For those of us who want don't want to be irradiated by a regular headset, but don't want to look like a fool walking around with the usual style of BT headsets, Nokia have developed a regular looking 'in ear' headset, but terminated in a small control box which attaches to your shirt.

This review provides a quick summary of the operation with the XDA II. For further detailed information, Nokia's website has comprehensive information :

Nokia Information
http://www.nokia.com.au/nokia/0,,41283,00.html

HS-3W Headset FAQ
http://www.nokia.com.au/nokia/0,,46738,00.html

Install / Pairing

Very simple. Simply charge the unit with a Nokia charger (not supplied). Turn it on, and then following the bonding menu on the XDA II. The XDA II will find the headset, and switch on the Bluetooth Headset option.

Using the Device

After pairing, whenever the headset is switched on, it will automatically pair with the XDA.

When the phone rings, the headset will automatically ring (in the earpiece). You can answer the phone by pressing (once, firmly) the answer key on the headset. When you dial an outgoing call, the headset automatically connects. All works pretty seamlessly.

Volume control is via the XDA or the headset. Works well. You can finish the call from the headset. The voice-dial features supported by the headset are not supported by the XDA (yet). I think this is because this feature requires Handsfree, rather than Headset profile. I could be wrong here. No big issue for me.

Issues

There is one issue which I haven't worked out yet. The headset switches itself off after about 15 minutes. This means when a call then comes in, the headset can't be used to pick it up. Unless you turn the headset on immediately the call starts ringing, you may miss the call waiting for the headset to start up. There is possibly a solution to this. I just haven't found it yet.

One problem is that the microphone is located in the earphone which means it can't be very directional. In a reasonably quiet room, the headset voice quality being sent is fine. In a noisy room, the background noise is very noticeable. Having said that. Most of the new headsets being sold have a very small 'boom'. Unless you go for the models which have a full boom to your mouth, there's not much that can be done about this. If I had of designed the headset, I would have put the microphone in the base unit. At least then you can talk into the unit when in a noisy environment. Perhaps a future model will think about this ?

Range / Reliability

I previously had a Plantronics M1500 headset. In my opinion, this was a load of crap. It dropped out 20% of the time, and was only good for 2-3 meters away from the transmitter. Even when sitting directly infront, if you turned your head, sound would crackle. This headset works flawlessly within about 4-6 meters. Further away, it depends on what is between you and the headset. I actually went downstairs into our garage (concrete floor between) and the headset still maintained the connection, but with a little bit of static. This impressed me !

For it's intended use, i.e. to be able to walk around freely in the same room, I think this headset works very well.

Pricing / Availability

The RRP is AUD$159.00 which I think is fair at the moment. I bought mine new on eBay for AUD$139 plus postage ($12.00). Not a huge discount but home delivered and better I could find in the stores.

Conclusion

Considering Bluetooth headsets are still evolving technology, this unit is very good. It's also the only model which I feel blends in without being to obstrusive looking walking down the street or in an office environment.

Nokia HS-3W Overall Score

Good: Looks like a regular headset No bugs with pairing like the Jabra Much more reliable than other headsets Reasonable price

Bad: Some small issues Not easily located in stores Some may find clip-on annoying, and would be better with the "standard" bluetooth headsets

Verdict: Very happy so far, and definitely suits my desire for it to be unobtrusive! Paul's Score : 7.5 / 10