Go to Windows 7 Insider GuideSound ID SM100 Bluetooth headset
Manufacturer: Sound ID Part number: SM100
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset is excellent with above-average performance.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
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| CameraWorld.com |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/30/2009 |
| PhotoAlley.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 11/30/2009 | |
| WolfCamera.com |  | In stock | as of 11/30/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Sound ID SM100 Bluetooth headset price range: $26.25
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 08/31/2007
The good: The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset has a comfortable fit and excellent performance; with wind noise reduction and voice capture technologies that enhance audio clarity. It adjusts to different noise levels, plus there's an environment-awareness mode so you can hear your surroundings with headset still in the ear.
The bad: The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset's environment-awareness mode results in a noticeable background buzz that can be quite distracting.
The bottom line: The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset is excellent with above-average performance.
We were very pleased with the SoundID Personal Sound System SoundFlavors Bluetooth headset from a year ago, but we felt the price was a little too prohibitive for most people. The SoundID SM100, however, is much more consumer-friendly at a more affordable price point, without sacrificing quality. Manufactured with a thorough understanding of the science of hearing--the founder of SoundID is an otologist from Stanford University--we have to say that the SM100's audio quality was indeed amazing. We were impressed with the headset's noise reduction technology, and it has quite a comfortable fit as well. It's still fairly expensive at $129, but the quality and performance is worth the price.
Though not the most stylish headset we've seen, the SoundID SM100 is still a supremely tiny and compact device, measuring only 1.75 inches by 1.0 inch by 1.2 inches and weighing a very lightweight 0.4 ounce. Its body is egg-shaped, with a tiny boom mic jutting out the bottom. A large multifunction button sits on the front and is suitably raised enough above the surface so it's tactile and easy to press. On the left spine is the volume rocker as well as a Personalized Program button to switch between different sound amplification modes (more on that later). All these side buttons are a little on the skinny side but are still easy enough to press.
On the back of the headset is a rubbery earpiece that's tapered to a narrow point, for a deeper fit in the ear. It has a flexible rubber ear loop attached to it for additional security. The SM100 comes with a couple of other rubber earpieces (one small and one large) to fit different size ears. When inserted properly into the ear, the headset feels very snug and comfortable, and we could see ourselves wearing it for long periods of time. Also, you can add an over-the-ear hook for additional stability. The earpiece can be swiveled to fit either the right or left ear.
The SoundID SM100 comes with multiple modes and functions to better optimize the audio performance. For example, there are three Personalized Sound modes or Hearing Enhancement programs--Normal, Moderate, and Strong--and you can toggle through these modes by hitting the Personalized Program button. As the names suggest, these modes toggle through normal sound clarity to strong sound clarity, depending on your hearing needs.
There's also something called Environmental mode, which amplifies the sound around you when you're not on a call. This is because a lot of Bluetooth headsets sometimes act like earplugs, blocking outside sound when you're wearing the headset. Well, with Environmental mode turned on, the surrounding sound is amplified so you can better carry on a face-to-face conversation while still wearing the headset. While we commend this feature, we often found this to be less than ideal--for one thing, when the Environmental mode is turned on, there was almost too much amplification of surrounding sound, resulting in a constant background buzz. We would just rather take off the headset to have a conversation. If you want, you could also turn off Environmental mode by toggling through the Personalized Program button.
Another neat feature is One2One mode, which is available only if you have another SoundID SM100 lying around. If you do, you can pair them with one another and activate a kind of ad-hoc two-way radio communication.
We tested the SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset with the RIM BlackBerry Pearl, and the pairing process went smoothly. Call quality was exceptional. Callers could hear us just fine--they reported some background noise in especially windy environments, but even then they could hear our voice just fine. We also tried making calls with an automated voice service without a problem. Though we weren't too pleased with the Environmental mode because of the background buzz, we do think it's better to have that turned on than to go around half-deaf because of the headset. We liked the three different hearing enhancement modes for better clarity, and we certainly love the headset's noise compensation technology that alters the sound level depending on environmental noise.
Other features of the SM100 include the typical answering, ending, and rejecting calls, call-waiting support, voice-dial support, call mute, and a battery life indicator. The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset has a rated talk time of 8 hours and a standby time of 3 days. With the Environmental mode turned on, the standby time is 24 hours.
User reviews
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Finally - the Right Combination !!
by georgyporgy on September 15, 2007
Pros: Sound quality clearer than Plantronic, Motorola and BlueAnt for both parties on the call, ease to wear for longer time than the others
Cons: Still a little loose feeling, but it is comfortable for longer time periods than the others
Summary: I have used several in the past and most recently the BlueAnt Z9 based on Cnet reviews. However no matter how helpful the BlueAnt people were the unit went back ...
Summary: I have used several in the past and most recently the BlueAnt Z9 based on Cnet reviews. However no matter how helpful the BlueAnt people were the unit went back due to poor reception by those I called.
This unit is close to land line quality with comfort that allows it to be left in the ear for longer than any unit I have tried in the past. The ease of advancing greater background filtering is better and more assuring with the quality of the button. The charging options are better than most with USB, car and AC. The charge time is better than the others I have used.23 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best bluetooth headset by far
by Mudie88 on September 13, 2007
Pros: Great to use in noisy background
Cons: Charge time isn't long enough
Summary: I have about 10 different bluetooth headsets and the SM100 is the best I have ever had. Callers can hear me as clear as I hear them and noisy backgrounds ...
Summary: I have about 10 different bluetooth headsets and the SM100 is the best I have ever had. Callers can hear me as clear as I hear them and noisy backgrounds is not an issue with the SM100. Extremely comfortable to wear, I have mine on most of the time at work. I love the environmental modes too.
I do wish it would stay charged longer, sometimes mine is dead after 7 hrs. But I wouldn't trade it for anything on the market at the moment.13 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simply the best!
by dan406 on November 26, 2007
Pros: A bluetooth headset that really works!
Cons: Buttons take time to get use too.
Summary: I honestly tried them all...cardo scala, gennum nxzen, voyager 520, plantronics 655, jawbone, blueant z9, voyager 510. Don't get me wrong, not all of these units were duds.....
Summary: I honestly tried them all...cardo scala, gennum nxzen, voyager 520, plantronics 655, jawbone, blueant z9, voyager 510. Don't get me wrong, not all of these units were duds..some almost got it but fell a bit short (voyager 510 and 520). I ordered the Sound ID with very little hope. I recieved it a few days ago and used it all day yesterday while I moved. I made and recieved several calls all day and I was very impressed. I could hear the caller loud and clear while in a noisey cube van. But the big test was how the caller would hear me. Not one caller all day asked me to repeat something or said "where are you"? And my wife, my biggest bluetooth headset critic, agrees that the Sound ID sounded the best bar none. I hope this review isn't too premature cause I only had it for a few days...but like I said, I used it call day and I was very impressed. Look no further, this is the unit to buy.
8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best, far and away...
by Riser88 on November 18, 2007
Pros: Sound, weight and connectivity
Cons: Price at local discount electronic store was outta line...
Summary: I've tried several bluetooth headsets with varying degrees of satisfaction. I've used Mot, Plantronics (a couple of styles) and some other brands, about 6 different sets. Compared to ...
Summary: I've tried several bluetooth headsets with varying degrees of satisfaction. I've used Mot, Plantronics (a couple of styles) and some other brands, about 6 different sets. Compared to this one, all those others are worthless.
Working environment: Office 25%, Field 75%. Road noise and ambient noise is higher than average (background noise of wind, diesel engines, etc). My work requires hands free communications.
Paired with my Treo700w.
At first I tried with the environment filter turned off per other reviewers recommendations. I got a terribly tinny sound reception and was getting worried that I wasted my money. Then I tried it with the first level of the filter turned on I am ecstatic. Battery life not an issue.
I don't even know I'm wearing it as the weight is negligible and the fit is superb.
The best feature is that the bluetooth connection is always solid. Some other headsets sometimes wouldn't establish a good connection and I'd have to call my voicemail to see if there was a connection! Never a problem with this guy.
The unit is pricey when purchased at the local discount electronics store. I couldn't wait for delivery from "that big river in South America.com" as my previous POS headset was crushed in the field and I needed a replacement that day. Worth ir? Yeah.
A solid "gotta have" reommendation.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The best so far!
by cheryl.mcdonald on September 14, 2007
Pros: Small, Sleek. Easy to charge. Volume control. Fit.
Cons: Not entirely the fault of the headset, but I still feel like sometimes I have to yell to be heard. The unit doesn't control the impact of the wind over the microphone.
Summary: I tried at least three other headsets before being told about the SM100. I was beginning to lost hope. Since it has arrived I use it constantly. I use mass ...
Summary: I tried at least three other headsets before being told about the SM100. I was beginning to lost hope. Since it has arrived I use it constantly. I use mass transit and walk alot and it is wonderful to not have to hold my phone and still be able to hear clearly. The size is perfect and charging comes in three different options. I wouldn't be without mine.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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SM100 is comfortable, lightweight and sounds great.
by jamie 22 on September 13, 2007
Pros: People I talk to do not know I am using bluetooth.
Cons: Enviromental mode is a feature that could be skipped.
Summary: I like this earpiece. Good clarity, very comfortable, everybody I talk to never knows I am using it. Very easy to position comfortably in my ear. Very clever design not ...
Summary: I like this earpiece. Good clarity, very comfortable, everybody I talk to never knows I am using it. Very easy to position comfortably in my ear. Very clever design not to need the over the ear support to keep it firmly in place. I can put it in my ear without thinking in one-tenth of a second, and take it out just as easily. Enviromental mode has static. Basically enviromental mode is an amplifier to replace the fact you have something blocking your ear. I do not notice any problem with hearing when wearing it and the enviromental mode is not needed.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incredible sound and power
by aussiebrydon on September 13, 2007
Pros: Clarity for both parties, power of blue-tooth
Cons: background noise filtering
Summary: First, the bad. In very noisy environments, the SM100 picks up what's around you a bit so the caller on the other end sometimes has a bit of trouble ...
Summary: First, the bad. In very noisy environments, the SM100 picks up what's around you a bit so the caller on the other end sometimes has a bit of trouble hearing you. That's it. That's the only criticism I can level at the device.
The Good.
This device has exceptional clarity. I've used countless Jabra, Plantronics and Motorolla headsets and this blows them away. The call clarity on both ends is simply remarkable. People swear you're sitting in a quiet room when you're shooting down the freeway with road noise all around. The buttons to amplify the other caller are indispensable, you can hear them extremely well if they're talking quietly or they have lots of background noise.
The second part of the equation is the bluetooth power. I mostly use PDA's. Samsung i700, i730. Treo 700wx. I've also used the Samsung SCH-a990 music/camera phone. Without fail, all other headsets I have used crackle during calls when I walk with my phone/PDA in my pocket. Not the SM100. It's clear as a bell. I highly recommend this as a bluetooth cell phone headset.
Listening Mode: I didn't have much use for it's environmental boost mode. It lets you amplify everything you hear through that ear so A. You don't miss anything because of a little bud in your ear and B. You can boost whatever is coming into that ear if you are hard of hearing. It's fun to have, I just didn't use it that much.7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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THE REVIEW by CastingYou
by castingyou2 on January 24, 2008
Pros: Excellent performance
Cons: Price is a bit much, yet might be worth it for the product is ahead of its time!
Summary: (THE REVIEW by CastingYou) I have about 10 different bluetooth headsets and the SM100 is the best I have ever had. Callers can hear me as clear as I hear ...
Summary: (THE REVIEW by CastingYou) I have about 10 different bluetooth headsets and the SM100 is the best I have ever had. Callers can hear me as clear as I hear them and noisy backgrounds is not an issue with the SM100. Extremely comfortable to wear, I have mine on most of the time at work. I love the environmental modes too.
The SoundID SM100 Bluetooth headset has a comfortable fit and excellent performance; with wind noise reduction and voice capture technologies that enhance audio clarity. It adjusts to different noise levels, plus there's an environment-awareness mode so you can hear your surroundings with headset still in the ear.
Designed for versatility, the SM100 offers three modes of use,Mobile Mode, Environmental Mode, and One2One Mode.This lightweight and Ergonomic in-ear Headset can wirelessly connect to compatible devices, amplify surrounding Sound when not being used with a mobile phone for enhanced in-person communications, as well as link to another SM100 Ear Module to form two-way radio connections.
Features:
* Personalized Sound: With the SM100, a User can personalize the headset to address his or her specific sound preferences resulting in crisp, clear Audio across mobile communications settings.
* Environmental Mode: When a user is not on a Cell Phone call, the SM100 amplifies the environment to allow both ears to work together and eliminate the occluded effect associated with traditional headsets improving everyday in-person communication
* Noise Navigation System: Sound IDs Auto Focus for your Ears, determines the loudness frequency, Pitch and tempo of incoming sound so the SM100 can initiate counter measures reducing wind and background noise while improving speech understanding and sound quality8 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent audio quality but battery life is very poor
by binivini on October 1, 2007
Pros: Excellent audio quality and ear fit.
Cons: Battery life is very short (one-day even with minimal use), volume control on the headset could be a little more user-friendly and look and finish is substandard
Summary: For the high price of $100, audio quality is great but this one needs to have excellent battery life too.
Summary: For the high price of $100, audio quality is great but this one needs to have excellent battery life too.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best that I've tried
by ktjeras on September 13, 2007
Pros: Comfort, size, sound, in-ear design fast and easy to put in place and helps block out external noise
Cons: So small, I misplace it in my pockets all the time
Summary: I've tried Sony-Ericssons, Plantronics, Cellpoint (Flamingo), and Jaw-Bone. This is simply the most comfortable and best sounding headset I've tried. It's secure with a ear-loop, the ear ...
Summary: I've tried Sony-Ericssons, Plantronics, Cellpoint (Flamingo), and Jaw-Bone. This is simply the most comfortable and best sounding headset I've tried. It's secure with a ear-loop, the ear tips come in different size to fit your comfort, the sound adjustments work well, battery life is great, and has a pretty low 'dork factor' relative to the ones that hang down your face or have bright flashing blue lights.
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Sound ID
- Part number: SM100
- Description: As you go through your day, the acoustic environment around you is constantly changing - from the relative quiet of your car or office, to the high activity levels found in airports and on city streets. If you're like most mobile phone users, you're frustrated by the performance of your hands-free device - specifically, its inability to eliminate background noise and provide consistent sound clarity in a wide variety of locations and situations. Meet the first hands-free Bluetooth device that can be personalized to meet the most demanding listening needs. The SM100 EarModule redefines high performance in mobile communications. It processes the sound the way your ears do, by automatically boosting what background noise drowns out without over-amplifying what's already clear. Compatible with all popular Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and audio accessories (Skype and VoIP), the SM100 EarModule combines the freedom of mobility with superior sound clarity and comfort.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Width 1.7 in
- Height 1 in
- Weight 0.4 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features One2One Mode, VoiceCapture, PersonalSound, NoiseNavigation, PowerManagement, Wind Protection, Environmental Listening Mode
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Bluetooth Profiles Headset Profile (HSP), Hands Free Profile (HFP)
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
- Headphones Ear Pads Included
Microphone
- Type Built-in
- Microphones Included 2
Remote Control
- Type None
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories 3 ear loops
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V
- Battery 1 x Headset battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion
- Included Qty 1
- Run Time (Up To) 8 hour(s)
- Standby Time 72 hour(s)
Manufacturer info
- Sound ID
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Sound ID products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.soundid.com/
- Address:
3430 West Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 - Phone: 866-768-6343
- Email: Support@soundid.com
