Hitzmobile: Bluetooth Headset Reviews » Plantronics

Plantronics Pulsar 260 Bluetooth headset Review at CNET

amirsfc — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 03:24:27 +0000

CNET has a review of the Plantronics Pulsar 260 and writes – “The headset looks like a pair of regular earbuds, except that it has a mic and call control button in the middle, which you can use to answer and end calls. The noise-isolating earbuds are the kind that rests inside the ear, so it’s a good thing that Plantronics included three different earbud covers to accommodate different-size ears, resulting in a very comfortable fit. The headset also has a small clip along the cord, which you can use to position the mic closer to your mouth, like on a shirt collar. However, we did find the cord a little cumbersome to wear since it is so long (about 36 inches in length).”

Read more about the Plantronics Pulsar 260 Bluetooth headset

Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth Headset Review at CNET

amirsfc — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 07:14:19 +0000

CNET has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 665 and writes – “The Discovery 665 is slimmer and more tapered than its predecessor at 0.4×0.5×2.0 inches (the 655 measures 0.6×0.5×2.0 inches), and it weighs less than 0.3 ounce. Even though it also comes in a silver and black finish, the color scheme is reversed when compared to the Discovery 655. Everything else about the Discovery 665 headset remains the same: three different rubberized ear gel pieces for your comfort, an optional flexible ear hook for more security, a simple square multifunction button on the front, as well as two tiny rubberized buttons for the volume controls underneath. As with the 655, we weren’t too fond of the tiny buttons. Though they are raised from the surface of the headset, they still proved a bit tricky to press when the headset was worn on our ear.”

Read more about the Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth headset

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Review at Mobile Tech Review

amirsfc — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:23:45 +0000

Mobile Tech Review has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “Comfortable to wear, good audio quality on most phones, easy to operate. The AAA battery charging option is good for business and road trips. Plantronics also did a good job with the audio technology in the Discovery series and the Discovery 655 has a good implementation of that technology including an effective DSP system. While it doesn’t come with the “space-age” 640 silver box, it does come with a nice selection of accessories. If you are looking for a small and lightweight headset with good audio, the Discovery 655 should be on your short list.”

Get a price on Plantronics Discovery 655 DSP Ultimate Bluetooth® Headset with DSP for all Bluetooth Enabled Phones [Retail Packaged]">Plantronics Discovery 655
Read more about the Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth headset

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Review at Infosyncworld

amirsfc — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 11:05:11 +0000

Infosyncworld has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “The Plantronics Discovery 655 headset boasts a lot of style, but unfortunately, not much substance. The fashion conscious will appreciate its slim lines and lightweight, comfortable feel, but serious chatters will be miffed when they hear the static and muffled voices during their conversations. We were also disappointed by the uncomfortable keys and confusing, multicolored indicator light. The final nail in the 655’s coffin is its lousy battery life, which will turn away many chatterboxes.”

Get a price on the Plantronics Discovery 655 DSP Ultimate Bluetooth® Headset with DSP for all Bluetooth Enabled Phones [Retail Packaged]">Plantronics Discovery 655
Read more about the Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Review at PC Magazine

amirsfc — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:15:52 +0000

PC Magazine has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “Unlike the 510, which is rather large but very comfortable, you’re barely aware that the 655 is fitted to your ear. Since it lacks the 510’s curved shape and vise-like grip, the 655 moves around a bit more easily, though there’s an attachable plastic ear hook in the box to alleviate this problem. The Plantronics 655 never fell out of my ear during testing (even without the hook attached), something the tiny Samsung WEP200 is prone to do. The 655 did feel a little loose at times, particularly when walking up and down staircases.”

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB

amirsfc — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 02:19:44 +0000

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is a Bluetooth headset system for VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) that provides wireless connectivity to PC-based softphones. It includes a plug-and-play Bluetooth USB adapter that eliminates software setup processes and enables mobile professionals to place hands-free calls through any VoIP service with one easy step. Additionally, Plantronics Voyager 510-USB features multipoint technology to allow users to switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices with the touch of a button. The suggested retail price is S$319 and will be available from September 2006 onwards.

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB News Release
PLANTRONICS ANNOUNCES WORLD’S FIRST VoIP-OPTIMIZED BLUETOOTH HEADSET SYSTEM

SINGAPORE, September 28, 2006 – Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE:PLT) today introduced in Singapore the Plantronics Voyager™ 510-USB, the first Bluetooth® headset system optimized for Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) that provides instant wireless connectivity to PC-based softphones. The Voyager 510-USB reflects Plantronics’ commitment to developing innovative VoIP products that embody great style, sound and simplicity for both business and consumer applications.

“As VoIP communication becomes increasingly relevant in today’s work environment, where professionals conduct business in the car, at coffee houses and airports across the world, there is strong demand for greater setup and device simplification,” said Will Stofega, research manager, IDC. “The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB makes VoIP intuitive. In doing so, enterprises benefit from reduced IT support and maintenance costs and professionals benefit from a reliable, easy to use wireless headset for their softphones and mobile phones.”

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB includes a plug-and-play Bluetooth USB adapter that eliminates cumbersome software setup processes and enables mobile professionals to place hands-free calls through any VoIP service with one easy step. Additionally, Plantronics Voyager 510-USB features multipoint technology to allow users to switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices, including softphones and mobile phones, with the touch of a button.

“As communication needs become increasingly mobile, compatibility and flexibility across diverse networks and devices becomes critical,” said Chuck Yort, vice president of Business Solutions at Plantronics. “The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB will help make people’s lives less complicated on the road by providing simple, one-step VoIP connectivity and a single headset for multiple communication devices.”

Universal VoIP Compatibility

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is the first system that brings Bluetooth connectivity to enterprise class softphones. The system integrates with enterprise softphone software from leading companies including, Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Skype, among others, to offer call notification and remote call answering via the headset. The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is also compatible with most popular consumer Internet telephony services, including AOL, MSN and Yahoo!.

“Increasingly, small businesses and large enterprises in Asia Pacific are adopting VoIP for business communications. ,” said Alvin Kiew, Southeast Asia Regional Manager, Plantronics. “The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB becomes a logical extension for professionals to truly optimize their voice communications through great audio, comfort and hands-free mobility.”

An extension of Plantronics’ VoIP product portfolio, the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB includes the award-winning Plantronics Voyager 510¹ headset and Plantronics’ PerSonoCall® software to provide electronic answer-end control with major VoIP softphones. The system also comes with a convenient desktop charging stand, USB charging cable, USB extension cable, and AC charger. The Plantronics Voyager 510 headset features include:

* Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound in indoor and outdoor environments,

* Lightweight, foldable design for all-day wearing comfort and easy storage,

* One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing with mobile phones,

* Boom swivels for use on either ear for optional wearing preference,

* Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time, and

* Freedom to roam up to 10 meters away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices.

Global VoIP adoption is growing rapidly as businesses aim to realize substantial cost savings and value-added services. Aberdeen Group Research estimates that the average Fortune 500 company spends US$116 million on telecommunications services each year.

Pricing and Availability

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB has a manufacturer suggested retail price of S$319 and will be available from September 2006 onwards in Singapore through Plantronics’ authorized resellers and www.plantronics.com. For more information about Plantronics Voyager 510-USB, please call +65 68385239 or visit: http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/productName/Voyager510USB.

Plantronics Explorer 350 Bluetooth Headset Review at CNET

amirsfc — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 06:54:46 +0000

CNET has a review of the Plantronics Explorer 350 and writes – “On the back is a rubberized earbud with a slight spout that fits securely in the ear. Also on the back is an ear hook that’s flexible up to 180 degrees, so you can use it on either ear. Slipping the headset on wasn’t a problem, but we did find the ear hook to be rather uncomfortable, particularly after hours of continuous wear. The ear hook isn’t detachable, so you’re forced to wear it. The Explorer 350 did come with a car accessory package, which lets you dock the headset in your car via a charging cradle. It also comes with a USB charging cable. However, we were disappointed that there wasn’t an AC adapter included in the package; you have to use a computer or the car to charge it.”

Read more about the Plantronics Explorer 350 Bluetooth Headset

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Review at CNET

amirsfc — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 06:55:49 +0000

CNET has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “The 655 is a bit more slender than its predecessors. Instead of the same cylindrical shape of the previous models, it has a more tapered form factor. It’s also reasonably compact at only 0.6 by 0.5 by 2.0 inches and weighs a slight 0.3 ounces. Yet like its predecessors, the 655 fits directly in either ear with a rubberized ear gel. Overall the fit was comfortable and secure, and it even comes with two additional earbuds in different sizes. While there is an optional ear hook for increased stability, we preferred to go without it–the fit was tight and uncomfortable.”

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset

amirsfc — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:26:18 +0000

Plantronics Discovery 655 is a Bluetooth headset with weighs only 9 grams and comes with an innovative charging system and secure carrying pocket that provides up to 10 hours of talk time using the optional AAA battery charger, and includes a unique vibrate ring indicator. Features include Digital Signal Processing for crystal clear sound.

Get a price on the Plantronics Discovery 655.

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Press Release

Plantronics, Inc. today unveiled the latest products in its award-winning Discovery and Explorer lines of Bluetooth® headsets. Plantronics announced the details of each product line at the Plantronics Design: Body & Form event in New York City, reflecting the company’s commitment to provide easy-to-use wireless headsets that embody excellent style, comfort and sound.

“Plantronics designs its products to effectively marry the intricacies of superior sound technology with fashionable design and comfort — and does so in a very small and elegant package,” said Renee Niemi, vice president of Mobile and Entertainment at Plantronics. “Our new lineup of Bluetooth headsets demonstrates this design philosophy and continues our legacy of providing consumers with reliable, intuitive and feature-rich products.”

Plantronics Discovery Family: Premium Styling and Sound Innovation

The Plantronics Discovery 655 expands on the innovative design of previous Discovery headsets, featuring a new, fashionable look and comfortable ergonomic fit that complements the contours and lines of the human face. Weighing only 9 grams, the Discovery 655 also employs digital signal processing (DSP) to actively reduce background noise for crystal-clear conversations. The Discovery 655 includes a unique AAA charging pocket that provides up to 10 hours of talk time and a headset storage jacket with a vibrate ring indicator to offer a convenient way to charge, store and transport the headset. The headset also comes with a mini-USB adapter to charge from a PC or mobile phone power supply.

To give consumers more headset options, Plantronics also introduced the Discovery 640E, which reflects the design of the original Discovery 640 product and comes with fewer charging adapters at a reduced price. Meant for personal and professional use, the Discovery 655 and Discover 640E were designed with the tech-savvy, fashion-conscious consumer in mind.

Plantronics Discovery 655 Bluetooth Headset Reviews

Infosyncworld has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “The Plantronics Discovery 655 headset boasts a lot of style, but unfortunately, not much substance. The fashion conscious will appreciate its slim lines and lightweight, comfortable feel, but serious chatters will be miffed when they hear the static and muffled voices during their conversations. We were also disappointed by the uncomfortable keys and confusing, multicolored indicator light. The final nail in the 655’s coffin is its lousy battery life, which will turn away many chatterboxes.”

PC Magazine has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “Unlike the 510, which is rather large but very comfortable, you’re barely aware that the 655 is fitted to your ear. Since it lacks the 510’s curved shape and vise-like grip, the 655 moves around a bit more easily, though there’s an attachable plastic ear hook in the box to alleviate this problem. The Plantronics 655 never fell out of my ear during testing (even without the hook attached), something the tiny Samsung WEP200 is prone to do. The 655 did feel a little loose at times, particularly when walking up and down staircases.”

CNET has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “The 655 is a bit more slender than its predecessors. Instead of the same cylindrical shape of the previous models, it has a more tapered form factor. It’s also reasonably compact at only 0.6 by 0.5 by 2.0 inches and weighs a slight 0.3 ounces. Yet like its predecessors, the 655 fits directly in either ear with a rubberized ear gel. Overall the fit was comfortable and secure, and it even comes with two additional earbuds in different sizes. While there is an optional ear hook for increased stability, we preferred to go without it–the fit was tight and uncomfortable.”

Mobile Tech Review has a review of the Plantronics Discovery 655 and writes – “Comfortable to wear, good audio quality on most phones, easy to operate. The AAA battery charging option is good for business and road trips. Plantronics also did a good job with the audio technology in the Discovery series and the Discovery 655 has a good implementation of that technology including an effective DSP system. While it doesn’t come with the “space-age” 640 silver box, it does come with a nice selection of accessories. If you are looking for a small and lightweight headset with good audio, the Discovery 655 should be on your short list.”

Plantronics Pulsar 590A Bluetooth Headset

amirsfc — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:06:02 +0000

# High fidelity stereo sound for superior audio performance
# Up to 12 hours talk time and up to 10 hours audio listening time
# Universal adapter plugs directly into most 3.5 mm audio devices, such as iPods, to enjoy wireless stereo listening
# Seamlessly switch between calls and music listening
# Telescoping voice tube provides clear calls and discreet conversations
# Foldable headset design for convenient travel and compact storage
# Adjustable headband and pillow-soft ear cushions for superior fit and wearing comfort
# Dedicated buttons allow call and music control functions directly from the headset
# Convenient desktop charging stand to charge and store your headset
# Foldable Headset, AC Charger, In-Flight Cable, USB Charger, and Travel Case included
# For stereo listening, Bluetooth® devices must support the Bluetooth Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP). Devices that do not support the A2DP profile must use the Plantronics universal adapter.
# Bluetooth mobile phones with built-in MP3 must support the Bluetooth Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) for stereo listening

Tech Digest review:

Despite the few problems encountered, when they work, they work beautifully. Whilst there are certainly smaller Bluetooth headsets available for phones, for those of us that miss calls because we’re engrossed in Coldplay, these are great. And for £75 ($249.95), worth rewarding your long-suffering, little rewarded ears with.