Plantronics M175, An Earful Or Just Full Of It?
Written: Jul 23 '04 (Updated Jul 23 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Versatile, Value
Cons: Cumbersome, Technology Needs Improvement
The Bottom Line: The Plantronics M175 is an average unit with above average amenities. Convenience is the selling point here.
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| lllopez's Full Review: Plantronics M175 Headset For All Phones With A 2.5... |
Cell phones have become as indispensable as the microwave oven. Their popularity has been so pervasive that we accommodate their use while conducting other business or leisure activities. Driving has been the one activity that has long come under debate and scrutiny, precipitating legislation in many states that may deal the first blow toward eventually outlawing their use while driving. Many states have called for mandated hands free operation of cell phones, which in turn has spawned a run to electronics retailers for headsets to comply.
Of the models available, Plantronics has emerged as a leader in this hot market, likely a result of a diverse product line and reputation/quality. Their model M170 was my choice after a mixed experience with the Jabra Ear Wave Boom over the ear headset. I liked the convenience of a smaller over the ear set and the portability it offered. Carrying around a over the head unit never appealed but I decided to give it a try, only because the Plantronics M170 offers a convertible feature from over the head to over the ear in the M170.
The Package
The Plantronics M170 comes blister packed with a headband and ear loop. There is a socket that accepts a ball pivot on the back of the speaker unit that simplifies the style switch. An ear loop and alternate cushioned earpiece are supplied as well. Documentation is simple and concise
The headband is adjustable to fit all users though that isn’t an assurance that everyone will be comfortable with it. Some may find wearing a headband with a rubberized stop hitting the topside of your scalp annoying. The ear loop is not uncomfortable and I find the Jabra to be a little more accommodating though it is not a concern, as my cell calls are generally short and to the point.
Features
A nice feature of the Plantronics M170 is the in line Mute button. A sliding switch built into an oval shaped pod, which mutes the transmission of your voice. In addition there is a rotary volume switch to adjust the volume of your incoming call. This feature is a non- starter for me. At it’s highest volume it is just comfortable and any variation beyond that is wasted s the range is minimal art best. The cord between the headset and plug measures 48” features a detented 3-position volume switch for voice transmission. I will say this is a feature I have used extensively and makes a difference driving with open windows. It would be convenient if Plantronics offered a reel with all their units to make cord management a non-issue. The M175 has a Velcro strap to control line tangling.
The noise-canceling microphone that is attached to the base of the speaker unit facilitates voice transmission. The ball pivot allows the user to adjust the 4” microphone to the users preference. Since the microphone has a cardioid pattern, it has a limited range that will allow for favorable voice transmission and will cut extraneous and voices noise significantly. A sliding shirt clip is available for convenient cord management. A 2.5mm plug is horizontally oriented causing the cord to bend upward at a 45-degree angle, which may cause the eventual shorting of the plug. Plantronics offers an unconditional 1-year manufacturers warranty, which I hope not to use but am keeping my receipt none-the-less.
Impressions
The Plantronics M175 is a decent headset. I have to say here that I have yet to find anything that really brings the cellular experience to a headset. This unit while good gives one a sense of distance to the speaker and doesn’t evoke an intimate nature with your caller. The cord is cumbersome and gets in the way. I have tried fishing the wire inside my shirt, tied it up, put the loose cord in my pocket and the net result is. I hate the cord. The bottom line with cords is.. eliminate them; spend the extra dough and get a Bluetooth capable phone and go completely wireless. If you have to have the cord, let me know if you come up with a better alternative. A reel would be a great answer.
Quality of reception is fair, as is pretty much the case with all headsets. Perhaps someday soon this will change for the better; until then we will have to endure the growing pains that units like the Plantronics M175 brings to the table. Overall this is a good unit, I would also look at Jabra if you like the over-the-ear model; just make sure they have ear gel locks.
Conclusion
My experience thus far with the Plantronics M175 has been favorable. Transmissions and reception are both well within the acceptable range. My preference would be for a bit more volume in the headset but other than that I have little to complain about here. The headband is uncomfortable, but that’s a preference issue. In a prefect world all automobile radios would have cellular capability and make life a lot easier. Until then the Plantronics M175 is a good choice as most out there.
The Plantronics site will be a further resource should you want to look into their products. www.plantronics.com
Recommended:
Yes
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