Motorola was one of the first vendors to compete in the heated Bluetooth headset market. The company's line of folding models (the HS800 series) dates back to late 2003, while a few bulky predecessors arrived on the scene even earlier. Its latest model, the H780 ($99.99 direct), features Motorola's own CrystalTalk noise-cancellation and audio-enhancement technology, along with a 9mm driver that's designed to fit more than 90 percent of buyers straight out of the box, and dual mics to aid in noise suppression.

In addition to the H780, you get an AC charger, three ear cushions in different sizes, and a foldout instruction manual. The H780 measures 1.9 by 0.7 by 0.5 inches (HWD) and weighs 0.4 ounces. It lands right between tiny models like the Samsung WEP700 and larger headsets such as the Plantronics Voyager 520.

The H780's two-tone gray plastic body sports a few more buttons than you usually find on a headset: On the top, there's a dedicated power switch (with a red indicator underneath one side to show that the unit is on) and two volume buttons. The front of the unit features a chrome Call button and a tiny Noise Cancellation button, with a visible rectangular microphone in between the two. The main indicator light and the second mic are located on the side. The back of the headset is clean—save for a hard-rubber earbud.

Putting on the H780 was simple thanks to the flexible ear hook. I could do it one-handed with a little practice, which wasn't true of the original Aliph Jawbone. However, I couldn't get the H780 to fit properly on my right ear no matter which cushion I used, whereas it fit pretty securely (though not perfectly) on my left ear—but that may just be me. (Apparently I'm part of the 10 percent the H780 won't fit out of the box.) To be fair, I've had the same problem with Apple's standard-issue iPod earbuds. I haven't run into this issue with any of the other Bluetooth headsets I recently reviewed, but a possible fit problem is something to consider.

Motorola incorporates EasyPair technology for simplified pairing with cell phones. There's also a Multipoint mode that lets the H780 pair with two devices simultaneously. Both of these features mirror what recent competing headsets like the Plantronics Voyager 835 offer. The first time I turned the headset on, it entered EasyPair mode immediately—and unlike in most headsets, the light stayed solid blue instead of displaying the typical red-and-blue alternating pattern. I paired the H780 with a BlackBerry Curve 8330 and a Sprint BlackBerry Pearl 8130 on the first try. You can also force pairing mode on the H780 by turning it on, and then pressing and holding the two Volume buttons and the Call button for 5 seconds.

In a series of voice calls, the H780 demonstrated good overall clarity, punch, and volume in my ear. On the other end of the calls, my voice sounded a bit harsh and tinny in a series of voice-mail tests, although it had plenty of gain and clarity. Callers thought I sounded okay but could definitely tell I was on a headset. On the plus side, the H780 is largely unaffected by outdoor wind noise. With the noise-canceling circuit enabled, I was able to drive at about 30 mph with the windows down in a low gear without any of that background noise coming through. Once I turned off the noise cancellation, however, all that noise became obvious. It was a pleasure to wear the headset throughout a typical day (on my left ear, at least).

The headset's range is a downside. When I placed the phone on a table and walked away with the H780 affixed to my ear, I was able to travel only about 5 feet before getting serious static. Most other Bluetooth headsets I've tested have let me travel at least 10 feet from the handset without static in the same test area.

You can check your battery life by pressing and holding both Volume buttons; the display will then flash green, yellow, or red to indicate the level of charge remaining. Most headset LEDs blink in their typical color until right before the battery dies, so this is a welcome addition. (The BlueAnt V1 is even better: When you issue a voice command for checking the battery, the V1 speaks the response into the headset itself; you don't need to remove the headset.) Fortunately, you won't need to charge the H780 that often, either: On a continuous talk-time rundown test, the H780 lasted an exceptional 8 hours 3 minutes. The marathon ace Plantronics Voyager 520—a larger headset—achieved 9 hours 18 minutes on the same test.

There's no shortage of alternatives for the H780: The solar-powered Iqua 603 SUN, the BlueAnt Z9i, and Plantronics Voyager 520 are the closest competitors in terms of price. This headset isn't dramatically worse or better than any of those—with the exception of noise cancellation, where the H780 trounces them all. Though I'd probably give the nod to the Voyager 520 for its excellent sound quality and battery life, or the 603 SUN due to the fact that it's solar powered and you don't need to charge it on a regular basis. If you want one of the higher-end headsets that provide better noise cancellation or voice-enabled controls, though, you'll need to pony up another $20 to $30 for models like the Aliph New Jawbone (our current Editors' Choice), the Plantronics Voyager 835, or the BlueAnt V1. Still, the H780 is a solid choice that packs a lot of value into its small form factor and $100 price.