Nokia HS-11W

CNET editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 2.5 stars OK
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 5.0 (2.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  William O'Neal
• Edited by:
  Kent German
• Reviewed on: 05/10/2005

As Bluetooth technology edges ever closer to ubiquity, more cell phone makers are getting into the wireless Bluetooth headset game. Nokia is no exception, and after we reviewed their curious HS-3W headset last year, we were pleased to see the company introduce a truly wireless model. At around $80, however, the Nokia HS-11W is pricey. Add to that its lackluster performance, and we're inclined to spend our wireless Bluetooth headset money on a different device.

Sleek in appearance, the headset measures 2.5 by 0.9 by 0.7 inches and weighs 0.6 ounces. While most other headsets employ over-the-ear hooks, the Nokia HS-11W uses a unique two-pronged system that fits around the back of the ear. Compared to other headsets that we've tested, the HS-11W is extremely snug yet comfortable. We even tested it while riding a bike, and not once did we feel that the headset was going to slip off.

While we were pleased with the way that the device fit, we were less than pleased with its audio performance. On our end, conversations were loud and clear, but callers complained that we sounded hollow. One caller even requested that we turn it off and use the phone in its normal mode. Another catch-22 with the HS-11W is that because it's so snug, we were inclined to use it while walking or even riding a bike, but the device's poor audio quality on the callers' end makes it nearly unusable in these environments.

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Recent user reviews

• Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 4 reviews
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• Showing 3 of 4 user reviews

• 3.0 stars

  "Great Deal Under $50"

  by neilux on January 3, 2008

• 3.5 stars

  "Affordable Headset"

  by iggew on March 7, 2006

• 4.0 stars

  2 out of 2 people found this helpful

  "Tried several earpieces - this one fit best"

  by arbee on November 25, 2005

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