treocentral.com >> Stories >> Hardware >> Review: The Astounding Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset

treocentral.com >> Stories >> Hardware
Review: The Astounding Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth Headset


Thu Oct 22, 2009 - 3:01 PM EDT - By Annie Latham

Introduction:

I was "eyes popping out of my head" enthused about the Plantronics 975 Bluetooth Headset before I ever put it on to try it out. Why? Because it came with a nifty carrying case that also served as a charger. Wow, I thought to myself, they solved two big issues I have with Bluetooth headsets: where to put it when not in use and how do I tell if there is enough juice. That's brilliant.

However, just because it is accessorized well doesn't necessarily make it an awesome headset. It has to do its job well too. Coming from the same pedigree as the Voyager PRO , which I reviewed back in August, I had high hopes.

Looks/Style/Controls:

Comparing them side-by-side, it is hard to believe they are from the same company. Sure they both have sleek styling, but the Discovery 975 is tiny and weighs a mere 8 grams (less than half the weight of the Voyager PRO).

Controls are super simple. There's a one-touch ("Call Control") button that's used for powering it on/off, answering/ending calls, and pairing. That same button can be used to transfer calls to/from the phone. The other button is for volume control. Super simple "stepping" process: Low, medium, high. And if you hold the volume button down for several seconds, you are in mute mode. A voice can be heard in your headset telling you the mute is on. Pressing and holding again disables the mute. That voice is quite helpful.

The Magical Charging Case:

One of the most incredible features of the Plantronics Discovery 975 is the case. It is 3.25-inches long by 1.25-inches wide by 1.25 inches tall. Think of it like a lipstick case (sorry guys!). It also comes with a convenient clasp that can be used to hook it to a backpack, purse, briefcase, etc. The case holds shut with what seems like a magnetic flap. When you lift the flap, you will see a LCD window that shows battery and headset charge levels. It even shows the Bluetooth symbol if the Discovery is connected to a phone (way convenient!).

With this case's internal rechargeable battery, talk/standby time (which is normally 5 hours talk/168 standby) is tripled.

Another neat feature is the eject button that makes it super easy to remove the headset from the case.

When it comes to charging the Discovery 975, you can do it through the case, which has a micro USB connection, or straight up with the provided AC charger.

Next Page: More on the Astounding Plantronics Discovery 975 >>

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