The common Bluetooth headset is not a fashion statement, at best it looks functional at worst it looks like some kind of insect is trying to get to your brain via your ear. So when we heard that LG and Prada had got together to create a designer branded headset to go with the already launched LG Prada phone we just had to see if it offered a stylish wireless solution to being hands free.

A peek at the basics shows a Bluetooth 1.2 (not 2.0) device measuring 54 x 21.2 x 12.2mm and weighing 15.8 grams, so not big but not small either. The design is dominated by a side OLED display which glows from the LG Prada headset and can show the callers name / number, battery level Bluetooth presence and volume level. It took us a while to get it paired with our test Nokia N95 but it was up and running in a reasonable number of minutes and glowing blue from LP's right ear lighting up the darkened office on a stormy summer UK day.

The HBM-510 is actually not a bad headset and sits over the ear using the rubberised hanger mechanism that we are all familiar with, comfortable for prolonged periods and yet not so light that it falls off it does a good job. However its audio quality is a bit yester year and we suspect uses a re hash of older bought in LG electronics. Sure it works and you can make a call but there is little in the way of background noise suppression or compensation, so while you may be able to hear ok, callers reported that we sounded a bit distant and removed with our fair share of road rumble when driving.

While caller display on a neat OLED screen may seem a good idea it is only really of use when the headset is on a desk or in a pocket as once it is on your ear it is nothing more than a fashion statement, something we have levelled at may of this display Bluetooth headsets. However this one glows so bright you are going to attract attention which could be bad if you want to stay safe on the streets especially if the local hoodies spot the Prada logo!  They may think its attached to the uber expensive Prada phone or even an iPhone.

Battery life is quite good with a standby in real world use of about 5 days and around 6hrs of talk time before needing a  top up from the changer. Overall its an Ok headset which should cost around £30, instead with a higher price tag due only to its Prada logo this is a headset for mugs and if you are unlucky the glowing blue OLED screen could make you a mug who get mugged. One to avoid as there are so many better cheaper alternates from Nokia, Moto and Jabra.

Published - 19/08/2007

More Bluetooth Headset Reviews-

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