Plantronics M2500 Bluetooth Headset Review
The device is just .8 of an ounce, and it is compatible with Bluetooth 1.2.
While the M2500 does not have all of the features that other Bluetooth headsets do, it is still useful for someone wishing to carry on long cellular conversations on a wireless headset without having to spend an inordinate amount of money.
Bluetooth headsets are generally lightweight and feel extremely comfortable on the ear. The Plantronics M2500 is no exception, although it is slightly more cumbersome than some of the newer headsets on the market. There is a large portion of the headset that rests behind the ear, and curling the speaker into the opening of one’s ear while securing the headset so that it does not fall is not always the easiest task. However, this can be mastered with little difficulty, and the wireless headset is much less of a nuisance than a wired headset would be, even if it is slightly larger and heavier than some of the competition.
The M2500 packaging claims that the device is “certified for universal compatibility with Bluetooth enabled mobile phones and devices.” The package includes the headset, and cord for recharging the headset, and instruction manuals.
The instruction manuals included in the packaging are required if one wishes to “pair” the headset with a Bluetooth enabled device, which must be done before it is used. Because the M2500 has no external displays and only features a two buttons and a dial for controls, setting the contraption to search for Bluetooth devices is not something that even a tech-savvy individual would be able to do without instructions. However, with the booklet, the process is not difficult. One must only pair the device with his or her phone once, so this process is not a consistent problem.
The largest advantage the M2500 enjoys over other Bluetooth headsets is the price. I have seen prices ranging from Thirty dollars to eighty dollars in stores, but even the most expensive M2500 was ten dollars less than other, newer headsets in the same store. PC magazine cites the headset’s price as $49.
Personally, I have found my M2500 to be quite useful. It was easy to pair to my cellular phone, and provides sound of a very good quality. As with any cell phone, there is some static, but I have noticed no more interference when using the headset than when I was making a call using only the handset. Linking the devices after they are paired is as simple as turning the phone’s Bluetooth on and powering up the headset and the headset features a volume control and a button to take calls or hang up on calls without touching the handset.
The advertised range of Plantronics’ creation is “10 meters”. My brother-in-law claims to have been able to leave his phone on the second floor of his house and continue a call in his basement, but I have found the device to begin to lose signal when I walked two rooms away from my phone. Different phones may have different signal strengths, and the different constructions of different buildings may contribute to this discrepancy. Regardless, the headset is quite useful for carrying on conversations while one walks about a room or while carrying one’s phone in your pocket.
The buttons on the headset are small, however. I must use my fingernail to turn the headset on and off. Finding the button that picks up a call, which is located on the end of the microphone stalk, is not difficult, however. If you are used to using a cell phone with Bluetooth technology, which is the only way you would consider buying this headset, you are probably used to using small buttons, which would negate this difficulty.
Plantronics claims the headset has a talk time of up to five hours, which is what I have observed. The company claims a stand-by time of up to 120 hours, but this will cut down on useable talk time. Be careful, however, having the device paired to your cellular phone can drain the batter of the phone rapidly.
The M2500 can also serve as a wireless headphone and microphone combination for a Personal Computer with a Bluetooth radio. Sound quality is fairly good through the speaker when playing music, but the microphone does pick up a good deal of background noise. I would not recommend recording anything singles for a record label with this microphone, but its ability to serve these functions is a definite bonus.
There are several shortcomings to the M2500, however. It does not have an LCD display like some of the more sophisticated Bluetooth headsets on the market, making the device somewhat harder to operate. A user must learn the difference between a flashing red light and a flashing green light on the status indicator. While this is not difficult, it is also not as easy as reading “battery low” on an LCD screen. Additionally, there is no caller ID on the headset, so you must ignore a call or answer it blindly unless you have a free hand to check your phone’s caller ID screen. The device is larger and bulkier than some higher priced headsets, and sound quality is probably not quite as good as some competitors, either.
I have found that the best use for the M2500 is to pair it to my phone when expecting or making a long call, and using it during this call. This saves a stiff neck from holding the phone against one’s shoulder. It can also earn you interesting looks from people passing you by if you choose to use the headset on the street, as it looks as if you are talking to yourself at first sight.
In conclusion, the Plantronics M2500 is a versatile bargain in the world of Bluetooth headsets. It does not have the features of some more expensive headsets, but it will suit the needs of almost any cellular phone user. I rank the M2500 a strong 7 out of 10.
