A basic Bluetooth headset does not require an LCD screen or picture messaging, instead we need a good long talk time and standby time with a small size with good secure fit and as a last wish something that doesn't look like a form of seafood clamped to your ear.

The 63 x 24 x 18 mm Nokia HS-11W uses both the Bluetooth headset and hands free profiles allowing it to connect to the widest range of phones, the Bluetooth 1.1 support is not the latest standard but then there is only a minor improvement in range and signal quality with Bluetooth 1.2. It is one of the lightest headsets we've tried at only 17 grams and even when tightly clamped to the ear it is difficult to know you are wearing it, the design is an over ear horseshoe which uses the weight of the main unit to hold the loop firmly behind the ear.

You can use the headset on either ear and it is possible to use the HS-11W when wearing glasses although it is not entirely suitable for all users and some may prefer a clip on style. The Nokia HS-11W boasts a very high standby time of 160 hours depending on use, the 6 hour talk time hints at this being a good companion for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. The unit is charged with either the Nokia AC-1, ACP-12 or LCH-12 chargers.

As with all Bluetooth headsets the range is limited to 10 meters from the paired device and the HS-11W can pair with up to 8 devices although only one can be connected at any given time. Audio quality seems about par for the course with a good strong volume level ideal for noisy environments and the fit is certainly comfortable for prolonged use, the 4 buttons (answer / end, volume up / down and power) are easily accessed and enable control of voice tagging should the phone support it.

Overall a very competent unit and not as basic as Nokia would have us believe from their marketing, however the price isn't as basic as we'd like for this level of technology £59.99 is certainly a premium price for early adopters of the Nokia HS-11W but then it is an investment in a very strong performer.

More Bluetooth Headsets -

[ Up ] [ Bluetooth Headset Reviews ] [ Jabra BT300 ] [ Motorola HS850 ] [ Motorola H500 ] [ Bluespoon AX ] [ Jabra BT500 ] [ Nokia HS-4W Bluetooth Headset ] [ Bluetake BT400 G5 ] [ Belkin Bluetooth Headset ] [ Bluetrek G2 Headset ] [ Motorola HS820 ] [ Sony Ericsson HBH-300 ] [ Logitech Bluetooth Headset ] [ nXzen Gennum 5500 ] [ Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435 ] [ LG Prada Bluetooth Headset ] [ Motorola H9 Review ] [ Qstick EVOQ ] [ Jabra BT330 Review ] [ Nokia BH-800 Review ] [ Jabra SP100 Speakerphone ] [ Jabra BT250V ] [ Jabra Bluetooth Headset BT200 ] [ Plantronics Bluetooth Headset M3000 ] [ Nextlink BlueSpoon Bluetooth Headset ] [ Sony Ericsson HBH-200 ] [ Nokia HS-11W ] [ HBH-600 Bluetooth Headset ] [ Jabra BT800 ]