Check out a new Bluetooth headset from
Plantonics
Adding to its range of Bluetooth headsets,
Plantronics has released its M55 model. This is a small device, slightly
tapered from top to bottom, with dimensions of 45 x 15 x 7mm (L x W x D) and
weighing 8g. A detachable, translucent plastic ear-piece ensures that you can
fit the M55 to either ear quickly and simply.
Plantronics
M55
Arriving already partially charged for
instant use, the M55 is easy to set up. You just need to switch on the M55 and
it will automatically be in pairing mode, with audio prompts leading you
through the process as you link the unit to an iPhone, Android, BlackBerry or
Windows phone via a Bluetooth connection. You can also pair the M55 to a second
device by following the instructions in the small Get Started booklet. The M55
will be able to accept calls and other data from either paired handset with
priority given to whichever first makes contact.
The unit’s on/off slider switch is located
on the left of the M55, with a volume control button on the right. Conveniently
positioned on the outside face of the M55 is a touch-sensitive area, which acts
as the Call button. Mounted at one end of the unit is a micro-USB port for when
you need to recharge the built-in lithium-ion polymer battery. Plantronics
includes a USB lead and an in-car cigarette lighter socket adapter in the box
for connecting the M55 to an appropriate power source.
A full charge, under normal circumstances,
should give you up to 11 hours of talk time and up to 16 hours on standby. I
mentioned 'normal circumstances', because the M55 does have a secondary mode
through the use of Plantronics DeepSleep technology. This technology kicks in
when the connection between the headset and handset is lost for a period that
exceeds 90 minutes, possibly due to being separated by more than the 10 meter
Bluetooth limit. As a result, the headset will be put into sleep mode, which
can increase the power availability for up to five months. A press of the Call
button is all that is required to wake up the headset. While this feature could
prove useful, I would have liked an option to adjust the time delay before
DeepSleep is activated.
The
unit’s on/off slider switch is located on the left of the M55, with a volume
control button on the right.
When an incoming call is received, from
either paired handset, it will be announced with an option to answer or ignore.
This action can be carried out vocally or by a tap/press on the Call button. If
you happen to be listening to music when the incoming call arrives, the music
will be interrupted to allow for the call and then restarted once the call has
been completed or immediately if the call is rejected. Audio call quality is of
a reasonable standard and does not suffer too much from outside influences.
However, I did notice some jerkiness when adjusting the volume level, as this
is carried out in steps rather than a smooth transition.
The M55 was comfortable to wear for short
to middling periods. I could generally go for around a couple of hours before I
felt the need to give my ear a break. As mentioned, adjusting the volume,
especially when listening to music, could have been handled better, but other
than this the M55 performed well.
“A fairly discreet Bluetooth headset for
hands-free communication”
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Details
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Price: $56
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Manufacturer: Plantronics
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Website: www.plantronics.com
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Required spec: N/A
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