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Review bluetooth-headset Sony Ericsson HBM-30

SonyEricsson has recommended itself as pioneer in bluetooth long time ago. Now, having released HBM-30 the company confirmed that status once more. For the first time the headset is also mp3 player. The device represents not a big block, which is similar to usual mp3 players.

There are control keys on the right side of the device; they are big and comfortable. Volume key and call send/release keys are also stipulated. The navigation key allows changing, rewinding, stopping and playing tracks. Separate keys are stipulated for menu access and recording.

There is one line screen on the butt-end of the headset; it is used for displaying current state and for battery’s level indication. If to use the strap included into the standard kit and carry the handsfree on the neck you will always see the indicator. Strap’s length is average. That’s made with intent, because the microphone is located on the device. You can see its outlet between volume and call send/release key. On the one hand such microphone’s placement force putting on the device as high as possible, on the other hand that delivers from using only original headphones.

Besides the strap, one can put on the handsfree on the holder. It is convenient fastening the device on out pocket of a jacket or of a shirt using this holder. It’s rather difficult to tear off the device, it holds surely.

Keyboard lock key, handsfree socket and external source socket are located on the lateral surface. On the opposite surface are located Memory Stick Duo slot and power supply socket. One AAA battery is used as power source. Separate bibb covers the compartment, to fix it you should insert it up to the stop and turn. You can use accumulators and usual alkaline batteries. That’s a big plus, because you shouldn’t recharge the accumulators frequently and you can buy usual batteries everywhere.

One battery can provide up 24 hours of music playing, i.e. about 16 hours of music playing and up to 30 minutes of talk time. In many respects operation time depends on battery’s type and capacity. It’s necessary to head for 2 days of operation time.

Musical files can be stored on memory card, supported file types are mp3 and ATRCAC3. It’s necessary to remember that ACTRAC3 is supported only with MagicGate cards, which have built-in rights protection. The standard kit includes exactly this card (64 Mb). You can record compositions directly from the source using the cable. It’s possible to record about 1 hour of music. The device encodes music on fly (ATRAC3). You can edit track names. Only mp3 files are possible to be stored on MemoryStick Duo cards (blue color).

Quality and loudness of playing recorded files are good and are similar to the majority of mp3 players. In case of recording mp3 files it’s necessary to remember that files which bit rate is higher than 192Kb are not supported. Track time and file name are displayed during playback. By the way, screen’s backlight is blue. There’s nothing to add about music part except for the MemoryStick Duo adapter, which is included into the standard kit. You can insert memory card in it and record files on PC.

The device has typical features for mp3, such as track repeat, repeat all and shuffle.

The device has no problems in bluetooth-headset mode. It finds well other devices. The headset works steady after pairing. The headset emits sound in case of incoming call, music is stopped. The screen displays caller’s number, that’s a unique feature (also supported by HBH-200). Voice dial is supported if the phone supports it.

The standard kit includes also a bag for carrying. Rich standard kit results in rather high price, which makes about 340$. The solution becomes expensive, but on the other hand, it is unique. It is ideal for those, who listen to the music permanently and use mobile phone besides. The opportunity of using custom headphones and AAA batteries compatibility make the device adapted for usual users. This device is interesting and young people should examine it closely, and for business users HBH-200 is intended.