I am a newcomer to the world of Bluetooth (BT) and I marvel at what devices BT can connect. From mice and keyboards to headphones and headsets, BT is certainly taking the world by storm adding capabilities with each new version.

I have seen the single ear clip-ons of BT headsets used for hands-free communication on mobile phones and naturally I became curious about the availability of stereo. I find that in noisy environments, something that’s designed like earmuffs is more practical  than the single one ear BT headset variant where you get pounded with distracting noise in one ear and blaring audio in the other.

Enter the Plantronics 590a, a pair of stereo BT headphones!  It can be used not only for hands-free communication on a mobile phone, but also to listen to any audio using the included universal BT transmitter. Join us as we take a look at this piece of technological wonder that will not only free you from wires but also works as the ideal headset  in noisy environments.  That way, you would focus only on what’s important – the conversation and the music!

First Looks

So what comes in this neat package?

- Rechargeable Stereo Bluetooth Headset
- Rechargeable Universal Adaptor
- Lightweight USB Charging Cable
- Protective Travel Case
- Desktop Charging Stand
- AC Charger 100-240V
- In-Flight Cable – Converts to wired headphones

After the initial overnight charge (I always do overnight charges for new devices), I started to give this headset a try…

With a stylish design and sturdy construction, the adjustable headset is comfy and fits well on my head – I can’t shake it off even with some violent jolts of the head. OK, silly me, it’s not going to do anything unless I pair it to something, like my mobile phone or the universal adapter which attaches to any 3.5mm jack (practically any common audio output jack, from tape recorders, CD, MP3 players, stereo systems…you name it!) – time to read the manual….

Instructions

The illustrated instruction manual was thorough and easy to follow. The FAQ was very detailed and well thought out. Everything was covered from how to charge, pair, and use the headset and the universal adapter.

Pairing

It was very easy to pair! When pairing the device to the headset, keep the headset off and hold the call control button. Now turn it on while holding down the button. The lights will flash and alternating blue and red shows that it’s in pairing mode. My JAQ 3 Mobile phone detected the headset quite quickly and I entered the standard passkey of 0000.

For the universal BT adapter, it comes factory pre-paired, but to pair it again, just repeat the process as mentioned above for the headset. For the BT adapter, just hold down the connect button for around 7 seconds. Now you’ll have the adapter flash an alternating blue and red to show it’s pairing. It should turn to a blue flashing when paired.

Functionality and Design

As mentioned before, the design of the main headphones is sturdy and stylish.  It, however, does have a telescoping glass microphone that works very well but which I’d handle very carefully.

The buttons are situated in a convenient fashion with volume control being the right / left silver buttons and play control being on the top / bottom silver buttons. You also have a call control button which allows for voice command (if your device supports it) or even redial of the last number called. There is also the mute button which mutes either the music or the call (depending on the situation).

The BT universal adapter is also simple to use – just plug, turn on, and play (after initial pairing). The charging base also functions as a nifty desktop stand. The one drawback that makes me want to rip my hair out (I better not lest I become bald at an early age…) is that you have to put the headphone on the base just right (only one side has a power contact point) or else the thing will not be charging even though it looks like it’s seated on the stand. And of course, for flights, it comes with a cable for your listening pleasure. Remember that when this cable is being used, the BT function is disabled automatically as wireless communications are prohibited on planes.

The one feature that just floors me is the ability to switch between music and calls – automatically! Say you are listening to some tunes using either the universal adaptor or on your cell phone…When you get a call, the music stops (the track in reality is still playing) and switches to the call. When the call is over, the music automatically resumes. The sound quality is excellent and the clarity of calls is outstanding. The other party had no idea I was using a hands-free wireless solution.

Battery

The battery life really took me by surprise. For the music listening test, I charged the thing overnight and then plugged in the universal BT adaptor to my my computer’s headphone jack and began the day working at my computer – all within transmission range of up to 30 meters. The results were incredible!

8:30am to 9:52pm non stop music transmission over Bluetooth = 13 HOURS and 22 MINUTES (way more than the manufacturer’s claimed 10 hours for both the headset and adapter when listening to music). The universal adapter gave out first and the headset could still go on.

A talk time test was not thoroughly conducted as I’m on a pre-paid cellular plan. In addition, nobody would want to talk to me for that many hours…but I did get around 10 hours (rough estimate from calls made) throughout a 3 week period with some slight standby time but mostly powering off the device between uses.

Final Thoughts

What can I say? As a short time user of Bluetooth devices, I now see the power of blue. The Plantronics Pulsar 590a has most certainly become my headset of choice when I am at home or on the go – as long as I’m not driving. I have fallen in love with this amazingly adorable acoustic apparatus that brings me to what’s important in life – good tunes, and good company.

Vital Statistics

Name: Plantronics Pulsar 590a / 590e (The 590e excludes the universal BT adaptor)

Manufacturer: Plantronics

Where To Buy: JAMM Store

Price: $129.95

Technorati Tags: Plantronics Pulsar 590a, 590e, Review, Bluetooth, BT, Headset, JAMM, Just Another Mobile Monday

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