Motorola H12
Manufacturer: Motorola Part number: 83419VRP
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Motorola Pure H12 is a beautiful and affordable Bluetooth headset, but we wish that it had better performance.
Read more
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CNET editors' review
Motorola H12 price range: $39.99 - $149.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 11/08/2007
The good: The Motorola Pure H12 is a very attractive Bluetooth headset that comes with a portable charging cradle plus a desktop stand. It also has a great comfortable fit.
The bad: The Motorola Pure H12's performance does not match up to its promises--call quality was patchy and unpredictable.
The bottom line: The Motorola Pure H12 is a beautiful and affordable Bluetooth headset, but we wish that it had better performance.
Motorola first implemented its CrystalTalk technology with its handsets, like the Razr2 V8 and the Razr2 V9. This noise-reduction and adaptive-speaker technology has improved call quality for these handsets, and now Motorola wants that same technology in its Bluetooth headsets. Enter the Motorola Pure H12 Bluetooth headset, a tiny and stylish headset that looks a little like the Motorola H680 but with CrystalTalk built right in. While we love the headset's design, we weren't entirely sold on the performance despite its CrystalTalk promises. The Motorola Pure H12 Bluetooth headset is available for $99 after rebate, which we think is a very reasonable price.
Just like the H680, the H12 is one of a few Bluetooth headsets with sex appeal. It comes in a beautiful diamond-cut metal housing that's very compact, as well, measuring only 1.65 inches by 0.7 inch by 0.47 inch. At 0.4 ounce, the H12 definitely won't weigh your ears down, either. We love the large circular multifunction button on the front as well as the big volume rocker on the right spine. The multifunction button has a spun-metal finish that makes the button easy to find and press, while the volume rocker has tiny little bumps on it to make it easy to use, as well. On the top of the headset is a dedicated power toggle, which we really like a lot since it makes it easier to turn on and off the device, thus conserving battery power. Right underneath the multifunction button is a tiny indicator light.
On the back of the headset are the earpiece plus a very flexible and thin ear hook. The ear hook is designed to be very discreet and skinny, so that it can even fit those who wear glasses. The earpiece has the in-ear style design, and comes with three interchangeable cushion covers for different size ears in order to maximize comfort. We slipped it in our ears effortlessly and it felt nice and comfortable.
Also on the back of the H12 are charging contacts that can be connected to either the included desktop stand or the portable charging cradle. The charging contacts come together with a magnetic tug, so you're ensured a proper connection every time. That said, there is no direct way to connect the H12 to a power source--you always need to have either the portable cradle or the desktop stand in order to charge it.
Features of the H12 include the typical answering, receiving, and ending calls, call mute, voice-dial support, placing a call on hold, last number redial, and the ability to transfer calls from the phone to the headset and vice versa. There's also a battery life indicator when the headset is placed in the charger.
We tested the Motorola Pure H12 Bluetooth headset with the RIM BlackBerry Pearl. The H12 goes automatically into pairing mode when you first turn it on, so the pairing process went very smoothly. It comes with two microphones to block out background noise and adjust noise levels depending on the environment, so we were expecting excellent sound quality. Although we were impressed by the incoming call quality, outgoing call quality was not always as smooth. On our end, voices sounded loud, clear, and very natural, with little static or interference. But on the callers' end, we heard reports of a background hiss plus a slight echo, while others had no problem hearing us at all. We tested it again in a noisier restaurant environment, and though callers still reported the same background hiss, they managed to make out what we said. This shows us that call quality can be patchy, which is surprising especially when you consider its CrystalTalk technology.
The Motorola Pure H12 has a rated talk time of 5.5 hours and a rated standby time of 8 days.
User reviews
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Beautiful headset, Clear Sound
by dpbanks on November 10, 2007
Pros: Great looking, lightweight headset with great sound that I can wear without the earloop
Cons: Longer talk time would be nice.
Summary: I have used a variety of bluetooth headsets over the years, from the highest rated Jawbone to lower rated ones like this headset. So far, I am liking the H12 ...
Summary: I have used a variety of bluetooth headsets over the years, from the highest rated Jawbone to lower rated ones like this headset. So far, I am liking the H12 better than the Jawbone.
1. The H12 is an attractive headset. The silver and black casing is very fashionable, and the indicator light is a very unobtrusive blue dot rather than the larger blue or white flashing light that most headsets have.
2. The H12 is very lightweight. Wearing it for long periods of time is not a problem.
3. The design of the actual earpiece is good - better than my experience with the Jawbone (none of those quite fit). I like the option of wearing my headset without the loop (I have been spoiled by Plantronics.) The earpiece and the size of this earpiece allow me to wear the piece securely without the earloop if I choose to (and I do).
4. The sound was great. I tested it on calls with a few people, and none noted any problem. They said I sounded like "me". On my end, the sound was awesome. Because the earpiece fits so well in my ear, the sound is the best I've gotten out of an earpiece.
5. The desktop charger and carrier are easy to use. The magnetic connections are wonderful, and the carrying case makes transport easy. There is no doubt about connection. No fumbline in the dark wondering which way is up with these type connections. Simple!
6. The pocket connection accessory is a great idea, thus saving a person from wearing the headset in the ear all day long. The two connecting prongs add to the feeling of security when the piece is connected this way.
CON: My only complaint thus far is that, at 5 hours, I wish the talk time had been longer. Although I don't engage in the marathon conversations that I used to, I want to know that my headset won't die on me before the day is out if I need to have long conversations. We'll see how it handles it when the occasion arises.
At $119.99, the price was a bit much, but an instant $20 rebate convinced me to try the headset. I'm glad that I did.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Needs Improvement
by jules.ep on December 14, 2007
Pros: size, noise cancelling, sleek, light weight.
Cons: voice quality, voice quality, voice quality
Summary: I love the product over all, but sound quality is everything!
The problem with this device is that the incoming sound/voice is totally clear, but i have had problems ...Summary: I love the product over all, but sound quality is everything!
The problem with this device is that the incoming sound/voice is totally clear, but i have had problems with outgoing voice. I get complains from the receiving end that my voice is either cutting out or fading in and out. I later found out that its not just an isolated incident but to several calls.
I have checked my phone signal and its showing almost full bar (if not full).
Total disappointment.
I'm rating this a 6 because sound quality is on top of my qualification for a good bluetooth.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Horrible! Unless you live in a sound proof room, forget it!
by GotMBA on November 15, 2007
Pros: I can hear callers very well. Love the size
Cons: Callers cant hear me, picks up ALL background noise, road noise, echo
Summary: What a disappointment for such a new, expensive, and nice looking earpiece. So long as I was at home with a quiet background it worked great, but forget about using ...
Summary: What a disappointment for such a new, expensive, and nice looking earpiece. So long as I was at home with a quiet background it worked great, but forget about using it anywhere else - especially in a car. It amplifies background and road noise to such an extent that my callers regularly told me they could not even hear me. I called my own voicemail to test it out, and they were not kidding. Between every word (which was constantly hollow sounding) you hear a very loud SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS of road noise. Not worth $20, let alone $120. How on earth they market this as having "noise cancelling" I will never understand. Noise amplification, maybe.
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty decent, compared to most
by G5Girl on February 2, 2008
Pros: Very lightweight and comfortable, amazing incoming sound quality, not a big plastic piece smack-dab on the side of your head, discreet blue light,
Cons: Outgoing sound quality
Summary: Overall, this is a pretty decent headset. Very "sexy", if you will. It looks and feels great, especially for a girl who doesn't like to have a BT headset ...
Summary: Overall, this is a pretty decent headset. Very "sexy", if you will. It looks and feels great, especially for a girl who doesn't like to have a BT headset that's heavy or large. I'm also one of those people who can't wear earbuds without an earhook, so this gives me both: in-ear sound and over-the-ear comfort.
The outgoing sound quality is a bit iffy. If you're on the street with regular noise or in your car with regular car noise, it's pretty darn good. But if you're at a very noisy sports bar or game or club, it's not gonna be so great - but I figure that'd be common sense. This is good for normal, everyday noise situations (drowning out airplane noise, for example).
The incoming sound quality is GREAT though. I can really hear what other people are saying to me. This is especially great for people who normally strain a bit to hear - and I'm one of those people having been on a drum line for years and worked in a noisy factory.
This is great for someone who doesn't want to deal with the bulkyness of the Jawbone, but wants some sort of clarity. But being more clear: it does not have the same performance as the Jawbone.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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People I call hate it
by GeneSnitsky on May 2, 2008
Pros: Sound on your own end
Cons: Sound your callers hear
Summary: It's actually very good for hearing people speak to you, but as in the video review here, it's awful for the poor soul on the other end. I ...
Summary: It's actually very good for hearing people speak to you, but as in the video review here, it's awful for the poor soul on the other end. I bought mine to use in the car and I am returning it. I did find that when I was stopped at a light, the other people could hear me fine. When the car gets moving it apparently gets hissy, maybe it's picking up background noise(?) It apparently cuts out a lot as well. This is from speaking to numerous people. Without their feedback I would've given this a high ranking because I can hear everything very well on my end. In any case, I'm going to pick up a different bluetooth instead.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best to date!
by stevenp166 on March 24, 2008
Pros: Sound, Sound, Sound !
Cons: ear clip might break its plastic.
Summary: I have tried so many headsets its not even funny! Finally the h12 and it is a real winner with my Lg voyager. Jawbone was my last try but sorry ...
Summary: I have tried so many headsets its not even funny! Finally the h12 and it is a real winner with my Lg voyager. Jawbone was my last try but sorry this one really gets the job done. Very nice sound and everyone has been saying you finally got rid of the headset because of the great sound and I tell them nope just using a different headset. Sorry but cnet missed it on this one! Highly recommended.........
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not worth the hefty price tag!
by jin.kim on February 26, 2008
Pros: stylish design and comfort
Cons: noise cancellation and static
Summary: compare to the other bluetooth headsets in its price range, this one definite does not meet the standards. aside from the attractive aesthetic design, the sound quality simply does not ...
Summary: compare to the other bluetooth headsets in its price range, this one definite does not meet the standards. aside from the attractive aesthetic design, the sound quality simply does not make its price worth the $120 price tag. if you're looking to spend that much money for a bluetooth, jawbone is your best bet.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good listening quality, but everyone can hear everything around me.
by facetiae on December 2, 2007
Pros: Looks good, Small, I can hear the other person if it stays in my ear
Cons: Won't stay in my ear; callers can hear all that goes on around me very well and hear me too.
Summary: I like the size of the bluetooth but after a few minutes of talking, it seemed to work its way out of my ear. Callers on the other end stated ...
Summary: I like the size of the bluetooth but after a few minutes of talking, it seemed to work its way out of my ear. Callers on the other end stated they could hear everything around me, which didn't seem to be a problem since they could hear me well. I had no problem hearing them if it stayed in my ear.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than a lot of BlueTooth headsets
by vincepsp on January 17, 2008
Pros: Cool looks, ease of use, call quality, comfortable.
Cons: Still a little bulky, doesn't fit in ear without earloop.
Summary: The first thing that impressed me was the distance- I can get at least 30ft with this, probably about 40ft line of sight. I find the call connection quality very ...
Summary: The first thing that impressed me was the distance- I can get at least 30ft with this, probably about 40ft line of sight. I find the call connection quality very good compared to others I've tried. The actual tone is quite full and even a little on the bassy side, which is surprising. Other headsets I've tried are tinny and don't go very loud. It doesn't fit either of my ears without the earloop, and the earloop seems like it could break. If it ever does break, the headset will be useless to me. Regardless, once it's set up in my ear it feels very comfortable and wearable for long hours. For my tatses this still sticks out from your head a bit far due to its U- boat-like shape, but it still behaves once it's in.
Man they sure give you the whole 9 yards in the package, can't dis them on that: you get the headset, a portable charging & display box, a separate magnetic charging doc, 2 additional rubber earpieces, and a tie clip.
It paired up with my Samsung A727 with not a hitch, and akways syncs uo fine,
Overall it's a great buy, but I think nextime I'll search for others1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great headset
by MtNChikEn on November 16, 2007
Pros: noise cancellation and small
Cons: cant think of any
Summary: no complaints, overall great headset, can have a conversaion in my car with all the windows down and music up.
Summary: no complaints, overall great headset, can have a conversaion in my car with all the windows down and music up.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Motorola
- Part number: 83419VRP
- Description: Minimal size, maximum audio performance and style. The MOTOPURE H12 is the ultimate in clarity, luxury, freedom and comfort. The first Bluetooth enabled headset with Motorola's audio-enhancing CrystalTalk for headsets technology, the MOTOPURE H12 allows users to hear better and be heard. The MOTOPURE H12 headset also has the smallest Motorola external speaker to-date, assuring 'fits-like-a-glove' comfort and elegance thanks to its TrueComfort ear bud design and high gloss finishes. The MOTOPURE H12 features Motorola's proprietary CrystalTalk for headsets technology, which makes it possible to have natural phone conversations in dynamic noisy environments. It uses two microphones to separate the user's voice from background and wind noise, enhancing the user's voice and channeling pure, clear audio directly into the user's ear. The MOTOPURE H12 feels as good as it looks and sounds. The TrueComfort design is the result of an intensive two-year ergonomic measurement study of the human ear, research that spanned age, sex and race. The result: a fit that is optimized around comfort, style and audio performance. Perforated alloy bezel and diamond-cut metal, high gloss accents and a soft touch side housing deliver a discreet yet stunning headset. Minimalist and sleek, the H12 is smaller than a lipstick or golf tee and weighs only 12 grams. The H12 comes with matching desktop charger, charging case and carrying solution - a complete solution to carry, help protect, and charge in style.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Width 1.7 in
- Depth 0.5 in
- Height 0.7 in
- Weight 0.4 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Volume control, Answer/end button, CrystalTalk technology
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Sound Output Mode Mono
Microphone
- Type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Power
- Power Device Battery charger
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 5.5 hour(s)
- Standby Time 192 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Motorola
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Motorola products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://commerce.motorola.com/consumer
- Address:
600 N. Highway 45, Suite AS342, Libertyville, IL 60048 - Phone: 847/576-5000
