The Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset is one of the best addon for Bluetooth-equipped mobile phones. It’s extremely comfortable, widely compatible, and works well in almost any environment. The Plantronics Voyager’s flexible clip is really easy to use that goes over your ear snugly, and the padded earbud tucks securely into your ear canal.The Voyager’s design spreads its 0.7-ounce weight over your whole ear, so it doesn’t feel like the top of your ear is about to peel down. The microphone boom is adjustable, so you can wear the Voyager on your left or right ear.
The small power and volume buttons are above the top of the headset and a single call-control button fits on the boom’s hinge. The call-control button is easy to find, press, and use—one short tap to hang up, a long press to voice dial, and two taps to redial the last-called number. The volume/mute buttons are harder to recognize with your fingers, but it’s not impossible to do so.
Sound quality and range indoors are both excellent, even in PC Magazine Labs, where several Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices compete for the 2.4-GHz radio band. Voice quality is loud and clear on both ends of a conversation. Conversations are smooth and clear for up to about 40 feet and the headset held its connection for up to 65 feet. The headset’s range became even longer in an outdoor area with no interference.
The Voyager is works really great at blocking background noise such as passing trucks or overhead trains. It’s not as good with wind noise. Air-conditioning, on the other hand, is not a problem. The worst interference is wind blowing directly into the microphone.
The Plantronics Voyager 510 comes in three varieties. The reasonably priced $99 standalone version that works good with Bluetooth mobile phones. The 510S system is $299.95 and it includes a base so the headset can pair with both your corded office phone and your mobile phone. The 510SL version is $379.95 and adds a robotic handset lifter for your office phone. The Plantronics Voyager is really a great gadget during travel and very comfortable.
- December 2008 (3)
- November 2008 (8)
