Cingular Go Phone: Motorola S705 Soundpilot Review

I bought the s705 to let me watch videos (off my iPod classic 160GB) while using various cardio equipment without worrying about snagging my earbud cord between my head and the iPod sitting on the book holder on the exercise equipment. After a quick search for something that would fit my need, I was surprised at the numerous choices. There are many options for stereo listening only, but the s705 and the Jabra BT3030 serve as stereo headset + phone headset (with mic on the device) + flexibility to plug in whatever 3.5mm headset you prefer.

Coupled with the Sony iPod stereo bluetooth transmitter for iPod, the s705 solution is better than I could have imagined. Features that I use and appreciate:
* connects to ipod (with add-on adapter) and phone at same time
* when call comes in, caller info displays on the s705 display -- SWEET
* upon accepting call, ipod pauses; upon ending call, iPod resumes
* if I press the s705 call button while listening/watching, iPod pauses and the voice prompt beeps to allow me to voice dial from my phone (voice call like you would expect from any standard BT headset)
* clip has enough torque (catch) to stay on my collar
* FM receiver - handy to listen to radio or watch TV at gym (fitness centers broadcast TV sound over FM frequencies). The s705 even has the technology to display the song info broadcast over the air.
* recharges with mini USB (A53 iGo tip)
* pairs easily with the two items I wanted to pair with - phone and ipod
* the sound is FINE. I have not noticed any degradation (bass, highs, stutter, static) versus plugging the earbuds directly into ipod. This was something I was concerned about from reviews of s705 and TMR-BT8iP

FYI, I bought the s705 and BT3030 at same time. Why is this better than BT3030?
* the display -- very elegant to be able to see who's calling from the device rather than fishing for your phone. Also, display is handy for other UI features of the s705.
* clip - s705 has enough grab to stay put. Jabra slides off without much effort
* FM - this was a total bonus. Though I would not have thought to put this on my list of wants, it is very handy. Since I wanted the headset primarily for the gym to begin with, it is nice to be able to switch over to the FM when I see someting on the TV screen that I would like to be able to hear
* price - Huh?!?! $35 versus $55. Maybe neither will break the bank, but why is Jabra more money for so much less?

Cons (very slight in my judgment and not worth taking points off):
* there is a delay in sound versus plugging directly into iPod. The only difference this makes is when you are watching video. When somebody is on screen talking, their mouth moves a bit (like a tenth of a second) before you hear the corresponding sound. This is present on both headsets I used and I think a function of any BT adapter I could add on to the iPod.
* I don't really see how to shorten the neck strap enough such that mic is close enough to your mouth to use. Not an issue to me since the clip is very effective. If I ended up wanting to use the neck strap more, I know I could just tie a knot in it to make it the ideal length so again, no big deal.

Keep in mind - the s705 supports standards to allow it to receive sound and control your audio device. Works with any brand of Bluetooth-enabled compatible phone or music devices that support Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP). I am not sure if all BT devices support these; I did check my devices before purchasing the s705.

In summary, the s705 is extraordinary in form and function. If your need is similar to mine, I cannot imagine a better solution.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Motorola S705 Soundpilot

Product Description:
Motorola S705/ 89098N/ 98798/ 98798N SoundPilot Bluetooth Audio Controller with Ear buds and FM radio lets you make your favorite stereo headphones Bluetooth patible up to 300 feet away! 300 foot range: The lightweight stylish Motorola S705/ 89098N/ 98798/ 98798N SoundPilot Audio Controller enables you to make your favorite set of headphones Bluetooth patible for Class 1 range of up to 330 feet away from any other Bluetooth Class 1 device. Perfect to use with the Any Bluetooth dongle with Stereo.Use your own Stereo headphones: The 3.5 mm headset jack allows you to wirelessly listen to music or FM radio view caller ID and take hands free calls - all using your own stereo headphones. Battery: Up to 8 hours talk/ play time OR up to 75 hours standby time before you need to recharge the internal battery with the included 110-120 volt AC travel charger. Built-in FM radio: FM radio has RDS technology to display radio station information (artist song title). Compact: 16 mm x 63 mm x 40 mm and Weighs only 29 grams. Full featured: Intuitive easy to use call and music controls. Displays caller ID FM RDS battery life Bluetooth connection status and much more. Versatility: The SoundPilot moves with you. Clip it on your shirt or wear it freely with the strap around your neck. It???s up to you. Bluetooth A2DP/ AVRCP/ HF/ HSP profiles are all supported on this Bluetooth version 1.2 class 1 device for better connectivity up to 300 feet away. Click here to determine if your cell phone model is Bluetooth enabled AND which Bluetooth profiles it can support. Motorola factory original one year warranty applies. Supported Models and Categories:Apple iPAD Tablet 3G VersionApple iPAD Tablet Wi-Fi VersionApple iPhone 3G S Cell Phone AccessoriesApple iPhone 4 Cell Phone AccessoriesUTStar SMT5800 Cell Phone AccessoriesUTStar XV6800 Series AccessoriesUTStar MP6900 Series AccessoriesUTStar CDM8964 Series AccessoriesPCD CDM8975 AccessoriesUTStar PCD GTX75 Series AccessoriesUTStar C711 GzOne

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