Sony Ericsson Hbh IS800 Review | 93 Data compared

The Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 is an ultracompact, cord-free stereo Bluetooth headset designed for A2DP-compatible music phones and MP3 players. It stands out remarkably for its design, squeezing a receiver, transmitter, and battery into two tiny earpieces that are only an inch long and attached by a single cable. The main pros highlighted in the review include its highly compact form factor, strong bass performance, rich mid-tones, and the inclusion of a convenient storage box, shirt clip, and three sizes of silicone ear tips. However, the headset has several notable cons, starting with a steep $200 MSRP that makes it quite pricey. Because the earpieces are thicker than typical earbuds, they may not fit all users securely or comfortably. Furthermore, the extreme compactness means there are no on-device playback or volume controls. Finally, while the audio quality is solid for a Bluetooth device, it is not as detailed or clear as similarly priced wired models, and frantic musical tracks can sometimes sound messy. If you want to read more about vintage audio gear or compare features, you can look up current...

The Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 is a pair of compact, wireless Bluetooth stereo headphones that closely resemble standard wired earbuds, featuring a tiny design where the electronics are split between the ear canal buds. On the positive side, these headphones offer excellent sound quality, automatic Bluetooth pairing, a seamless automatic reconnection feature to the last-used device, and a highly functional microphone that delivers clear call quality. Additionally, testing revealed a slightly conservative battery life estimate, with the headphones outperforming the manufacturer's four-hour claim by delivering four-and-a-half hours of continuous playback. However, the HBH-IS800 suffers from several distinct drawbacks. One major drawback is the inclusion of a proprietary power connector hidden behind a hard-to-remove cover, meaning users cannot charge the headset using standard transformers. The design relies entirely on ear friction to stay in place, making them prone to falling out during high-impact physical activities like jogging. Finally, the sound performance is somewhat reliant on brand compatibility, as the audio quality dipped slightly when used with non-Sony Ericsson handsets, and the product is expected to carry a premium price tag.

Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 Review Summary The Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 stands out for its remarkably miniaturized, ultra-lightweight design that successfully eliminates bulky "ear cufflinks" and long, tangled cords, making them exceptionally well-suited for treadmill workouts. Despite their tiny footprint—with each earbud measuring just about 3cm to house the battery and Bluetooth receiver—they deliver an impressive, warm, and sensitive stereo sound quality. Hands-free calling is straightforward and supports voice dialing, though users may need to physically hold the corded microphone close to their mouth to prevent complaints about muffled audio. However, the headphones sacrifice a notable amount of usability to achieve this ultra-compact size. Major drawbacks include a complete lack of volume or music-player controls on the device, forcing users to dig out their mobile phones to adjust the sound, skip tracks, or shuffle music. Furthermore, the micro-sized frame restricts battery life to a brief four hours of talk time, and charging proves fiddly due to a tiny, delicate hatch on the earbud that must be pried open. Priced around £75, they are an expensive but worthwhile investment only if you strictly...

The Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 Bluetooth headset stands out for its unique, contemporary, and extremely compact design that builds the batteries directly into the earbuds rather than using a separate module. While this design keeps the cable out of the way behind the user's neck, it introduces several significant ergonomic and functional flaws. The integrated batteries make the earplugs noticeably hefty and uncomfortable during prolonged wear. Furthermore, the headset completely lacks physical volume controls—forcing users to adjust audio levels exclusively through their phones—and offers a weak battery life of just four hours of talk time. In terms of performance, the headset delivers mixed audio playback and highly disappointing call functionality. Music playback features a warm bass response, but it lacks vocal clarity and sounds overall monotonous when compared to more affordable alternatives like the Nokia BH-214. The in-call performance is a major drawback, earning a poor 4/10 rating due to muffled voices, ineffective environmental noise reduction, and a useless whisper mode. Ultimately, the review concludes that the innovative form factor does not justify the steep $120 to $140 price tag given...

The Intempo BTH-01 (£35) over-ear headphones are highlighted as a top value choice, featuring useful on-board controls, an eight-hour battery life, and a 30-foot wireless range, according to The Times Test Bench. They offer a lightweight sound signature suitable for compressed audio and provide the convenience of USB charging, making them a functional budget option. The TimesConversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, including a flimsy, non-adjustable headband and insecure foam earpads that compromise comfort and stability. The audio quality is hampered by limited maximum volume and a persistent background hiss, leading to the conclusion that the device lacks the robustness of higher-end models. The Times

The Sony Ericsson Stereo Bluetooth HBH-IS800 is a lightweight, 21-inch wireless headset that offers impressive audio quality and exceptional Bluetooth range, functioning flawlessly at distances up to 75 feet through multiple walls. Retailing at $179.99, this minimalist device features a single hidden button on a cord below the left earbud that controls call answering and pairing, alongside a tiny built-in microphone. It provides a streamlined user experience, charging fully in about 1 hour via a concealed port on the right earbud and offering a continuous battery life of approximately 3 hours. The headset's primary benefits include its compact design, strong sound performance, and a remarkably long connection distance that easily outperforms standard 30-foot "line of sight" limitations. However, it suffers from a few notable drawbacks, most notably its high retail price and a bundled carrying case that looks and feels uncharacteristically cheap and bulky. Additionally, comments from users point out that the headset does not allow for direct volume adjustments when paired with an iPhone.

In the September 2009 review published on Yanko Design, reviewer Long Tran evaluates the Sony Ericsson HBH-IS800 stereo Bluetooth earbuds. Retailing at $140, these earbuds feature a durable, thick, 20-inch rubberized cord with an integrated microphone that allows users to wear them traditionally or wrapped behind the ears. Performance-wise, the reviewer highly praises the device for delivering loud, crystal-clear audio and facilitating seamless, artifact-free transitions between music playback and incoming phone calls. The earbuds are highlighted for their surprisingly compact build—with the tiny battery cell hidden directly inside the housing—yet they manage to deliver a solid battery life that lasts over a full day of use. Additional positives include easy pairing via a multi-color light indicator, embedded noise-canceling technology, a snug fit suitable for exercise, and bundled silicone caps to accommodate different ear shapes.