INTRODUCTION

    Bluetooth headsets are pretty ubiquitous these days, they seem to give them out like candy with Bluetooth enabled phones, plus prices have plummeted in recent years. Not everyone likes the "Borg" look though, preferring something a little more discrete. Or perhaps they want to listen to music? Not much fun on a mono earpiece. Enter Iqua. They have released a small pendant type headset, the BHS-702; a small, discrete, stereo Bluetooth headset. How did it function? Read on for the review!

WHAT’S HOT

    The unit has great sound quality, and is easy to setup and use. It can also be paired with up to 8 different devices.

SETUP

    No surprises, after an initial charge of a couple of hours, the unit was ready to pair. Pairing with a Windows Mobile device was obtained via the standard method, share code was the usual "0000".

PRODUCT FEATURES
(all images link to higher resolution)

    The device is pretty straight forward, multi-function plus volume buttons. Included LED to indicate various stages of use: charging, pairing, incoming call, etc. Some specs/info as follows:

• Answer/end/reject call
• Volume control
• Automatic reconnection to default user or the  last user
• Last number redial
• Voice dial activate (when supported by mobile phone)
• Next/previous track
• Call transfer
• Size: 60mm x 28mm x 11mm
• Weight: 30g
• Talktime = 9hrs, Music = 7hrs, Standby = 150hrs
• Call waiting
• Bluetooth connection active, call status and battery low indicated by colored LEDs

 

The BHS-702 ships in a small blister pack, easy open version.

In the container we have the BHS-702 receiver, charger, small/medium/large earpieces, literature.

Here’s a look at the BHS-702 in the open.

The underside of the BHS-702, not much to see here, just the FCC ID, etc.

On the right hand side, we have volume increase and decrease buttons.

Left hand side we have the charging port.

The unit loops through the headphones, allowing the pendant to hang free.

The headphones are the in-ear type, I used the smallest adapters and they were a snug fit.

Here’s the comparison, HTC Touch, BHS-702, Citizen Watch.

Because the headphones are in-ear, there’s a grill on the back.

Whilst in use, the pendant hangs free.

   Using the device was pretty straight forward and sound quality was surprisingly good for a Bluetooth headset. There was some degradation, but not the normal FMish type static. My main issue during use was the fact that there’s no clip on the underside, so no way to tether the unit. This can be seen in the picture above, it hands freely, making it difficult to use jogging, cycling, etc.

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HELP SUPPORT

    Support is via their website. Due to the recent release of the BHS-702, it’s doesn’t have it’s own page (yet).

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    The BHS-702 works with all Mobile Phones that support the headset or hands free profile. In order to use the stereo feature, your phone must support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). Some phones, such as the Apple iPhone, will require a separate adapter in order to enable A2DP.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
The BHS-702 is a great little number; it’s easy to use and provides great sound quality. My gripes relate to the fact that it doesn’t sit still when you’re moving about. This receiver could really benefit from a clip or some other method of tethering. Because there’s no way to latch it, the pendant doesn’t quite sit flat. The other issue is the battery life whislt listening to music; because it’s only 7hrs (on a good day) it doesn’t last as long as my phone.

PURCHASING

    Keep your eye on the Iqua website for purchasing info. The company tells us that the BHS-702 will retail for $99.

PROS

• 
  

  Great sound quality

• 
  

  Easy to use

• 
  

  Can be paired with up to 8 devices (independently)

CONS

• 
  

  No clip on the reverse side

• 
  

  Battery life marginal when listening to music

• 
  

  Doesn’t quite sit flat when in use

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What do these ratings mean?

OVERALL IMPRESSION

   This device really nails it in terms of usability and sound quality. The major gripe I have relates to the fact that there’s no way of clipping the unit on to anything, rather, it just hangs loose. This can be a real problem for joggers, cyclists, etc who require a way to anchor the device to something static (bag strap, collar, etc). Otherwise, a great device.