Digital Trends

Epox BT-HS02 October 25th, 2004 | by Nino Marchetti

Introduction

Another day, another wireless Bluetooth headset. With a large number of these devices coming from manufacturers all over the globe, it takes something special to distinguish one from the others. Epox International, an American division of Taiwan based Epox Computer Company, feels they have a winner with their latest headset, the BT-HS02. Currently priced just under $75, the BT-HS02 offers a host of features and a maximum talk range which puts it clearly in the middle of the pack of a crowded field of players. What then makes the BT-HS02 worth a swipe of your credit card at the retail counter? Is it the headset's small size? The potential of an extremely clean wireless conversation? The fact that you want to look like a cyborg with this device attached to your ear?

Bluetooth is clearly a useful technology today, especially for safety reasons when it comes to driving and talking on the cell phone at the same time. Having a headset you don't have to second guess is a must. 

Features and Design

The Epox BT-HS02 is loaded with just the right amount of features to make most wireless headset users happy. Many of these functions are controlled with two buttons (one big, one little) found on the main body of the headset. The big button handles power control, volume increase, redial, cell phone paring, call end and call rejection through several different press or hold combinations. The smaller button uses a similar activation sequence, handling volume decrease and the transfer of calls between headset and phone. Both buttons also serve to answer calls as they come in. The BT-HS02 offers several alert tones to help in understanding what is going on with it. Options for the tones include incoming calls, power off/on, low battery, charging battery and out of range.

The blue LED, like the alert tones, also serves to keep you informed of the headset's status. Functions of the LED include indicating whether the BT-HS02 is powered on or off, or if its in search mode trying to find other compatible Bluetooth devices.

In regards to design, the BT-HS02 is one of the smallest headsets out there, weighing a mere 0.7 ounces and measuring only 2.7” x 2.6” x 0.8” in size. The flexible ear hook, which can be adjusted to fit different ear sizes, contains the rechargeable battery which can be removed from the headset. The shape of the main part of the headset is oblong. Besides the two aforementioned buttons on the top portion of the headset, a tiny microphone hole also exists in this space. The underside is where the ear speaker is located. The overall look of the BT-HS02 is sharp, with well rounded curves and a smart match of colors.