I purchased the HBH-PV 705 after trying a recently purchased a stripped down replacement model of the 608, which I returned. I was initally replacing the Sprint version of the 608 which I really enjoyed, but I misplaced. I liked the Sprint version the best. With the HBH-PV 705, I experience scratchy sound as close as 2 to 3 feet of the cell phone...much worse if it further away. I can't comment on use time since I can't wear this model for any extended period of time. It is much more uncomfortable for me than the Sprint version of the 608 even though they are very similar in style. Even the lanyard attachment method is extremely cumbersome, especially for good size male fingers to manipulate, and is certainly a last minute afterthought at best.