Nokia BH-200 Bluetooth Headset review: Nokia BH-200 Bluetooth Headset

The Nokia BH-200 is the latest in a slew of new Bluetooth headsets that Nokia released this year. We saw it first at CES in January alongside the Nokia BH-800, but unlike the BH-800, the BH-200 is definitely meant for the budget-minded mainstream. Its main advantages are easy-to-use controls and a very affordable price--only $55 retail.

At first glance, the design of the BH-200 may appear a little awkward. It has two horn-shaped ear loops on the top that curve toward the back, unlike most headsets, which have only one ear loop. In practice, however, we found that this design works really well. The two loops are rubberized and quite flexible and are meant to fit snugly behind the ear. Because it's symmetrical, you can use the headset on either ear without having to adjust it.

The body is moderately sized (2 by 1.75 by 0.5 inches) and lightweight, thanks to its plastic shell. It's mostly black with a thin silver multifunction button in the middle. On the left spine is the volume rocker, while the right spine is home to the charger jack and a very tiny power button. We found the buttons easy enough to press, but their skinny and minuscule size may be difficult for larger fingers to use. On the back of the headset is a small indicator light on the top that flashes green when the power is on, as well as the earpiece, which rests gently against the ear.

We tested the Nokia BH-200 with the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and were able to pair the headset with the phone without any hassle. Although we had to turn up the volume quite a bit, call quality was great from our end. Callers reported that we sounded faded, so we had to speak up a little louder than usual. Other features of the headset, aside from answering and ending calls, are rejecting calls, redialing, voice dialing, call mute, and switching the call between the phone and the headset. Rated talk time for the BH-200 is five hours and 30 minutes, while the standby time is six days.