Design
Is it just us or does everyone prefer headphones that are inconspicuous and not screaming advertisements for the brands that manufacture them? With a design that looks like a Siamese tadpole, Motorola's S9 headset is very nearly what we want a Bluetooth headset to look like: invisible.
When worn correctly the S9 headphones hook over your ears, but for some reason everyone here who tried them on started by wearing them upside down. The hooks over the ears appear to hold the headphones in place but the only function they seem to serve to push your ears out at an embarrassing -- almost Adam Gilchrist-style -- angle. The real stability comes from the pincher action between the ear plugs, and while this would work great for keeping the S9 secure when you're jogging or kickboxing, it's not so comfortable for wearing with glasses in front of the computer in the office.
The power and Bluetooth pairing buttons are at the back of the headset. Next to each of the earbuds are buttons as well; volume control on the left and playlist navigation on the right. We liked that these buttons aren't actually buttons that depress when used, but more touchpads, meaning you don't have to push too hard against your delicate temple to operate these functions.
Performance
Motorola is selling the S9 bundled with the D650 Bluetooth iPod adaptor so we thought it best to test them together. Pairing was easy enough; plug in the D650, turn on the S9, make sure the iPod is playing music and wait for a connection. We didn't hear music straight away, pairing took a few moments and then the audio stutters before settling and streaming clearly.
Audio-wise the S9 is fairly good, however bass is weak to non-existent, thereby emphasising the mid- and high-level tones which are too sharp and are on the harsh side of being pleasant. So while it's no audiophile's dream, it's certainly a league or two better than the stock earbuds that Steve ships with his iPods. It's a shame then that sticking a pair of baby porcupines in your ears is, probably, more comfortable than wearing the S9.
Overall
The S9 is definitely a viable alternative to wired stereo headphones, and would be especially useful when exercising. But at AU$149 is the freedom of going wireless worth the premium pricing? That kind of money could buy some excellent wired headphones, and comparable quality headphones can be bought for half the price. If the answer for you is yes then the S9 should suit your purposes.
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pwdiamond
18/04/2008, 10:29 PM
rating
9/10
I love this thing... it did take a lot of playing around with the "buds" to find the optimum rotation, but I am addicted to my S9 now... It has great range, too... I can set my BB on one desk in my house and almost get clear sound in each room... weird though it has a hard time when in my pocket. Anyway, it's a great pick if you're an active / busy person and want to free up some extra hands. I've dropped my BlackBerry several times because of my dog getting tangled in the cords when walking him or other random acts of stupidity on my part... Now my BB stays snug in its case... I use voice dial now a lot more as well.
Pros: -Superior range and sound quality.
-Reduce gadget-fumble.
-Totally replaced my iPod with the S9 and my BB Curve.
- Makes you look ultra cool at the gym with the armband :)
Cons: - Takes some getting used to with the fit in the ears.
- Controls not compatible with all media players
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DDarroch
17/04/2008, 03:28 PM
rating
2/10
OK....while it worked
my S9 broke after around 10 uses.
Pros: Lightweight, great for the gym
Cons: Very poor durability (vol controls stopped working).
2 months into a 1 year warranty Motorola refused to repair the product (as it was purchased overseas)
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Xen
06/02/2008, 07:50 PM
rating
10/10
Fantastic... just superb
Pros: dont hesistate by the price... u'll find its worth it
Cons: none
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