Cardo Scala 500 Bluetooth headset

• Average user rating:
  3.0
  stars out of 91 reviews
• See all user reviews

Product summary

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.

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User reviews

• Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 91 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 3 of 91 user reviewsSee all 91 user reviews

• 5.0 stars

  20 out of 20 people found this review helpful

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

  by larrychester on March 11, 2005

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• 2.0 stars

  16 out of 16 people found this review helpful

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

  by chete9 on March 9, 2005

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• 5.0 stars

  14 out of 14 people found this review helpful

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

  on February 16, 2005

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• See all 91 user reviews Write review

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Reviews from around the WebPowered by alaTest

• alaTest.com

  Editors' rating: 72

  Summary: alaTest has collected and analyzed 101 reviews of Cardo Scala-500 from international magazines and websites. Experts rate this product 93/100 and users 68/100. Comparing these reviews to 62706 other Headsets reviews gives this product an overall alaScore™ 72/100 = Good.

• 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