Posts Tagged plantronics

A Bluetooth headset is a gift sure to please the frequent traveler. But Santa’s task of picking which one to stuff in the stocking isn’t easy in the crowded field of hands-free communication.

Plantronics positions the Discovery 975 as “ingeniously simple.” And with gadgets adding more features and getting more complicated, simpler can be an advantage. Many of the Bluetooth headsets I’ve used in the past left me thoroughly confused as they beeped and flashed.

The Discovery 975 aims to simplify things with only two buttons on the headset, one LED light and voice prompts. One button turns the headset on and off. The other controls the volume and mutes calls. Some of the beeps still left me wondering at times, but the voice prompts speak up when the headset is muted, the battery is low or if the connection to the phone is lost.

The desgn features a small microphone boom that extends about an inch and a half from the earpiece. The two microphones deliver very good audio quality and are designed to reduce noise. The microphone boom uses several different methods to block wind noise, but the WindSmart feature isn’t perfect. A friend I called could hear lots of wind noise when I was outside in a 15 mile an hour breeze.

The range is normal for a Bluetooth headset. Indoors, I could walk to the next room without dropping the connection. Pairing is quick and, yes, simple.

The silicone ear tip, with a patented design, is comfortable and stable and made to stay out of the way of glasses or sunglasses. Three sizes are included for a comfortable fit.

One feature I really like is the carrying and charging case. It can keep the headset from being broken or crushed in a pocket or bag. But the case does much more.

It also has a built-in battery which can be charged before leaving on a trip. Then, the headset plugs in and charges inside the case, which can eliminate the need to carry a charging cable. The case battery holds enough power for two full charges.

The Discovery 975 works with most Bluetooth-enabled phones. The list price is $129.99.

Aside from the convenience of a Bluetooth headset, some states are cracking down on handheld cell phone use while driving. In six U.S. states, it’s illegal to use a handheld phone while driving. A hands-free headset solves that problem.

Plantronics is a trusted name in communications headsets, with nearly half a century of experience. The Discovery 975 builds on that experience with a headset that doesn’t skimp on features—and proves Bluetooth doesn’t have to be complicated.

Compare prices on the Discovery 975 using Shopzilla