For the ultimate in wireless freedom, look no further than the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset, which represents a generational leap in Bluetooth headset technology. It's comfortable and light enough for all day wear, and it offers unprecedented clarity and sound quality. These are great features, but the real revolution involves Plantronics' exclusive Multipoint technology, which allows the headset to function as a powerful communication solution for up to two Bluetooth devices.
With Multipoint technology you can switch between your voice-enabled Bluetooth mobile phone, PDA or laptop. The headset's "smart" technology knows which device you are using and allows you to take calls from any device at the touch of a button. With the optional Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter you can even switch between your office phone and your Bluetooth mobile phone. You'll never need to use a dedicated "landline" phone headset again.
The 510 features WindSmart technology, which enhances call clarity in windy environments (i.e., car with window/roof open, air conditioning on, outside with breeze), and it folds for easy storage. The boom also swivels for perfect positioning on either ear. One-touch call control buttons are placed for easy access, and you can easily redial the last number dialed and initiate voice-activated calls from the headset. Because the 510 is Bluetooth-enabled (it supports the Bluetooth 1.2 specification) you can roam up to 33 feet from your Bluetooth device. Meanwhile, the 510 supports adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) which helps avoid interference from Wi-Fi networks. Ample talk time is provided by the built-in rechargeable battery; you'll get up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time.
Product Features
* Windsmart Technology allows you to seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth® devices
* Noise-canceling microphone for superior sound quality
* Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time
* One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing
* Compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting the headset or hands-free profile
Specifications
* Talk time: Up to 6 hours
* Standby time: Up to 100 hours
* Bluetooth version: 1.2 (supports headset and handsfree profiles)
* Wearing style: Over-the-ear; boom swivels for wearing on either ear
* Headset controls: Volume, mute, call answer/end, voice-activated dialing (must be supported by your phone)
* Adaptive Frequency Hopping: Yes (helps to avoid interference for co-existence with Wi-Fi/WLAN)
* Supports analog and digital office phones: Yes
Reviews
What a sigh of relief. After purchasing the Motorola HS850 and having a horrible experience (see my review), I thought Bluetooth technology was a lost cause. However, based on many reviews I saw right here about the Voyager 510, I decided to try it one more time and bingo, just what I was looking for. So first the negatives for the skeptics like myself:
1. The 510 is bulkier than the Motorola HS850 and does not fold up to easily fit in your pocket. I am afraid that I will brake it at times, but it has held up to mild abuse in my pocket.
2. It is difficult at times to get on your ear. It is very flexible, which makes for added comfort, but makes it difficult to position on your ear initially.
3. The power button is very difficult to use when the headset is on your ear. This is a huge drawback, especially since it is difficult to get on your ear. This is such a pain that I dropped my rating from a 5 star to 4 star. There has been a few times that I forgot to turn the device on before placing it on my ear and I have to take it off to turn it on because the power button is difficult to find and push.
4. The device is not too sexy, but I could care less because I was looking for utility not a piece of jewelry. For those of you who do care, it doesn't look as good as the HS850. However, a piece of advice, you don't need to put the sponge over the mic. It looks much better if you just install the ear piece but keep the mic bare.
As you can tell by my 4 stars, the positives far outweigh the negatives:
1. It works! I can hear everyone clearly and they can hear me, even if I am driving. I haven't tried it in the airport yet, but it has worked superbly in all the other environments in which I daily encounter noise including walking around in the city. This is totally opposite my experience with the HS850.
2. It was relatively easy to program to my phone.
3. Although heavier and bulkier than the HS850, it is much more comfortable on my ear and stays in place as I walk. The HS850 tended to dangle and not stay in place.
4. It is easy to answer and hang-up a call with just a press of the button on the side of the headset.
5. Great battery life that last longer than the talk time on my phone.
6. 3 different ear pieces that are each shaped differently are included, so you can get the right fit for you. I found one that fit my ear great and I can hear crystal clear with it.
7. And let me stress again that I have not had anyone complain that they could not hear me and I can hear others as if I have a wired headset. This headset is truly great if you are looking for a device that works with a Blackberry.
And that is the word of D Critique!
