Entered CNET Catalog: 12/13/2005
SKU: HBH-610
Manufacturer: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
Manufacturer description
Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology 2.0 the signal link is more secure and the phone conversation will be clearer. The Bluetooth technology also ensures that the headset is compatible with most Bluetooth enabled phones in the market. The Bluetooth headset HBH610 is packed with technology but low in weight. An ergonomic ear hook combined with the low weight enable you to wear the headset all day long, staying truly hands-free.Product summary
The good: The Sony Ericsson HBH-610 is a simple headset that's easy to use and can be worn on either ear. We also really like its flexible ear hook and snug fit, and the exchangeable decorative panels are a nice touch.
The bad: The Sony Ericsson HBH-610 is a little clunky for our tastes, and it feels awkward after you've worn it for a long period.
The bottom line: We thought the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 was bulky, but its sleek design, its snug fit, and its good audio quality make it a decent headset.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 03/15/2006
As mentioned, the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 is a little bulky, measuring a clunky 3 by 0.5 by 0.75 inches. It still has a fairly simple design with a streamlined form and no boom mic. On the back is a unique ear hook that can rotate 360 degrees so that you can wear the headset on either ear. It also has a rubberized tip for additional comfort. It takes some effort to place the earpiece against the ear, but once it's in position, the headset fits snugly. Yet we wouldn't recommend wearing this for long periods of time, as it starts to feel uncomfortable after a couple of hours.
On the face of the HBH-610 are a square multifunction button and a green LED that lights up when the headset is on. The multifunction button answers and ends calls, and when held down for 2 seconds, it rejects calls. Pairing was as easy as holding the same button for 5 seconds and following the instructions on the phone. The volume controls are on the right spine, and the charger port is underneath the earpiece. While the multifunction button was easy to press, the volume controls required a tad more force.
We tested the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 with the Sony Ericsson W600i. The pairing process was made even easier by Sony Ericsson's new autopairing solution that doesn't require a PIN code to authorize the connection. Autopairing is available only on Sony Ericsson phones, however, so you'll have to pair the headset the old-fashioned way with other phone models. Thanks to a set of technologies such as noise reduction, automatic volume adjustment, and echo cancellation, phone calls sounded loud and clear, even in noisy environments. Callers also heard us without a problem. Aside from letting you answer, end, and reject calls, the Sony Ericsson HBH-610 also supports voice dialing, three-way calling, last-number redialing, call waiting, and holding or muting a call.
The Sony Ericsson HBH-610's charger port is compatible with any Sony Ericsson charger; if you have an existing Sony Ericsson phone, you can use the same charger for both devices. The rated talk time for the HBH-610 is 6.5 hours, and the rated standby time is 12.5 days.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4out of 4 user reviews
So far, so good
Pros: Great Sound quality on both ends, battery life
Cons: sort of bulky, no gel pad
wasnt the most expensive unit on the market, but still performs like it is.
out of 4 user reviews
Solid voice quality.
Pros: Good voice quality and works well in moderately noisy environments.
Cons: Nothing major.
out of 4 user reviews
Nice product provided your ears are not too small
Pros: Good sound quality, stylish, pairs simply with phones
Cons: May be slightly uncomfortable if you have smaller ears
out of 4 user reviews
Strong Performer
Pros: Easy sync to phone, excellent outgoing sound, self-adjusting volume, easy ear fit, ability to change style, bluetooth 2.0 with DSP
Cons: Crunchy incoming sound, not able to adjust ear fit
Overall, it has the best outgoing sound of any bluetooth I have tried. However, the incoming sound was surprisingly not as good and not as clear as lower priced models. The first model was solid and fairly clear, but with a slight and distant sounding static-like morse code sound in the background. I could only hear it during a phone call, in a quiet place, during a pause in conversation, but it was annoying. I returned it and got another. The new one does not have the mild morse code hissing in the background. However, it does get crunchy on occasion while people are talking. I can still understand what they are saying, but it is annoying. It is like listening to the radio while driving on a road trip. Ultimately, it sounds fine, but you know that in 10-20 miles you're going to have to turn the station when it gets worse. However, on the other end, most people have no idea that I'm using it. The DSP technology filters out background noise for listeners and voice is solid, strong and clear. Uses bluetooth 2.0 and one of the few right now to do so. The result is that I have never had a drop in signal ever. I can walk all throughout my house without worry of disconnect with the phone.
I'm very particular, so the sound really bothers me. Also, the ear fit is not adjustable, although very comfortable. I'd like to find another one, but I don't think a better one exists. Not sure what to think about that.
