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PC makeover with Best Buy $1,199.99

Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset

Reviewed by

Kent German

on 12/13/2004

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Average user rating:
3.0
stars out of 92 reviews
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Price:

$25.43

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$25.43

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Quick specs
Type: Microphone Built-in
Product type: Headset
Design: Over-the-ear
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Compare this headset to:

Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset Starting at $25.43

Cardo Scala 700 Bluetooth Headset Starting at $26.43

Samsung WEP470 Starting at $36.24

Cardo Scala Rider

Plantronics Discovery 975 Starting at $84.99

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CNET editors' take

Reviewed by:
Kent German
Reviewed on: 12/13/2004

Quick Take: When we reviewed Cardo's Allways Bluetooth headset earlier this year, we were only moderately pleased. Though battery life was admirable, call quality was a bit fuzzy, and the fit was uncomfortable. Fortunately, Cardo has made some improvements with its stylish and functional Scala 500. At just half the size of the Allways (0.58 ounce), the Scala 500 is easy to put on, and with no protruding earpiece, it's comfortable to wear. Likewise, the highly flexible ear loop can be worn on either ear, and the amply sized controls are tactile and easy to use. While you don't get changeable faceplates, the streamlined black form factor is attractive.

We tested the headset on the Sony Ericsson K700i and the Nokia 7610. The overall performance was good for the 7610, but we encountered some static when using the K700i. We'd recommend testing the headset with your particular phone. It should be noted, however, that the Scala 500 requires a charging cradle that's, thankfully, small enough to take on the road. In-the-box accessories include a small belt clip, a neckband, and an eyeglass clip. Cardo promises nine hours of talk time and seven days of talk time; in our tests, we managed a respectable five days. For more Bluetooth headsets, check out our roundup.

Most helpful user reviews

Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 92 reviews
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Showing 3 of 92 user reviews
5.0 stars

20 out of 20 people found this helpful

"My third bluetooth headset. It's My Top Choice"

by larrychester on March 11, 2005
2.0 stars

16 out of 16 people found this helpful

"Purchased two. Both had background "clicks" during operation--transmission & reception"

by chete9 on March 9, 2005
5.0 stars

14 out of 14 people found this helpful

"WOW FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

on February 16, 2005
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Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset

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Where to buy

Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset: $25.43

store	price	in stock?	rating
ElectraWarehouse.com	$25.43	No

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Price: $25.43

ElectraWarehouse.com

$25.43

Compare prices from 1 store

Recent user reviews

Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 92 reviews
My rating: 0 stars Write review

Showing 3 of 92 user reviews
5.0 stars

"This is one great bluetooth for the money."

by ditzyneecie on July 18, 2009
3.5 stars

"Good value and works with my treo 700p."

by chuck322 on December 22, 2008
5.0 stars

"Excellent product. Pairs reliably, great sound quality"

by tsken02 on September 6, 2008
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Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset

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1. Rate this product:: (Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

alaTest.com

Editors' rating: 69

Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 183 reviews of Cardo Scala-500 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 93/100 and users 72/100. Comparing these reviews to 79121 other Headsets reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 69/100 = Good.

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wmexperts.com

Editors' rating: 100

Summary: I have come to enjoy this headset given that I take all of the Bluetooth precautions keeping the headset as near as possible to the Treo and trying not to use the headset under difficult conditions. As soon as you start to move away from the phone, ...

Read full review