Reviewed By: Noel Cheok on 04/05/2006
Unfortunately, Jabra hasn't quite caught on with the next phase of change focusing requirements on design and outlook vs. protocol and functionality/purpose. In fact, the "new/current" phase of Jabra products in this department really fails to deliver from its classic BT200/BT250 design cue. If I was on the R&D board, the headsets covering portfolio Bluetooth 1.2 and the upcoming wide-release revolutionized Bluetooth 2.0 will improve on design from the BT200/BT250 instead of moving sideways. Aiming to reduce weight, better ergonomics whilst implementing technology advancements. Close to the party may be the BT500 on Bluetooth 1.2 as well but that is hideously incomparable speaking on the same platform.
Plantronics however has now caught up with their one time small and unknown but now class-leading competitor Jabra very quickly. Plantronics' early days in Bluetooth headsets engineered poor design cues, outlandish performance and above all generic vs. factory manufacturers could provide on headsets selection. Being the leader in audio/telephony/communications headsets/devices ... Plantronics quickly saw their shortfall and worked hard to regain their loss market share, and I'm quite impressed to say that it is starting to reap its rewards.
The Plantronics Voyager 510 (V510) builds on the Jabra BT200/BT250 over-the-ear design whilst throwing in further engineering improvements. One can even misinterpret to believe this is the handy work of Jabra without looking at it in-depth. Apart from major protocol enhancements, Plantronics has covered some critical aspects failing the BT200/BT250 design. Here are my clear distinctions.
- Weight | Lightweight is EVERYTHING in Bluetooth headsets, the closer you achieve to featherweight whilst retaining or improving performance, the further you're away from your competitors. The V510 has done well in reducing a significant handful vs. the BT250/FS258. Impressive!
- Fitment & Comfort | The Jabra BT200/BT250 may have a close to perfect fitment but spending hours on the phone can hurt the ear canal. I have spent in typical average of up to 60 minutes and the "soft" eargel isn't quite forgiving. The V510 has opted to use a traditional walkman earbud design vs. the stick into ear canal approach, resolving all comfort concerns here.
- Speech & Clarity | Without making over emphasis that the upgraded protocol improved speech/sound clarity/quality, the design and ear piece improves and amplifies the sound output better in comparison. Comparisons are closed to LAN deskphones, which signifies much easier communications over the need to raising your voice or having to ask your other end to repeat again.
- Performance | With the reduced weight, it didn't came the reduced battery life or talk time. Most certainly, this aspect covers the same fundamental principal of weight being a critical benchmarking quality in Bluetooth headsets and I'm happy to report, the performance life is on par with heavier headsets providing severely long talk and standby times. Most certainly, battery technology has improved in harmony by manufacturing standards.
No doubt, my closing will cover on pricing as well. Plantronics has been key in this department being cheaper vs. their direct competitor - The BT500 on Bluetooth 1.2 in comparison. Without looking too far, the vote is clear that the Plantronics V510 is the obvious winner in the ring. Therefore, if you want a Bluetooth 1.2 headset, you have my recommendation.
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