Next on our things to review is RIM’s new BlackBerry HS-300 Bluetooth headset. Thanks to RIM’s PR people, we got our hands on the entry-level Bluetooth headset by BlackBerry as opposed to the high-end HS-700. The HS-300 is a well-built plastic headset with a soft touch coating, armed with the BlackBerry logo on the side. After the break we dig deeper into the HS-300 to see the full TGSB rundown.
*The Good*
Being an entry-level Bluetooth headset, it does pack enough features to make it worth your while. The HS-300 is armed with the lovely feature of automatic volume control where the headset adjusts the volume to adapt to any surrounding noise. This has been tested in a mall on weekend, driving with the windows lowered slightly and in all conditions the conversation was heard fine by both parties. The BlackBerry logo doubles as the Call Control button that allows control over the phone calls with a touch or two/press and hold as well as voice prompts of battery status, muting, or ignoring calls. The HS-300 has a rapid charging system with a battery life equivalent to the 9700. You could charge the Bluetooth for 15 minutes and it would offer two hours of talk time and a full charge would offer four hours of talk time. If you’re not having lengthy conversations (rarely over 45 minutes) on the phone like me, you may have to charge it only two to three times a week.
*The Bad*
On the negative side of the headset, the HS-300 doesn’t have quite the universal fit like the HS-700. If you are a Bluetooth user who doesn’t normally use the ear hook, you kind of have to with this headset. I am not one of those people. I have tried several of the ear gels and still had trouble keeping it my ear after a while.
Being an entry-level headset, it lacks the cool voice command features and A2DP Bluetooth profile for audio streaming. These missing features would have brought it up to the mid-range level of Bluetooth headsets.
*TG 2 Cents*
If you are in the market for good, small, and lightweight Bluetooth headset; you can’t go wrong with the HS-300 by BlackBerry. With it not having all of the features of the high-end HS-700, the headset is still no push over and will win over any consumer in search of an everyday Bluetooth headset. Matched with the attractive pricing of $49.99, will offer a great wireless performance to meet your multitasking needs with ease.
You can order one from BlackBerry or here.
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