outside the ear. I have a very loud car (1967 Chevelle) and this makes for problems with headsets. The wired Plantronics MX150 works well for me in the car (better than the Jabra Boom) as it is *just* loud enough. The ear gels made it easily loud enough, but the car noise was too much for the canceling and the other party could not hear me well.

For BT headsets, I need both loud, and good noice cancelation, or at least rejection. Mics that pick up everything are horrible for me. It seems that the tiny headsets pick up ambient noise beause they can't just take the sound from everywhere.

I think I need an in-the-ear speaker and a directional microphone. Any thoughts on which BT headsets meet both needs, if any?

13
by Scott | Feb 16, 2006 1:27:12 AM

I just about bought an H700 because of this review, I'm glad I did more research and looked at the comments. Andrew what would it hurt to MODIFY your review saying that you were wrong about the integration with the 650? Since there are a couple other sites that have non-debunked reviews and VERY similar prices, I'm ordering at another. It matters that much to me to be "steered straight."

14
by Dan Condon | Feb 26, 2006 3:27:02 PM

I am having challenges with my Sprint Treo 650 and the use of the H700 Moto Bluetooth headset.
It is paired correctly but won't work.  I see "connection in progress" on my treo but it won't transfer the call to the headset.  Can you help?
I have followed the direction and have previously owned the HS810.
Your site indicated that the H700 is compatable but I wonder what the trick is.
 

15
by Dan Condon | Feb 26, 2006 3:27:02 PM

I am having challenges with my Sprint Treo 650 and the use of the H700 Moto Bluetooth headset.
It is paired correctly but won't work.  I see "connection in progress" on my treo but it won't transfer the call to the headset.  Can you help?
I have followed the direction and have previously owned the HS810.
Your site indicated that the H700 is compatable but I wonder what the trick is.
 

16
by Chumster | Mar 4, 2006 7:42:32 AM

Are there any headseats that can be paired to my Treo and a different phone (my wife's Samsung)?
We are looking to get just one headsest and share it in the car.
Thank you.

17
by Jack | Mar 19, 2006 8:51:58 PM

The review is also incorrect about the power-flip working with the 700w. If you are in a call or a call comes in and the H700 is closed, there is no way to transfer the call to the H700 or answer with the H700. This worked with my RAZR V3c, but not with the 700w.

18
by Brian Miller | May 21, 2006 5:27:48 PM

Andrew: As others have mentioned your review stated that the motorola H700 would connect to a call when you flipped the boom open only on a Treo 700w. I own a Treo 700w and bought an H700 and could not get this to work. I exchanged the H700 for another one in the hopes that I had a defective one. Can you please confirm that you were able to get incoming calls to a Treo 700w automatically connected when you opened the boom on the H700. Thanks very much

19
by weasel650 | Jul 17, 2006 12:03:12 AM

I just got an H300. nice headset except for the fact that it always answers an incoming call wihtout user intervention. the phone is not configured to autoanswer and it seems the headset is doing this. Unless someone knows how to change this behavior... this is going back.

20
by obxfshr | Aug 22, 2006 6:07:26 PM

Chumster, you are incorrect. With a 700w and H700, once you flip it open and position it in the ear, push the button on the side and it will connect everytime. I've used my H700 for almost 6 mos with a blackberry and now a 700w with zero issues.

21
by Treo_Nick | Aug 24, 2006 1:22:44 AM

Hi all,

I have accidentally discovered a work-around for the problem with the Motorola H700 BT Headset, as far as it not connecting when the Boom is opened.

It works on my Treo-650, so it may work on the Treo-700 as well....

Go to Bluetooth on your treo... then setup devices... (your going to "pair" your headset with your treo again... after you pair the devices, change the headset/carkit option to "Car Kit".

Now your device should automatically connect to an incoming call when you "Open the Boom" on the headset.

The only flaw is, with it set to "Car Kit" your Treo will not "Wake up" with the push of the center button, (which seems to be useless anyway), it will however "wake up" with the flip of the boom.

I too like to have my headset in my pocket, and be able to take it out when my phone rings!

Hope this helps...

Nick

22
by david | Oct 15, 2006 12:51:03 AM

I have no car kit option on my treo 650? Someone said that this is only available on the treo 700.

23
by epinto | Oct 24, 2006 1:22:09 PM

weasel650, I just tried the H300 for the past 36 hours and there is no way that I can find anywhere (even though I'm one persistent geek). I've read up the joke that Moto calls for a manual and tried all sorts of funky button combinations... I'm yet to find a way. This IS going back... sad to say.
epinto

24
by Ron | Dec 7, 2006 2:31:45 AM

I just bought an H300 and it keeps answering my phone without me pressing a button. The auto answer is disabled.

25
by Mark Moshlak | Dec 12, 2006 5:50:59 PM

I bought the H700 headset and right now, it's a worthless piece of crap. I belong to Cingular. I renewed my contract. I got the V3i with the H700. 5 days after having it, the headset no longer worked with the v3i. Trying to pair it again, it would bond, but then would continually "seek" to no end. After spending 6 hours on the phone between Cingular and morons at Motorola, the last person claimed it was the phone and told me to return it. When I went to the store, the headset paired with another phone, and the H500 paired with my v3i. We decided to replace both the phone and headset. 24 hours later, presto! Same problem. After more time, it was finally determined that headset was the problem, as it would pair and do the same forever "Seeking" situation with Motorola phones, and would pair and not work with non-Motorola phones. Now I have to go back and try again. To be honest, I don't want the H500, but I may have no choice because Motorola put out a crappy product just in time for Xmas. My suggestion, be very wary. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem.

The comments to this entry are closed.

 
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