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Review of Nokia BH-108 Bluetooth Headset

In the box:

Headset
Charger
User guide
Ear loop
Tip for the earpiece

Nokia has no problems with accessories and I like this year’s lineup and the announced gadgets for 2011. Unfortunately, because of well-known events I have no possibility to test the products before their release and have to buy them in branded shops. I would like to thank employees of Nokia store in Evropeysky Mall. They recognized me and offered a discount, which was cool. It was even more surprising to check the history on Nokia N8 from the shop with our website used to read about the camera in N8 directly from N8. Amazing!

Design

The headset is available in two colors – white and dark grey. Many speech communication devices are now offered in such pairs. I think it is quite logical and great. I like the minimalism. There is definitely something in it. Instead of multi colored options it’s better to offer the solutions in demand. I must say that the attitude of people towards white gadgets has changed recently. If before it was difficult to see young people with white devices, now they are everywhere. I think it is a positive trend as we are tired of black all over. I tested white Nokia BH-108 for our review. It looks nice, has good build with the front panel being smooth and rugged at the same time. I do not know how to describe my feeling. There are candies with the similar surface, which is difficult to characterize. The design is pleasant anyway. The box is relatively small with the understandable user guide and everything else necessary for the headset. The size is 53.5 х 16.2 х 8.3 mm and the weight is 9 g.

How to use the headset

It can be carried with the ear loop or without it. You decide. It is made of transparent and thin plastic with the protruding element for better fixation. The material is soft silicone. As the result, BH-108 can be worn for hours without the slightest discomfort. It can be used in the gym, but in this case the ear loop is preferable. In the ear the headset looks well courtesy of a simple shape.

Control

The only button on the front panel is tight and you are not always sure if you pressed it or not. The light indicator at the back is tiny, so you cannot complain about that. Volume control is carried out from the phone and the only available feature is the activation of voice dialing. I successfully tested it with iPhone. It is as simple as they come.

Power supply

Manufacturers need to sell 2 mm chargers and you can see one here. I thought that in 2010 microUSB ports will be everywhere. Alas! Nokia claims up to 5 hours of talktime and 120 hours on the standby, while the charging takes around 2 hours. That is fine.

Phone connection and sound quality

I tested the headset with iPhone 4 and Blackberry Torch. The connection was fast and the password is simply 0000. After the first run the headset independently links up and you just have to detect it on your phone. The manufacturer’s website has a funny phrase: “Check mail, surf the web and write quick notes — this wireless headset supports several tasks during incoming calls”. I think the author just needed to fill in the gap and could not think of anything else.

Speech communication is good, but if you are in a noisy place you will have to speak up. Interlocutors are heard well and you can even hear all voice nuances. The volume is right and BH-108 delights when used in a car. I wish the button was not so tight.

Conclusions

The retail price of the headset is $26-43 and should be purchased below $33. It will be value for money then. The headset looks nice, helps to communicate with comfort and has average operation time. On the downside I have to mention its multifunction button. One very big plus is the brand name. In Russia people like Nokia and you cannot argue about that. It is also one of the few accessible Bluetooth headsets with good quality sound on the market. I definitely recommend it for purchase.

Sergei Kuzmin ([email protected])
Twitter Livejournal
Translated by Maxim Antonenko ([email protected])