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Functions
With four functioning buttons, Plantronics' Voyager 510 has fewer buttons than many other headset makers' devices - another strength that makes the headset easy to use. The call control button, which allows users to receive and launch calls, and to pair the headset with the phone after its initial linkage, is perfectly placed opposite the eartip on the headset.
The power/mute button is located at the top of the Voyager 510 - where it should be. The volume-up and volume-down buttons are located below the power/mute button on the half of the headset that comprises its ear hook. 
In general, all of the Voyager 510's functions work well with the device. The volume controls in particular work exceptionally well. During our tests, max headset volume only distorts the sound quality of the headset if our mobile phone's volume was also up all the way.
Sound Quality
The Voyager 510 did not disappoint when it came to sound quality, and it had a lot to live up to with Plantronics office headsets' reputation preceding it. Anyone in a high-quality office setting has at least seen a Plantronics headset being used; I've had the pleasure of using one daily the last several years. The Voyager 510's sound quality was crystal clear 99 percent of the time, just like its office counterparts. I suffered very few instances of distortion with this device during our tests.
The Voyager 510's noise-canceling microphone made my voice clearer during conversations with friends and family. I tested the microphone by running a faucet nearby while talking with my father using the headset. With other headsets in the past, I could not go anywhere near a faucet while talking on the phone. With the Voyager 510, my father said he could barely hear the faucet running. This also made for more pleasant conversations for me, since the people I spoke with didn't keep saying "what" after everything I said. The noise-canceling microphone didn't work as well in extreme wind, but it still did make conversation possible where it otherwise wouldn't have been. The headset performed excellently in light wind during BlueTomorrow.com's tests.
Range
The Voyager 510's range was excellent. At 20 feet away, there was no distortion or degradation in sound quality. At the advertised 33 feet, the headset still worked well, but some static did degrade the sound quality slightly. Still, we tested the 33-feet range through two walls and a door. The good sound quality in these circumstances surprised us.
Conclusion
Reviewing Plantronics' Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset was a pleasurable experience. The headset is comfortable and easy to use, and supports good-sounding conversations. While the Voyager 510 is a bit large, the size issue is mitigated by all of the headset's other strengths. We would be negligent if we didn't recommend this product to anyone looking for a Bluetooth headset for his or her Bluetooth enabled mobile phone.
Pros- Sound Quality for callers on both ends
- Range
- Noise-Canceling Microphone
- Ergonomic Design
- Ease of use
- Good connectivity
- Comfortable fit
- Potentially cumbersome for inexperienced users
- Large size
- Non-replaceable (but rechargeable) battery
By Andrew J. Manuse of "For the Eyes of the Beholder," a Manuse Media Company Web site.
Posted June 13, 2006 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
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