The Pulsar 260 headset itself feels fantastic when in the ears, and Plantronics gives users three sizes to choose from to increase the chances of comfort. However, the earbuds are about where the comfort stops.

The wires that run from the earbuds are not only ugly, they are a constantly present annoyance. They get caught on the neck, even when turning the head only slightly. From there, they run to the Pulsar 260 pod, which is gaudy and large, at 2.5 x 1 x 1.5 inches. It's not heavy, it's light at 25 grams (0.88 ounces). But users and the people looking at them will always know it's there, whether the pod is hanging from the lanyard inside the shirt, or clipped to the shirt pocket. Given the fact that the pod lacks much functionality, other than serving inadequately as a music control system, it is clunky and poorly conceived.

Range remains an issue for many Bluetooth devices, and this one is no exception. Plantronics' Pulsar 260 headset has a 30-foot range, but only sounds optimal within 15 feet of a mobile phone. Interference wasn't much of an issue within the advertised range, but there was an electronic hum that took over even if our phones were even a few feet away from the device. We'd recommend users keep their phones close by when using this headset.

There's a lot of potential for Plantronics to do a lot of great things with it's Pulsar series, but at least in this version, the company is not leveraging these possibilities.

By dividing the Pulsar 260 pod from the headset itself, it allows users to replace the more likely to degrade headset while holding onto the pod. This is a good thing. Because the pod has a 2.5 mm port, instead of the standard 3.5 mm pod, and the headset incorporates the microphone and call-control button, however, the user is limited to simply replacing the headset and not upgrading to a pair of headphones of his or her choosing. With the Pulsar 260 pod as large as it is, we would think Plantronics could fit the call control button and microphone on the pod, which would at least justify its clunkiness.

Secondly, Plantronics really neglects the full potential of its pod. As large as it is, it would make sense to put a hard drive in it so users can extend the storage capacity of their mobile phones. If there are technological impediments to such functionality, they should be overcome.

Both the design change and functionality enhancement could help users justify the wires on the headphones and the clunky pod. Allowing users to add their own headphones would give the Pulsar series an even greater leg up.

As it stands, the device is difficult to promote as an ideal solution for listening to music and talking on the phone. We give it credit for its slightly better than average sound quality, and cannot discount these headphones as a possibility because they may work for some users in a quiet setting. However, we would think there are better multifunction products out there.

• Multifunction button pauses music while you transfer to take a call
• Weight
• Sound quality is average for user for music/phone
• Concept

Cons

• Muffled sound quality for person on other end of phone
• Relatively uncomfortable to wear and unattractive
• Not compatible with some phones, devices
• Buttons are counterintuitive

By Andrew J. Manuse, of "For the Eyes of the Beholder," a Manuse Media Company Web site.

Previous

• Introduction
• Functionality & Sound Quality
• Style, Comfort, Range and Conclusion