Customer Reviews

Cardo Systems Scala 700 Bluetooth Headset [Retail Packaged]

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(41)
3 star:		(20)
2 star:		(26)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

This review focuses on a Scala 700 with a Treo 700p. I've previously used and returned a Jabra JX10 (callers complained of background noise) and a Plantronics 510 (it couldn't maintain a connection with the Treo).

This is the winner of the three. It paired immediately, and it doesn't lose the connection with the (notoriously finicky) Treo 700p. If I walk away with the phone and later return them together again, the Scala usually reconnects automatically. If it doesn't, a tap on the side of the Scala reconnects them in about 1-2 seconds. Ditto if I turn off the Scala then turn it back on.

It's also comfortable and plenty loud. I found the volume rocker very easy to use. Amazingly, I can use this headset in a convertible at freeway speeds; I can hear the caller and the caller can hear me. That's simply astonishing. It's worked well in light wind so far.

The range seems to mirror other Bluetooth headsets with the usual amount of static if the phone isn't in line of sight. As is common, the headset works best when it is positioned on the same side of your body as the phone.

The Scala 700 can supposedly pair with up to 10 phones and can rapidly switch between two of them. I have not tried this.

Battery life is impressive, and it charges quickly. The phone comes with a wall charger and a USB cable charger. Note that the plug on the Scala uses a custom connection, so you cannot use a standard USB to mini USB cable to charge it.

It also comes with a small belt loop to hold the unit when not in use. I've found that it's small enough to simply put in my pocket. There's also a feature that helps you find it when it's lost. Place a call and then rapidly move your phone's volume up and down. This causes the Scala to vibrate and make a noise. It's useful if you misplace your headset.

All in all, I'm very pleased.

Pros:
- Pairs quickly, stays paired, re-pairs automatically
- Plenty loud
- Decent range
- Pairs with multiple phones
- Good battery life
- Helps you find it when misplaced
- Excellent price

Cons:
- Not as small as JX10 and others

I hope you found this review helpful.

I have tried way too many bluetooth headsets (Motorola, Plantronics, IO Gear, Logitech, Jabra) and found most to be disappointing. IMHO, the Scala 700 right now is the best bang for the buck. This is my second product from Cardo Scala - the first being the 500, which was also a great headset. The 500 had great sound on both ends and was more than loud enough. Most other headsets suffer from earpiece volume that is just not loud enough. Also the lack of noise cancellation and wind noise reduction on the other headsets made them only useful in the office or a quiet car. The Scala 700 windguard technology is not perfect - but performs much better than anything else I have tried. The 700 is about 1/3 smaller than the 500 and performs just as well in every aspect. The buttons and controls are easy to use and intuitive. It takes a little tweaking to adjust the headset for a comfortable fit, but after some bending and shaping of the earpiece, the headset was very stable and comfortable. For the price, this is a very good option.

I bought this for my Treo 650 and so far I'm very impressed. Battery life is great (about 10 hours), charges very quickly, and it's literally so light you forget you're wearing it. I also appreciate the addition of a PC USB charge cable for travelling lighter. Very nice addition for this price.

I've only had it for a week and it is holding up well (you get a padded velcro carrying case too) but my initial impression, to be honest, was that it seemed a little too fragile - again it's very small and light. So I've been skeptical but we'll see how it goes and if I have to return it I'll modify my review.

Pairing it up with the Treo 650 was fast and simple. It rings about 1 second after the phone rings also. The volume control on the unit is easy to use and can be turned up very loud. No complaints on the sound quality from anyone - my wife says it sounds a little like I'm on speakerphone but it's clear and understandable.

Update: I had a chance to hear my wife using the headset finally and I'm very impressed - I think this headset is a keeper. There's virtually no background noise. I couldn't even tell that she was driving in the car. Absolutely amazing background noise cancellation.

Update #2: This battery lasts forever - very impressed - and you really forget you're wearing this thing - it's that small and light!

This is the best bluetooth headset I've tried. I've had it almost 2 months now, and it's rarely become unpaired, even after my Treo 700p has been turned off or reset, or after I've turned the headset off. It sometimes loses connection with the phone, in which case I just have to press the control button once to establish the connection again. The sound is good, both on my side and the receiver's side--nobody has ever complained. It's also very small, light, and comfortable, once you adjust the earpiece.

It's got some great features. You can turn off the blinking light, you can cause it to buzz, thus, locating it when you can't find it, and you can determine the battery level or charging level using its lights. It charges quickly using the adaptor or usb connector and your computer, and the battery lasts a long time.

I've tried the Plantronics 510 and 350, and the Motorola 700, and none of them stayed paired with my Treo. I also owned a Scala 500, but I lost it the first week I owned it. While I liked it, it was heavier and not as comfortable as the 700, and the sound was clipped.

All in all, a great bluetooth headphone at a great price!

Cheep and good at what it does.

I am using this with a T mobile SDA and it paired flawlessly. I have heard many things about Bluetooth and its inability to have a signal through walls but I have lost this phone because I was using the Scala all the time! I had to call some one (I use the voice dial feature) to call me back! (A little hard to explain that one).

Haven't got the locater function to work yet.

Went two days of constant on/off use without charging! Plus the blinking blue light can be shut on or off anytime you like. This is huge. I think the star-trek look is slow to be accepted (my roommate has promised to rib the heck out of me if I wear it all the time) And I agree with him. Wearing a blue-blinking-silver-plastic thing on your head all the time just looks stupid.

But I cannot deny the ease of use of this thing. To make, answer calls by just touching your Scala button Is awesome.BUT, if you leave it on in your pocket, it will just start calling peaple.

I was concerned after ordering this device, when I read many reviews that said this device was a cheap piece of plastic that didn't fit into their ear properly. When I opened the packaged and first put it in my ear, I thought "oh no - they were right!"

But I then read the manual and after adjusting the "ear loop" and angling the headset slightly downward, it fit perfectly into my ear! It's snug, it doesn't flop around at all. It fits in a different way from your traditional "ear plug" device but in many ways it's more comfortable because it's not sitting in your outer ear canal but slightly further outside.

So if you're thinking about ordering this device, I'd recommend buying it. Just spend a little time getting the fit right and read the manual about how to adjust the ear loop which makes a huge difference.

(Functionally the product paired with my Cingular Hermes 8525 phone perfectly - sound quality is fine).

As a long time Treo owner, I have lived with the "bluetooth blues" for a while, but this headset is the best I have found. This is the third BT headset I have bought for my Treo, and it is the best so far. The others were the Bodyglove Earglove BT headset (this was recommended by Sprint and it was so-so) and the Jabra BT500 headset (which was pretty good).
I have been using this headset for about two months now with a Treo 650. Here is my experience.

1. It is light and comfortable on my ear.

2. It "paired" on the first try and seems to interconnect reasonably well.

3. It has the best volume of the 3 BT sets I have tried, so I can use it most places. This is significant as the Bodyglove was just too soft for practical use.

4. It is also the best (although similar to the Jabra) in terms of how far I can move from my phone (8-10 feet) from my phone and maintain call quality.

5. the microphone voice quality (i.e. what folks hear from my end) is pretty good. I tested this by recording a voice message and listening to it, and it's roughly comparable to just using the mic on the phone or a wired headset.

6. I can't really say how long the charge will last, but I have now used mine about 2 hours between charges without any issues. it also charges quickly.

If you use a Treo, I would recommend this headset. It seems to be as good as any out there.

When I purchased my Palm Treo 700p last August (2006), I got a Motorola H500 headset with it. But listeners frequently complained about the quality, so I stopped using it. Then, doing some web research, I discovered the Cardo Scala 700, which I then purchased in November. (It had just replaced the Scala 500.) It's been my constant companion ever since (6 months how).
Once I got the ear hook shaped right, it is quite comfortable - often I'm not even aware it's on. I've experimented with switching back and fort from the Cardo to my Treo mic, and listeners say there's no discernable difference. At first there were some minor difficulties getting it linked, but after the first few weeks it and my Treo have become fast friends. Also, the look is quite 'cute' - and not as bulky or boxy as many which are sprouting from people's heads these days.
I was a little bothered by the slight "rattle" of the black face cover (also a button), but a miniscule drop (from a sharp toothpick end) of some glue (I used Gorilla Glue) at the 'point' fixed that problem.
I'll notice some static when my Treo and my Cardo aren't well alighed (like when my body is between them) - but the problem is minimal, and my listeners claim they can't hear any interference. It seems to carry a lot of charge - I've never had it run out on me, and the recharge time each evening seems quite minimal.
It has many more functions than I commonly use. I primariliy use off and on, and turn off the blue flashing light. I've never been comfortable with that cyborg head flashing blue light look. Once in awhile I'll press the button that does last number re-dial, with sometimes embarassing results.
My favorite use of it is when driving. I can do a quick look down at my Treo and see who's calling, and then just talk away when the call arrives - hands free. It's gotten to the point where I get irritated with myself when I have to hold my Treo to my ear! Though after I've received a call, I can put the Cardo on, and press the button that turns it on - seamlessly in the middle of a conversation. Obvioiusly my Cardo has spoiled me! I've not paid any attention to subsequent Bluetooth headsset ads - because I'm quite content with what I have.

I bought this ear piece after doing a little research that gave it 8 out of 10. The price was very reasonable considering that others were selling for twice as much. Later, I did find a couple that were rated higher but cost more, and weighed more as well. The only complaint I have is when you receive a call it comes in very loud and you have to turn it down either by the ear piece or on the phone even though you changed the incoming call volume. Oh, if you can't decide, go to the Cardo Systems website and look up the 700. There you will see that a German electronics magazine gave it an outstanding review. In other words buy it!!!!!!!!!!

I got this for my Samsung M500, it was the second BT headset I tried. Out of the packaging and all charged up, it took a lot of talking over 2 days to put a proverbial dent in the rechargeable battery - the simple battery strength reading is a great feature. Another fine feature is the ability to easily turn off the standby light. It plays a brief midi melody from "Flight of the Valkyries" when a call is received, but also when a text message is received - I'd prefer it didn't tell me I just got a call when I didn't.

Controls are well laid out with most of the outer face being the control button, and the top of the unit being the volume wheel - the wheel and control button share much of the duties, the only one I found odd was the volume wheel controlling call-waiting, I accidentally hung up on 2 calls over this. The control button activates voice dialing and answers calls very quickly, minimal lag.

The unit is not the smallest, but a decent small, compact size and light weight. The body feels overall solid as it's a 1-piece-design, but up-close there are elements that feel cheap and plasticky, the large seam in the middle flexes slightly when grasped, the light window flexes in easily, and the control button is a little loose in its travel so it rattles, it's slight but when it's up on your ear it's a noticeable sound. I had no problems at all with the small ear loop, no discomfort and it shaped easily.

I don't like having things in my ear canal, so this alternative design was what I was looking for with the larger metal-grille-covered speaker that hovers just outside the ear canal. However, the plastic housing around it isn't rounded enough so a button press jams hard plastic into the side of the ear, a little painful.

Static is common here, whether sitting near the computer, laying on my side, or just standing right next to the phone, there'd be a little to a moderate amount of static which got frustrating after a while since I thought Bluetooth 2.0 in the headset and my phone is supposed to minimize that. The unit has good distance in my apartment, works through walls, but turns into a static farm when the microwave is running. I also found when I placed it in standby mode near my cordless house phone, that phone picked up a slight distortion.

Finally, the thing that damned it in my eyes is sound quality. The speaker is generally loud enough, the mic slightly less so but fairly adequate pick-up. People can hear me, and I can hear them, but both the mic and the speaker sound are muffled and have tin-can effect. The underwhelming sound quality hampers natural conversation, there wasn't one call I made over 2 minutes that didn't have a "what, what?" moment on both ends because we could hear the other person saying something but it wasn't clear what that was. The sound quality is just not there with this one, and that's the whole point of it.

EDIT - the next person who reviewed this reminded me of another drawback, there is a constant background hiss whenever the unit is active. Other BT headsets I've tried with this phone haven't had that issue.

I was disappointed enough to send this back and ask for an exchange after just 3 days, I need better sound quality. Never the less, I've seen far worse performers out there that cost more, and people generally could hear me, and I them. When I next need a BT headset, I'll keep Cardo on my list to check in on, but the Scala 700 isn't there yet.