Review: Sony Ericsson HBH-GV435 Bluetooth Headset

In the wide world of electronics, Sony (four letters or not) is a household name. From the Playstation gaming consoles to the drool-worthy Xperia X1 (read the review here, or more details here), the Japanese company has been making quality electronics for a very long time. The joint venture between Sony and Swedish telecom company Ericsson has resulted in a mature line of mobile phones (and accessories).

The HBH-GV435 Bluetooth Headset ($59.95 at the WMExperts store) was designed by Sony Ericsson for maximum comfort and sound quality. How does it stack up? Read on...

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Look

In one word…Funky. Instead of following the cookie cutter form factors of “shove it in your ear and hope it stays” or “just put a hook on it and it will stay on”, Sony actually put some thought into the design process. The majority of the weight on this device is on the back (the bulk is hidden behind the ear), making it somewhat less obtrusive. From the front, your friends will see only a vertical silver bar advertising Sony Ericsson.

Use

Continuing to break the mold, Sony separated the power and call buttons (both are on the top of the device). The button design is one of the best that I have seen on any Bluetooth Headset. One of my pet peeves when it comes to a headset is when they put the volume controls on the top of the device (how do you turn the volume up? Forward? Backward?)…no problem here as the volume controls are on the back of the earpiece (up is up, down is down…life is good). Also of note, all buttons are easy to find and press, while not being easy to press on accident. The call button in particular is slightly recessed, but has a bump on it that makes it easy to find by feel. The HBH-GV435 also comes with a lanyard which can be used to tether it to yourself. Battery life is rated at a very reasonable 8 hours of talk time and 300 of standby time. A charging cable is included and uses the same connector as other Sony Ericsson headsets. The headset also features Bluetooth 2.0+EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and DSP giving it very good sound quality.

Comfort

While forgetting that I even have it on has not been a problem, this is by far the most comfortable headset I have ever used. Having the weight on the back of the ear and connecting the earpiece with a flexible but sturdy neck makes for a very comfortable wear.

Conclusion

Every once in a while, I come across something in one of my reviews that becomes the device I use daily...the HBH-GV435 is a perfect example. If you are looking for a comfortable Bluetooth Headset, this would be the one for you.

Ratings (out of 5) Look: 4.5 Use: 5 Comfort: 5 Overall:

Pros VERY comfortable Good sound quality Good quality for price Cons Looks a little funky