Entered CNET Catalog: 07/03/2007
SKU: s-640
Manufacturer: Cardo Systems, Inc.
Manufacturer description
If you want to enjoy the advantages of hands-free wireless communication, but you are not comfortable with over-the-ear headsets, then you will love the new Cardo S-640. It's tiny, inconspicuous and delivers great performance. The Cardo S-640 clips conveniently onto clothing and allows easy access at all times. With it, the convenience of having hands-free wireless communication is always within reach. The Cardo S-640 Bluetooth headset clips effortlessly onto clothing and allows easy access at all times so you can always stay in touch. The headset comes in high polished black lacquer, presenting an elegant choice for every outfit. The Cardo S-640 requires only one single Control Button for intuitive operation. The headset works fine with virtually all Bluetooth phones and provides excellent audio quality.Product summary
The good: The Cardo S640 is a compact headset with clip-on convenience and a wired earbud that can be tucked neatly into it when not in use. Sound quality was great, as well.
The bad: Instead of having a volume rocker, the Cardo S640's volume settings have to be cycled from lowest to highest.
The bottom line: The Cardo S640 is a great Bluetooth headset for those who don't like wearing one on the ear all the time. The sound quality is terrific, and it's easy to use.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 07/03/2007
Cardo has churned out a number of great Bluetooth headsets in the past year, such as the Cardo Scala 700, which has a built-in headset locator, and the Cardo Scala Rider, a headset made specifically for a motorcycle helmet. This year, Cardo has once again pushed headset innovation with the Cardo S640, a Bluetooth headset with clip-on convenience. Instead of wearing the headset on your ear, you clip the device onto your shirt while an attached earbud can be placed in the ear or tucked neatly in the device itself. We feel this is a great solution for those that like having a Bluetooth headset but don't like wearing it all the time. The sound quality was great too. The Cardo S640 is available for $59.99.
The Cardo S640 is a small and compact device, only measuring 1.5 inches long, 0.7 inch wide, and 0.8 inch deep and decked out in a simple, glossy black. As we mentioned, the Cardo S640 is more of a Bluetooth clip than a headset--the entire device is the clip itself, with a wired earbud attached to the top. There's a volume button and an LED on the front of the S640, while the multifunction control button is located on the earbud. While we found the buttons pretty easy to press, we weren't too pleased with the concept of the volume button--instead of having a volume rocker that you can use to increase or decrease the volume, you have to cycle through the volume settings from lowest to highest with every tap. The wired earbud is a pretty standard size and fits comfortably in the ear. The S640 even comes with two earbud foam covers for additional comfort.
We tested the Cardo S640 with the LG Muziq. It paired with both handsets successfully, and we were very impressed with the call quality. Maybe it's because we could position the clip (with the built-in mic) closer to our mouths, but callers heard us loud and clear without any problems. On our end, voices sounded sharp as well, with little noise or static. Features of the Cardo S640 are pretty standard and include answering, ending, and receiving calls, voice dial support, call mute, last-number redial, and transferring a call to or from the headset. Also, the Cardo S640 has a built-in ringer that rings whenever there's an incoming call. The ringer can be disabled if you wish.
The Cardo S640 has a rated talk time of 6 hours and a rated standby time of 6 days.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2out of 2 user reviews
Can you hear me now? How about now?
Pros: Incoming Audio Very Clear. Light weight.
Cons: Outgoing Audio Terrible
Bought it direct from CARDOSHOP, tried to return it but couldn’t get through by phone and no response to my e-mail.
This is the 2nd Cardo product (scala 500) I purchased in the past year that has a bust. At least the other one I was able to return back to Best Buy from where I purchased it.
If I got a lemon fine. But at least return your customer’s inquires and stand behind your product.
out of 2 user reviews
Exactly what I was looking for!
Pros: Lightwight earpiece unlike typical BT headsets
Cons: Would like a slightly smaller earpiece for better fit and a rubberized coating for better hold
It is very convienient not having to keep it in your ear and it's clipped close on your shirt,however I often keep it in my ear since it's so light. The volume button is no big deal since I can easily use my BB to adjust up and down.
I've had another Cardo product and been pleased and this is another fine product.
