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(More customer reviews)As a cyclist, I've been eager for *serious* development in Bluetooth headsets, but frustrated by just about everything I've tried. Either the headset was unstable in its ear-placement (always threatening to fall out in anything other than a vertical, semi-sedentary position) highly susceptible to external noises, or (usually) both at once. In addition, SO many headsets don't allow voice-dialing, which is rather weird given all the other touted benefits of wearing the things. Up to now, Motorola was hardly better at this than the other usual suspects, but with the HX-1, in my opinion, they've shot to the head of the class.
There are the practical-but-nice touches, starting with an on/off switch that's a *real* switch, and totally unambiguous in its operation and status. Volume control is via a rocker switch with up/down actuation easily discernible by touch. The Send/End and stealth buttons are both easy to actuate, but (at least as far as I'm concerned) offer just enough physical resistance to not be activated by accident.
In-ear fit is super-secure (finally!). Motorola offers four interchangeable earpieces, two each of two designs, which will likely cover most users' fitting issues; I've found that the "earspring" for the right ear works best for me. Comfort is very good, but (as I've stressed in other reviews regarding headphones and earbuds) the care with which you adjust the fit of the device will figure largely in how comfortable-or not-the headset will feel, both short- and long-term. (I read a short user-review of the HX-1 claiming the unit was all but unwearable in terms of comfort...after trying it on for a whole ten minutes. Not quite what I'd term "in-depth.")
Now, for the juicy bits: Cutting to the chase, the stealth (bone-conduction) mode absolutely, positively works. Cycling along at a decent clip, I've had headsets become totally useless without having to slow to a crawl and head for the curb, my words, even at a near-shout, being totally unintelligible to the other party. With the HX-1, I simply hit the stealth button, wait for the voice confirmation ("Stealth mode on"...wow, now all that's missing is a rocket-assist and retractable machine-guns;-), and the *only* sound heard on the other end is that of my voice, thanks to bone-conduction technology. True, my voice isn't as natural-sounding as through the normal CrystalTalk microphone, but highly intelligible. (One person commented that I sounded a bit like Stephen Hawking; although I'm not much of a gamer anymore, if you've ever played Counterstrike, you'll get an idea of the sound, but it's a bit better than that.)
Speaking of CrystalTalk: The default mode on the HX-1 is with the CrystalTalk mic activated. The reason is simple: under most circumstances, CT works just fine, even in relatively noisy environments. (On the bike, I've tested the headset in CT mode up to 15mph with no problems.) Stealth mode, then, is for those times when noise conditions get particularly hairy. You may end up not using stealth mode all that much, but when you need it, it's just a click away.
Other details: Battery life appears to be as advertised. The packaging of the headset is a bit of overkill (really, a cast-aluminum case? I think they need to learn a bit from Apple on this...it's about the candy inside, guys, NOT the wrapper!); Bluetooth Bonus: since the HX-1 can be paired with up to two devices at once, I also paired it with my BT-equipped PowerBook G4, which now allows me to use Skype both hands-free and untethered (as well as with a degree or privacy).
Conclusion: I think this is the best BT headset around at the moment. Yes, at its current selling price, it ought to be. Casual users of headsets probably won't be too interested in popping for this, but for those who spend a lot of time wearing a headset, *especially* while operating a vehicle, do yourself a big favor and check the HX-1 out. From a safety standpoint alone, it's absolutely worth it.
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Product Description:
The Motorola Endeavor HX1's bone conduction completely eliminates background noise when needed, while the CrystalTalk noise-cancellation technology works well in most everyday situations. It also has voice prompts and multipoint support. Fits snugly.
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