Jim's Blue Tooth Headset Review
Filed in: News
Blue
Tooth Headsets
This recommendation comes from our consultant, Jim Gino.
I've been testing the Plantronics Discovery model 665. The 665 model and the 655 have identical headsets but come with different packages of charging equipment. The idea seems to be to make the equipment as modular as possible so both models come with the same charging dock which is approximately the same size as the headset. Various adapters then connect to the charging dock and allow it to be powered from AC, USB, or a AAA battery for the 655; or AC, USB, or a car power port for the 665. Personally, I use only the AC adapter.
One of my beefs with bluetooth headsets in general is that they are awkward to put on, an important feature while driving. The Discovery has no external loops or straps. A rubberized insert that is molded to the shape of an ear slides in and holds the earpiece in place. There are three sizes of rubber ear tips available so the user can choose the one that is most comfortable. There probably are more comfortable ways of doing it if you plan to wear the headset for long periods of time but really, you don't want to be that guy. (LAUGH MORE link to youtube video of “that guy” is below this article.)
I take the Discovery most of the time when I'm leaving in my car although I also keep my original iPhone headphones in the glovebox as a backup. When a call comes in, one push of the button on the headset allows me to answer the call. Pushing the same button hangs it up. Holding the button turns it on or off. There isn't much more to say: no wires, no tickets. There are other button combinations that allow you to reject calls, redial, etc. but I find that trying to remember too many details defeats the purpose of the headset which is to simplify my experience while driving and talking.
Not everybody is able to remember to keep their headset charged and not forget to take it with them, my wife being one of them. She has just noticed that LG (Verizon only for now) has just come out with a phone, the Decoy, that includes a bluetooth headset that snaps into the phone when you're not using it so it's always available and charged. She's considering it and we'll see how that goes and if other makers follow suit with an idea that seems like it should have come along sooner.
In conclusion look for:
Simple recommendations after you buy your headset:
Note from the editors: Technology evolves quickly and the Discovery Model 665 is equivalent to the current Planetronics Discovery 925 Blue Tooth Headset. (February 2009)
SEE MORE | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp6H9hR4nIM
LAUGH MORE |
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/
This recommendation comes from our consultant, Jim Gino.
I've been testing the Plantronics Discovery model 665. The 665 model and the 655 have identical headsets but come with different packages of charging equipment. The idea seems to be to make the equipment as modular as possible so both models come with the same charging dock which is approximately the same size as the headset. Various adapters then connect to the charging dock and allow it to be powered from AC, USB, or a AAA battery for the 655; or AC, USB, or a car power port for the 665. Personally, I use only the AC adapter.
One of my beefs with bluetooth headsets in general is that they are awkward to put on, an important feature while driving. The Discovery has no external loops or straps. A rubberized insert that is molded to the shape of an ear slides in and holds the earpiece in place. There are three sizes of rubber ear tips available so the user can choose the one that is most comfortable. There probably are more comfortable ways of doing it if you plan to wear the headset for long periods of time but really, you don't want to be that guy. (LAUGH MORE link to youtube video of “that guy” is below this article.)
I take the Discovery most of the time when I'm leaving in my car although I also keep my original iPhone headphones in the glovebox as a backup. When a call comes in, one push of the button on the headset allows me to answer the call. Pushing the same button hangs it up. Holding the button turns it on or off. There isn't much more to say: no wires, no tickets. There are other button combinations that allow you to reject calls, redial, etc. but I find that trying to remember too many details defeats the purpose of the headset which is to simplify my experience while driving and talking.
Not everybody is able to remember to keep their headset charged and not forget to take it with them, my wife being one of them. She has just noticed that LG (Verizon only for now) has just come out with a phone, the Decoy, that includes a bluetooth headset that snaps into the phone when you're not using it so it's always available and charged. She's considering it and we'll see how that goes and if other makers follow suit with an idea that seems like it should have come along sooner.
In conclusion look for:
- Type of battery and charging options
- Ease of putting the headset on
- Comfort while wearing your headset for long periods of time
- Simplicity of headset and charger storage
Simple recommendations after you buy your headset:
- Keep backup solutions in mind, like storing your original corded headset in the glovebox
- Be courteous to others when using your headset in public
Note from the editors: Technology evolves quickly and the Discovery Model 665 is equivalent to the current Planetronics Discovery 925 Blue Tooth Headset. (February 2009)
SEE MORE | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp6H9hR4nIM
LAUGH MORE |
http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/mobile/bluetooth-headsets/