Great Headset With Plenty Of Features!
Written: Dec 23 '02 (Updated Dec 26 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Good Clarity, Noise Cancelling Microphone, Comfortable, Features
Cons: Connection At Base Could Be More Durable
The Bottom Line: Excellent Combination Of Quality, Features, And Performance That Is A Must Have For Owners Of Motorola Phones.
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| jonwes's Full Review: Plantronics M175 Headset For All Phones With A 2.5... |
I'd like to begin this review by mentioning that I have worked in the corporate accounts department of Verizon Wireless for the last six and a half years. I've seen a great deal of equipment come and go, which has given me a good foundation for my opinions. The topic of the day is the Plantronics M175 headset that I have personally been using for well over a year. I have sold a great deal of the headsets as a result of people being impressed with the conversations they've had with me, which led them to inquire what accessories I was using. Read on to find out what sets this headset apart!
Product Features
- Convertible from "over the ear" to "over the head" for maximum versatility
- Noise cancelling mic for optimum clarity even in noisy environments
- Microphone volume adjustability
- Volume and mute controls
- Compatible with telecoil equipped hearing aids
- Standard 2.5 millimeter jack, which makes this unit compatible with most of today's cell phones
Packaging & Setup
When you open the M175, you'll find the primary headset apparatus, over the head attachment, several sizes of over the ear loops, and an ear cushion. I prefer the "over the ear" style of headset, but if you ever change your mind with the M175, you're in good shape with both options covered. To set this style up, you begin by attaching the correct size loop to the primary headset. Then you swing it out to allow it to fit over your ear comfortably and you're ready to go. Easy setup. The "over the head" setup is just as easy and is as simple as attaching the ear cushion and the loop over the head.
Adjustments
There are several adjustments you can make on the M175. First, the microphone volume can be set to one of three different levels. Effectively, low, medium, and high. This will alter the loudness of your voice that the other party hears when speaking with you. I really like this feature, because certain phones inherently have more sensitivity than others. When used with the Motorola Startac 7868 or the v60c, I prefer the middle setting, but an LG phone I used in the past sounded much better on the maximum setting. You can always call someone and ask them how the various levels sound to best suit you and the people you'll be talking with. Second, the volume of the incoming caller's voice can be adjusted with a rotating knob located mid-way up the wire. I usually prefer to leave this at maximum and adjust the volume on the handset itself. Others may prefer just the opposite. It's strictly a matter of preference. Directly next to the volume control is the "Mute" switch that allows you to temporarily suspend the conversation. Very useful if the handset you're using doesn't come equipped with its own muting feature. Just be sure that it's turned off when you initiate a call, as I have left many people thinking they were receiving a crank call when I had accidentally flipped the switch without knowing it.
Performance
I must say, I've been very happy with the Plantronics M175. The sound clarity is very good and many people can't even tell that I am on a cell phone while using it. The noise cancelling microphone can generate somewhat of a "mechanical" sound when used in conjunction with certain phone models, but even then it sounds very good with great clarity. Many of my friends have commented that the clarity and volume is significantly better with the M175 than it is when talking directly into the phone itself. I would say that this holds particularly true with the Motorola phones that have mics that can sound somewhat "muffled", as I've mentioned in my other reviews.
The boom mic that extends toward your mouth about three and a half inches does a good job of picking your voice up without being intrusive or cumbersome. Its placement is much better than the low cost "earbuds" that have the mic placed about six inches down the wire, which inevitably end up rubbing up against your shirt, interrupting the conversation. For those that have had a similar experience, you'll find the M175 to be a welcome change. The entire apparatus is light weight enough that it has never felt uncomfortable to me, even during extended periods of talking for several hours.
I have used the M175 with several cordless phones as well, but unfortunately due to the nature of the beast, I have never been pleased with the results with this headset or any other for that matter. The volume of my voice is never transmitted loudly enough unless the mic is practically in my mouth. I will say that the M175 does a better job than most, but I would consider it to be geared towards cellular phones specifically.
The one drawback I would like to bring attention to is the connection where the wire enters into the plug that fits into the phone. I may be too hard on the equipment I use, but I've gone through a couple of the M175's as a result of dropping the phone on several occasions and the wire eventually pulling out of the connector. Mind you, it doesn't happen quickly and definitely not the first time I drop the phone, but after about half a dozen occurrences, the wire has pulled out far enough that the headset finally gives out. I'd like to see Plantronics add some additional reinforcement to this area. For those that are more careful with their equipment than I am, they'll probably never have an issue.
Conclusion
Given the convenience, safety, and performance of the Plantronics M175 headset, I would recommend it highly. I have used quite a few different headsets from various manufacturers, and the quality of the Plantronics line is hard to beat in my opinion. Depending on the amount of time that you spend on the phone, you may want to opt for a lower cost headset, but for those that are on it regularly, as I am, you'll find that it's money well spent. I'd like to reiterate once more that Motorola owners will be particularly happy with the increased clarity they'll obtain with this unit.
Recommended:
Yes
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jonwes
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Location: Los Angeles, California
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