Accessories
Motorola H790 Bluetooth Headset review [Accessories]
October 21, 2009 | by Andrew Kameka
Bluetooth
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Bluetooth headsets were once worn by everyone from Cliché Wall Street Guy to SUV Full-o-Kids Soccer Mom. Usage has declined, but that might be different if more people used devices like the Motorola H790. Sleek and comfortable on even my abnormally large head, the H790 is a strong Bluetooth option.
The H790 headset is 1.85(h) x 0.71(w) x 0.47 inches (d). It has a flexible hinge that fits snugly on the ear, and comes with five earbud options to find the best fit. Other features include CrystalTalk noise reduction and dual mics for improved communication, up to 5 hours of talk time, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, and a 33-foot Bluetooth range. There’s even a Rapid Charge feature that can provide up to 2 hours of talk time on only 15-minutes of charging.
On my first day with the H790, it took only a few seconds to pair it with both my T-Mobile G1 and Sprint Hero test unit. A few minutes later, a voice prompt told me that there was an incoming call on Phone 1 (my G1) before the phone even began ringing. I tested the headset in a typical conversation with my father: starts with banter, segues into an inquisition, and ends in a life lesson. Our 10 minute conversation was headache free, at least in terms of sound quality. I had no problem understanding what was said or being understood when speaking.
Sound quality was consistent for most conversations over the next week; however, there were two random episodes of static during calls. The static lasted for a few seconds at a time and didn’t prevent me from understanding anyone I spoke to, but it was annoying to hear. Otherwise, call quality was exceptional. My contacts’ words were crisp and they reported that I sounded clear as day when asked. The CrystalTalk feature does a terrific job of canceling background noise to make it easier to communicate. As I walked down the street to meet someone for lunch, we were able to understand each other despite the sound of passing cars.
Overall, the Motorola H790 is a definite keeper. The solid build, call clarity, and comfort provided make this a quality Bluetooth headset. The H790 has a suggested retail price of $80, but I have spotted it for as little as $52 at Amazon or $59 at Best Buy.
A review on Amazon indicates you can't use a USB cable to charge the unit — that's a shame. With my G1 I can charge it just about anywhere that has a USB cable with the appropriate adapter (AC for home/work, or DC in the car) or just plug into a laptop or computer.
If I'm forced to use the provided AC charger, I have to remember to always take the headset to its dedicated station.
The receiver is very small so it uses a specific charger that is slimmer than standard USB cables.
Err, as opposed to a little dongle to convert usb into their special form factor? Perhaps their charger does more, but if everyone would standardize to usb charging it would simplify everyone’s life. In Europe a common charger for all cell phones is now mandated (which is good for consumers and the environment, and would allow all these device mfgrs to stop even bothering to include chargers…)
Are there two models of h790 because mine works fine charging via the usb standard for handsets (micro usb). I use the charger from my treo pro and touch pr2 on mh790 no problem
Sound quality is very good. Usually anything piece that sits behind my ear is painful. Not the H790.