Motorola H700 Bluetooth Headset

Pros: Stylistically perfect update of HS810/850. Small, Comfortable, Boom Mike as power switch. Did I mention Small, I mean Tiny?

Cons: Absolutely Horrendous Volume Levels. Mike does not pick up at all (Voice Muffled). Bluetooth range is 1 to 3 feet, otherwise, STATIC!

Summary: (First off, I am really starting to question the accuracy of CNET's reviews. They seem to be economically driven, not accuracy at all costs driven. Where do you guys test?!)

This could/should have been THE perfect headset. I currently own the HS810 and absolutely love the design, with the folding mike to power on/off, answer calls even though I always have to push the call button once opened (opening mike is supposed to answer call. My phone is: Moto MPX220). The volume however, has always been an issue. If you are in an airport, restaurant, etc. you are pretty much better off using your phone's earpiece. It simply is not loud enough (In my experience this is a typical Moto problem, MPX220 included).

When I saw the H700 I got really excited. What was not to like? Smaller, sleeker, sexier design with that awesome boom mike. I bought two at Best Buy, one for my wife and one for me. Knowing Moto's volume issues I opened only one to test. I figured that they would have figured it out by now that if you plunk down $80-120 for a headset you are serious about the product. WRONG! This thing is even quieter than the HS810/850! I could not even hear in my car unless I pressed it against my ear and public places were still an issue. The volume was way to low. If you are not in a quiet room, WORTHLESS. (Yes I know about the Profiles for the MPX220, indoor, outdoor, etc.)

But that was not all. It seems that Moto created a new problem. When talking to people they would say they could not hear me or that I was cutting in and out. Turns out the new shorter mike sits on the cheek thus muffling your voice! (Guess the new noise canceling feature really works. Ha.) If I held the mike out they could hear me fine; but the moment I let go, muffle city.

The other problem is the Bluetooth range is atrocious. All you have to do is hold the phone on the opposite side of your body and it is nothing but static. (My HS810 experiences this if I walk across the room; but that is 15 feet plus!)

To be sure it was not the environment I would switch to my HS810 and other than the volume loudness issue the problems would go away. I will re-iterate, the HS810/850 is too quiet. The H700 is much WORSE, plus new Mike voice muffling issue, plus horrible Bluetooth range. These problems really eliminate this piece. (Sob)

Why Moto, WHY? This is THE most awesome design out there; but these issues are inexcusable. I took both H700 headsets back to Best Buy (I kept the H700 as long as Best Buy's return policy would allow to make sure the test was accurate). I am still shaking my head over this one. Please MOTO fix the volume issues, and now, the mike and Bluetooth range. People actually need to use these things, not just show them off!

Updated
First off, disregard most of the comments made about my review. Obviously they did not take the time to fully read my review. I have had multiple phones, and Bluetooth headsets. I also previously had the Jabra JX10; but returned it because the ear hook fell off too easily and it was uncomfortable for my ears. The JX10 is even more expensive than the H700 and I did not want an expensive decoration once I lost the ear-hook. Believe me it will happen with that head-set.

Now for the update. As I stated this could have been the one. I loved the design of this headset so much that I just had to give it another shot witht my new Tmobile MDA. What a world of difference as the volume is now much more usable, loud even. I even have to turn it down when talking with certain people.

I still can't explain why the H700 was quieter than the HS810 with my old Moto MPX220 considering it was the update for the HS810/850, newer Bluetooth standard (1.2), etc.

The H700 still has range issues. If you put your phone on the opposite side of your body you can experience static.

As far as the mike pick-up issues that some have noted, my second time around with the H700 I noticed that as long as you keep the head-set twisted up so the mike is not pointing down it should work better. (no nosepad fix required)

In short, if you want this head-set, buy it from a local retailer like Best Buy and test it with your phone. That way if it does not work out you can return it much easier. Sure, you will pay a little more than online; but you can return/exchange easier if you experience some of problems I had the first time around. TEST with your Phone and wait until the day that Bluetooth works the same for all headsets and phones.