Motorola HS850 Review

The Motorola HS850 is one of the new generations of Bluetooth headsets that support the Bluetooth v1.2 spec, whereas most headsets support v1.1 only. Motorola claims that when used with a v1.2 compatible phone, the HS850 will be able to connect faster, use less battery power, and offer improved audio quality.

The black and oblong HS820 is a handsome bit of craftsmanship.  The small microphone/headset weighs less then 2 oz's, and is so light I often forget it is attached to my ear even after hours of wearing it.  The form-fitting ear-clip is fashioned with a soft rubber coating that makes it easy to slip the HS850 over either ear even with glasses on.  In the middle of the headset body is a single multi-function button that not only turns the unit on, but also serves to connect the HS850 to the phone via Bluetooth.  The button also can initiate and end phone calls.  Surrounding this button is a large blue LED emblazoned with the famous Motorola wings.  The LED glow solid when the headset is in active use, and it blinks slowly when in standby.        

The top and bottom of the unit house volume control buttons, while the front of the unit is fitted with a folding microphone that shuts the headset off when folded against the body.  Unfolding the microphone arm turns the unit on.  In the back of the HS850 is where one plugs in the charger.  It just so happens that the Motorola V551 phone, which I also own, and the HS850 share the same charger. Can you say instant spare?

Sound Quality

After using the HS850 headset for a little over six months I have to report that the sound quality is, if not stellar, pretty darn good.  Even at highway speeds the sound quality remains pretty constant, despite the fact that my Ford Freestyle is not the quietest crossover vehicle at speeds in excess of 55 miles per hour. 

Despite the lack of a boom microphone I never have a problem making myself heard while speaking into the HS850; i.e. there is no need to shout!  Overall, I have not had any complaints from the people I call.  The HS850 provides up to 200 standby time and up to 2 hours of talk time; I usually leave the headset in the car throughout the week and recharge over the weekend, though a typical re-charge only takes about 30 minutes.   

Conclusion

Small, extremely lightweight, attractive, and functional, the HS850 fits my modest needs, and does it in style. The folding microphone design cleverly combines compactness with functionality for a novel, well-engineered and well-implemented package.