Summary: 2004-08-31 10:14:29 8/31/2004: UPDATE
I am adding a correction to this review, as I have since learned how to properly use the Plantronics headset.
First, my apologies to Plantronics for criticizing their product when it works perfectly; however, I do think that a slight design change or at least a simple instruction sheet would have helped me avoid this usage problem, or discover it sooner.
I previously commented that the earbud volume for this unit was too low when used with my Motorola V400. Technically, this was the case, as I could barely hear the caller in a noisy environment. The reason for this, as I discovered last night, is that the headset was not positioned properly in my ear.
If the 'boom' microphone is oriented so that it is touching, or very near to the side of your face, it causes the earbud to be angled so that its speaker is not pointed directly in your ear (it points out the bad of your ear lobe). If you simply move the microphone about 1-2 inches away from your face, the earbud angles to point directly in your ear, and it makes a HUGE difference.
With the earbud *properly* positioned, the sound is fantastic--loud, full range with great lower frequencies, and super clear. And, as I was told during a call, keeping the microphone very close to your mouth causes distortion, as it is apparently more sensitive than other headsets that I have used.
If the earbud swivelled from side to side, or if there were an instructive insert with the product that explained this positioning process, I think it would be useful for many people.
So, after figuring out how to properly position the headset, I give this product a top rating--it is excellent, and I am now very glad that I purchased it. Highly recommended!
---------- ORIGINAL REVIEW ----------
I bought this headset for use with my Motorola V400. I have gone through 3 of the Motorola brand headsets because the poor quality wiring apparently breaks and causes the sound to cut out. I looked to Plantronics, since they pretty much own the market on high quality headsets.
I think that this is a good quality headset, but when used with my V400, the sound volume simply isn't loud enough for me to use in a noisy or outdoor environment, even with the phone volume on its highest setting. When driving on the freeway, I am barely able to hear the caller, even if I press the earbud into my ear. When trying to talk with someone outdoors recently, I could barely hear them and had to sit in my car during the call. Also, compared to the Motorola headset, the sound quality is not quite as good, as it lacks lower frequencies and has boosted high frequencies.
The Motorola headset is very loud by comparison at the same setting, and I can hear the caller fine while driving. Given this, I can't really use the Plantronics while driving, so I am going to use this headset for indoor use or perhaps just at home where there is little noise.
On the other hand, the boom microphone is much better than the Motorola headset (non-boom microphone). The voicedial works alot better with the Plantronics--I can speak normally , versus the Motorola where I have to hold the mic to my mouth and speak loudly to get it to recognize the name.
I have not been able to try this headset on other phones, so I don't know if the volume will vary by cell phone model. It could be an impedance factor that varies by phone, but without testing, it's hard to tell.
My next purchase will probably be one of the Plantronics models with a volume control, such as the M135.
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