Customer Reviews

Sony Ericsson HBH-610a Bluetooth Headset

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The HBH 610 marks a definate advancement in bluetooth headsets.

Sony refers to DSP (digital signal processing) which they say improves clarity for both you and your caller. Their claim here is it filters out background noise so that only your voice is heard by the caller. Whatever the technology, it's a definate improvement.

I've been using bluetooth headsets for over three years now, and this is my third model. The HBH-610 has eliminated many of my major complaints. It offers the clearest sound, greatest range, and quickest connectivity. There's no annoying 'bluetooth echo' and it comes closest to achieving the 'bluetooth ideal': Having your caller be unaware that you're using a headset.

Sony also claims 'instant volume adjustment': When you enter a noiser area, the unit will automatically adjust volume for optimal hearing. I've found this to be very effective and a great feature.

Comfort is fairly good. Nice compact size and light weight. However, there are few adjustments that can be made to the fit, so you may not achieve what feels like the 'perfect fit' for your ear. Nonetheless, it's comfortable to the point where you may forget you have it on.

While I'm someone who will always watch for advancements in the area of bluetooth technology, the HBH-610 should keep me satisfied for the foreseeable future.

I happend to own several different Bluetooth units (Motorola, Jabra250, Logitech freedom and Cardo Scala500) I have purhcased this bluetooth device somewhere else (cheaper) and all i can say is that this is the best I have ever tested. 61/2 hours of talk time, 300 hours of standby, clarity of calls is great, never dropped connections ( lot of them actually do it while talking, which very annoying),no static. So Far motorolas units are worst, Logitech is good but bulky/heavy and don't fit too good. Scala500 ( I have 2 of them in different colors)are also good I would rate them after Sony Ericsson. I would definitelly recommend this unit to everybody. Looks great too.
It was definitelly worth of buing it and I'll keep using it for a long time. I use it with Samsung D600 and Samsung D500 phones.

Sony Ericsson came out with a winner in this new 'DSP' (Digital Signal Processing) headset. It is light, easy to use, and has very clear reception and transmission. Although people on the other side of the phone will have told you that you sound a bit distant, but still remain clear. This is probably due to the shortness of the microphone pickup. You can easily rotate the earpiece hook to switch from left to right and vice versa. The only negative side is a slight discomfort from the earpiece when you use it for a wee length of time. This is perhaps because the earhook does not allow the earpiece to move to fit the ear at an angle, and therefore add pressure to the ear. I would still rate it highly. And it is relatively easy to setup.

I love this headset as this is the first bluetooth device that made me feel the bluetooth technology works.

I used to own Scala headset with Sony Ericsson 610, I had so many issues with it after few weeks that I had to delete the device and reassociate the device before every use. What a pain in the neck.

This headset is excellent. If my Sony Ericsson phone (Z520a) has bluetooth on, this one automatically associates itself with the phone without any issues. I love when I can transfer from handset mode to bluetooth seamlessly.

Also, the battery seems to last for several days and charging is pretty fast.

Love it.. a little pricey but definitely worth the price.


11/27/07 - Sorry about disappointing.. The product did not work suddenly with any device.

Keep in mind that this is my first bluetooth headset. I can see why some have mentioned that there is a slight digital sound to voices but honestly it doesn't bother me (it's similar to comparing a cell phone versus a landline phone). What is more important was that voices were always clear and audible (both mine and the other party). The noise cancellation when in a noisy environment seems to work very well also. It has a small size and is lightweight that is not bothersome. It connects very quickly and easily every time. The voice recognition feature works very well also. There are absolutely no "problems" with the headset, only requests for improved features such as: make it easier to put on and have the flexible clip that goes around the ear adjust to your own head for a more comfortable fit, develop a way to store or carry the headset without fear of damaging it (it comes with a strap that has a quick disconnect meant to wear around your neck) and lastly, use a smaller, more travel-friendly charger. It did not receive 5 stars because it is not perfect yet, but it is close and I'm very happy with it -- especially considering how many problems my sister and some other people have had using bluetooth headsets (mainly voice quality issues).

I received this headset yesterday and was eager to try it out seeing as I have had a multitude of Bluetooth headsets* over the last 2 years. Of all these headsets I have had I enjoyed the Logitech Mobile Freedom the most. Althought the Mobile Freedom isn't the most comfortable ( for my ears anyway ) It did performed to spec. with what Logitech's 'Windstop' technology states. voice quality for both incoming/outgoing is very good with this headset.

Now to describe Sony's latest incaranation, The HBH-610 is a very compact earpiece, its very light-weight and well built. As for the performance, it leaves a lot to be desired. All new technology isn't 'good' technology.

The 610 has a very irritating digitally synthesized sound to it. ( a person talking through a can comes to mind :-( ) The audio clarity of the incoming caller sounds like they are speaking through a voice modulator. Although they incoming sound is more than loud enough, the louder the volume the more pronounced the 'digital' enhancement becomes.

I tested the DSP 'noise-reduction' by sitting in front of my computer and playing music on a 5.1 stereo surround system at moderate, loud and very loud levels. While at the moderate levels I was still very audible while talking, at the loud and very loud levels the music over-owered my voice ( think of a club scene )

The 610 was fairly comfortable for my ears and was fairly secure.

As for battery life, I am yet to road-test this earpiece as I have not had it long enough to give a valid assessment of the Talk-time.

Overall my first impression is tainted due to the very poor sound quality of the incoming sound. Without the deteriorated sound quality this Bluetooth earpiece would be at the top of the list. But since the sound quality is compromised I would not recommend this earpiece.

* I have owned headsets from these manufacturers: Motorola, Logitech, Plantronics, Scala, Anycom, Sony Ericsson.

I just recently bought this headset and it works great. I have pretty small ears and I find that it fits perfectly. It's very light weight and comfortable to wear on the ear for a long period of time. I've forgotten I was wearing it a couple of times now. I didn't notice any echoeing, and the range is good too. 20 meters. Friends didn't even realize I was on a headset. It's a great buy!

actually i bought it last week
it seems to be very good in performance and its functions works fine
the sound quality is very good in both ways
the only thing i'm disappointed in is the ear hook... its absolutely
uncomfortable to my ears...

Like most new bluetooth headset buyers, I scoured the net for all the info I could find. Confusion was the first thing I noticed. Brand? Size? Price? Reliability? I almost gave up on a headset.

I chose the 610a because of its size and Sony's quality. I wasn't disapointed. It does take a bit getting used to though. I mean, now I got this "thing" hanging off my ear. Do I really look like Lt. Uhura from Star Trek? Kidding aside, it's very light. After I adjusted the headset to my big ear I was ready to go.

Yes, there is still some "muffling" when I speak. But all headsets do that. I really like the noise cancellation. I drive a convertible car, so this feature was a must. The noise cancellation automatically adjusts in the car. How it does it I don't know, and I don't care. I just know it works.

I use my Sony 610a headset with my Sony W600i phone. Set-up was super fast. I turned the bluetooth on in my phone, then turned my headset on. Bingo! Instant recognition.

All in all, I'm very satisfied. Lt. Uhura eat your heart out!

I have had the HBH-610a for about two weeks now. Call clarity for both parties is exceptional. The controls on the 610a are easy to manipulate while wearing the device. Range on this device is about average compared to other bluetooth headsets. I can walk about 20-30 ft away before call clarity starts to drop out. With my cellphone (SE 525a) in my pocket, I can wear this headset on either side with perfect clarity. Yesterday, while using the headset, I left the phone in the car while at a local store and walked into the store before I even realized it. Unlike some headsets, I didn't loose connectivity, my caller's voice started to get choppy (although they could me just fine). I absolutely love this headset. I'm a little disappointed that SE does not include a gel/form cover for the earpiece. The hard plastic earpiece is a little uncomfortable after prolonged use.

Performance: 5-stars, Comfort: 3-stars, Ease of Use: 4-stars, Overall: 4-stars.