Plantronics Unveils the Pulsar 260 Bluetooth Headset

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/press/releases/index.jhtml?id=pr_20070322_2352_en_US' target='_blank'>http://www.plantronics.com/north_am...0322_2352_en_US</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Featuring a discreet, lightweight pendant-plus-earphones design, the Pulsar 260 allows users to wirelessly switch back and forth between conversations and streaming music up to 33 feet away from a Bluetooth device. The intuitive central control panel allows users to wirelessly navigate through track selections and guide volume without ever touching the phone. The featherweight control pendant clips easily to pockets, lapels or shoulder straps – offering total portability and freedom of movement. The Pulsar 260’s noise-isolating, remarkably secure earbuds guarantee a fully immersive stereo audio experience. The cabled microphone ensures clear, crisp calls. Plantronics in-ear headphones with contoured, soft silicone gel tips are meticulously engineered to remain comfortable over time, even during long listening sessions."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20070328-pulsar260.jpg" /><br /><br />If you dig wireless and you dig in-ears, then Plantronics' $109.95 Pulsar 260 Bluetooth headset may appeal to you. The <a href="http://ctia2007.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!2B19213B4A187D9E!131.entry">CTIA 2007 Blog</a> takes a closer look at the whole kit and kaboodle.

[Menneisyys]

Also check out http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=54260 - it's really worth it.

[Tony Rylow]

I'm really liking these. I've waited to get bluetooth headphones because I dont like the big bulky ones that i've seen so far. Think I might have to pick these up.

[Menneisyys]

I'm really liking these. I've waited to get bluetooth headphones because I dont like the big bulky ones that i've seen so far. Think I might have to pick these up.

Before you buy them, take them for a ride. None of the (currently two) Plantronics headphones like the Microsoft A2DP implementation (see my abobe-linked real-life comparison if you want).

That is, they should NOT be used with any MS BT stack-based device.

Otherwise (you have the Widcomm BT stack or an external A2DP source like the new samsung device) they're pretty nice.

[bkerrins]

Not for me...why not just wear my iPod...oh yeah, at least an iPod can store music on it, this doesn't even do that.

[Menneisyys]

Not for me...why not just wear my iPod...oh yeah, at least an iPod can store music on it, this doesn't even do that.

But your iPod is way heavier than this stuff, and you can't use it as a wireless headset for your phone / any other sound source (via an A2DP dongle - you can use the 590A's dongle) ;)

[ctmagnus]

But these are sound-isolating headphones. :confused totally: Unless you're going to be using these things primarily at a desk or other stationary (no pun intended) environment, it doesn't make much sense to me to use sound-isolating headphones with a mobile phone, especially when out in public when it's generally a good idea to be able to hear what's happening around you.

[Menneisyys]

But these are sound-isolating headphones. :confused totally: Unless you're going to be using these things primarily at a desk or other stationary (no pun intended) environment, it doesn't make much sense to me to use sound-isolating headphones with a mobile phone, especially when out in public when it's generally a good idea to be able to hear what's happening around you.

It doesn't filter out much of the ambient noise - at least that's what my experience is.

(Nevertheless, MYSELF, I wouldn't get these headphones. It has a lot of problems with the MS BT stack and, in addition, earbud-based BT headsets are 1, wired 2, are of much lower sound quality than "traditional" over-the-ear ones with a headband.)

[Jetjockgordo]

It doesn't filter out much of the ambient noise - at least that's what my experience is.

(Nevertheless, MYSELF, I wouldn't get these headphones. It has a lot of problems with the MS BT stack and, in addition, earbud-based BT headsets are 1, wired 2, are of much lower sound quality than "traditional" over-the-ear ones with a headband.)

Sorry but "traditional" headphones can't compare to my in-ear Shure E5c's. I just bought my wife some E2c's and they are awesome also. In the last year I have spent almost $2K on finding the best BT headsets for my JasJar (WM6-Widcomm stack) and headphones for music on the road and at home and really enjoy some of the in-ear models out there.

I have the Motorola 820's for my JasJar but find myself wanting to press in the ear pads to hear the bass better but they do work very well with my JJ and the Widcomm stack. I just ordered the 260's and hope they are better than the Motos. I will report soon!

Regards,
Gordo

[Menneisyys]

It doesn't filter out much of the ambient noise - at least that's what my experience is.

(Nevertheless, MYSELF, I wouldn't get these headphones. It has a lot of problems with the MS BT stack and, in addition, earbud-based BT headsets are 1, wired 2, are of much lower sound quality than "traditional" over-the-ear ones with a headband.)

Sorry but "traditional" headphones can't compare to my in-ear Shure E5c's. I just bought my wife some E2c's and they are awesome also. In the last year I have spent almost $2K on finding the best BT headsets for my JasJar (WM6-Widcomm stack) and headphones for music on the road and at home and really enjoy some of the in-ear models out there.

I have the Motorola 820's for my JasJar but find myself wanting to press in the ear pads to hear the bass better but they do work very well with my JJ and the Widcomm stack. I just ordered the 260's and hope they are better than the Motos. I will report soon!

Regards,
Gordo

Frankly, I don't think they would sound (much? I personally haven't testhed the Moto 820 mysel so I can only build on what others say about it, sound quality-wise; they, generally, say it's a good-sounding pair of headphones, no way as good as the Plantronics 590A/E though) better. The 260 is a typical "no bass ear-bud" model. Don't come at all close to the beautiful bass of the 590A / 590E.

BTW, did you try the latter? Your opinions?