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Plantronics' Pulsar 260 Bluetooth Stereo headset is designed to be used with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone that also has the capability of storing and playing stereo MP3 files.
For those users who have compatible mobile phones, the Pulsar 260 system may be a good way to listen to music and answer phone calls without switching from headphones to headset.
Unlike other Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) compatible Bluetooth devices, however, the Pulsar 260 headset doesn't seem well-suited for the gym. Because the headset's wires often snag on a user's neck, it is better suited for someone who is stationary or walking slowly.
The wires of the Pulsar 260 headset also seem to diminish the value of the device's Bluetooth capability. The only reason the device uses Bluetooth technology is to transfer phone call and music data from a user's mobile phone to the Pulsar 260 pod. It's all wires from that point up, which also make the device less stylish. However, a man wearing a collared shirt or a woman wearing some kinds of blouses may be able to hide the headset's wires.
We obtained Motorola's new RAZR maxx Ve mobile phone to properly review the Pulsar 260's mobile music and call features, but also tested the device with the incompatible Motorola RAZR V3c. The headphones worked in their full capacity with the RAZR maxx Ve phone, but the device only worked for phone calls with the RAZR V3c - albeit in stereo. We take this opportunity to remind potential users to check their mobile phone before buying a headset such as the Pulsar 260. Users should make sure their phone is A2DP compatible.
The headset functions well, though controls are counterintuitive. Music through the comfortable Pulsar 260 headphones sounds better than it has with other A2DP compatible headsets. Conversations, however, are muffled at best even though the Pulsar 260's microphone hangs not far from where its user is speaking. With noise cancellation technology lacking, only a conversation in a quiet room will be pleasurable for the user and his buddy on the other end of the phone.
Plantronics suggests a retail price of $109.95 for its product, but shoppers can buy it for as low as $57.99 at Amazon.com.
What's in the Box?
- Plantronics Pulsar 260 Bluetooth pod with power and audio controls, detachable clip and 2.5 mm headphone port
- Plantronics Pulsar 260 stereo headset with call control button and 2.5 mm jack
- User guide
- Audio-out converter cable with 2.5 mm jack and 3.5 mm jack
- AC charger cable with mini-USB connection * lanyard * large, medium and small ear-bud sizes
Features
- Switches between telephone calls and music
- In-line telephone controls, pod music controls
- Clothing clip or lanyard wearing options
- Up to 9 hours talk-time or 7 hours music listening time
- Up to 200 hours of standby time
- Charge time 3 hours
- Audio-out feature allows Bluetooth connection to powered speakers
- Weighs 25 grams (0.88 ounces)
- 10-meter (32.8-foot) range
- Uses Bluetooth 2.0, Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) and Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile (GAVDP)
Keep reading for more details from our tests.
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