Plantronics' latest mobile headset is designed to offer you hands-free communication with your mobile phone. The M3000 Bluetooth Headset is a wireless headset featuring Bluetooth technology, so you'll need a Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone in order to use it.

The M3000 Bluetooth Headset is a relatively small device (8cm long) that comes with two ear pieces - one larger than the other - so you can use either your left or right ear. Find the correct adapter and the headset is fairly comfortable to wear for a short time, even whilst wearing glasses.

Setting up the headset is a breeze, although the instructions in the printed manual are generic and will only be familiar to those who have previously installed Bluetooth devices. If you need more specific help there is a range of PDF documents covering popular phones at Plantronics' Web site. We found and followed the instructions for our SonyEricsson P800 and were paired in less than three minutes. Unfortunately, there was one step missing from the instructions, but thankfully it was one which we (and we suspect other people) were able to figure out immediately.

A large button on the front of the headset lets you answer incoming calls. This is also used to end a call and to transfer calls from the handset. The only other buttons on the headset are a volume control rocker and a mute button, both of which are easy to access when on the move. The headset also supports voice dialling, if you have this feature on your phone. We found the quality of audio acceptable in a number of environments, including busy public places and quiet areas.

The internal battery should provide around 8 hours of talktime from a 90 minutes charge. The battery is not removable, so you should make sure you pack the M3000 Bluetooth Headset's charger if you anticipate using the headset for long periods while travelling.

Bluetooth's range of 10 metres should be enough for most users who carry their phone in their pocket or bag, but as soon as you start wandering from room to room - as you may do in your home or office - you can easily forget to take the handset along and go out of range. This is a generic issue with Bluetooth of course, and not one specific to the M3000 Bluetooth Headset, but something we found irritating nevertheless.

Headsets have been around for a while but have not really taken off. Having testing M3000 Bluetooth Headset, we can see why. Its main faults are that it's not very comfortable and you have to lug it around with your phone at all times, unless you want to wear it constantly. When your phones rings, you then have to attach the headset before you can take the call.

All things considered, the M3000 Bluetooth Headset will likely appeal to those who spend a lot of time on their mobile phone in the privacy of their own home or office. General mobile phone users will likely get fed up with it after a short time. It's also a little too expensive.

Links:
M3000 Bluetooth Headset brochure

BIOS, Aug 20, 03 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Mobile phone