Sony Ericsson HPM-85

Sony Ericsson's HPM-85 is a wired hands-free kit that is designed to double as a pair of headphones for their Walkman range of mobile phones. The HPM-85 offers good quality audio and can be used with both Sony Ericsson handsets and regular digital music players.

Audio quality is always a primary concern with a pair of headphones, even one designed primarily as a hands-free kit such as this.

Bass tends to be the strongest element of the HPM-85's presentation; it is slow and reverberates quite a bit, giving a warm, rich tone. Meanwhile the mid range is also quite prominent.

The HPM-85 has two connection options. By default it comes with a standard Sony Ericsson proprietary plug for connection to one of their handsets, but this can also be detached, revealed a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for use with an MP3 player. You'll need an extension cable to make proper use of the headphone jack, as the cable isn't even a foot long with the Sony Ericsson plug section detached.

A remote is connected to the longer part of the cord and this allows you to skip tracks, play and pause and change the volume of your music while listening on your mobile phone. It's a nifty feature, allowing you to throw your phone into your pocket and leave it there.

The HPM-85's are a little flimsy. They are entirely constructed of thin plastic and have an adjustable headband to help achieve a proper fit. The leather which pads over the ear cups are quite comfortable, although they do get warm after prolonged listening sessions.