Bluetooth Headset Review - Motorola H500 vs. Plantronics Explorer 320
Yesterday and today I went through some Bluetooth headsets. And, yes, just like last time with my DVD player and laptop, I went through the purchase-and-exchange routine to find the one that I liked. I’m very picky when it comes to electronics, so that’s to be expected. And since I’m like that, I make my purchases at the larger stores like Futureshop or Bestbuy. I don’t care so much about the somewhat higher prices than online stores or the wholesalers like ATIC in Vancouver. ATIC has a horrible return/exchange policy and the staff are very unfriendly when it happens. I never shop there anymore - I can afford big-chain prices!
The first one I tried was a Motorola H500. This was done simply because my friend has some kind of Motorola bluetooth headset, and I never have trouble talking to him. So I figured Motorola’s bluetooth items would be good. This cost me $89.99 CAD + taxes.
I’m not even going to discuss the ergonomics, button layout, comfort, etc. My voice appeared choppy on the other end. I tried talking to other people with cell phones, as well as through houselines. I could hear them crystal clear, but they couldn’t hear my properly. After a few tries, I abandoned it.
I read some reviews of the motorola brands. I wasn’t going to spend too much money on a headset, so I didn’t even bother with the higher-end Motorolas. Instead, i found an item that Futureshop had for regular $79.99 but on sale for $39.99. I checked reviews on it, and surprisingly the reviews were more positive, and there was very little, if not zero, complaints about the transmission quality.
This was the Plantronics Explorer 320. This model was surprisingly satisfactory, and I had no troubles with it whatsoever!
The connection was established with just 1 try, without delays of any sort. It was recognized and connected in no time. According to the package it has up to 10 hours of talk time, so that should be more than enough. Most rechargeable headsets cap at 10 hours of talk time estimated. There are some models that run off AAA batteries that you need to replace on a regular basis, but they last 30 hours per battery. I personally wouldn’t go for that - charging up the headset at night is easier than having to buy batteries at all times.
The talk quality was reasonable with very little static, and so far there has not been any complaints about bad talk quality.
Also, the ear-hook is very soft and comfortable, yet I did not feel it was unstable. It held onto my ear without discomfort, and at times I didn’t even notice I was wearing it.
There is 1 switch on it that can be toggled up/down for volume, and pressed in for calling/hanging up. I find it to be very handy, and because the button knob is protruded, it’s very easy to find while you’re talking on it.
Overall, this is perhaps the best value I got for $39.99 in a very long time, and I am very happy with it.
i used to work at Bestbuy so i know that many a time they put some real good stuff on sale which most people look over just cause it isint Sony or Motorola etc. One just has to hunt…and that’s just what you did ..good job on finding something you liked!!
When I was going through that buying-trying-returning phase, I found that other than voice quality, there was another feature I thought was really necessary; flip on/off. Since I do not leave my headset on all the time, or when a call comes in and I want to turn the headset on, it is more convenient to just flip open the boom and the headset turns on instead of pressing a button for 3 seconds.
The headset I bought was the Motorolla H700. A little on the expensive side but I have no regrets so far. Give it a try.
please whatever you do just don’t go walking around with it in your ear when you’re not using it… just ask natron…
Haha what happened to him???
I have 2 plantronics ones. My problem with them is that they aren’t loud enough when I’ve driving my car. The one you just reviewed is a real nice and light one. I go jogging with it on and it stays in place.