Plantronics M140 Headset: Bluetooth Technology is Coming in Due Time
Written: Aug 07 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, easy to use, works well, good sound
Cons: No bluetooth, mute button can get you
The Bottom Line: A good purchase until the price of Bluetooth enabled hands free headsets come down in price.
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| hwz1's Full Review: Plantronics M140 Headset |
I travel a lot and despite please from our company, spend a lot of time on my cell phone while driving. I usually make and receive calls while in the heaviest of traffic and on the most dangerous of curves. I have become a pro at shifting gears with one hand on the wheel and the other shifting while balancing a tiny cell phone between my ear and shoulder. I am also quite good at reading a map while trying to do all of the above at the same time. Finally, there is nothing I love more than the crimp in my neck from hours spent with my head bent to one side.
Geez, I bet you would love to see me on the road, right? Well, I am not the worst offender. Some people manage to do all this in addition to the following: eating, drinking, smoking, makeup application, shaving, reading, nose picking, and ear wax clearing. All of this while talking on their cell phones. Is there a safer way to perform all these duties? Yes. While I cannot help you if you insist upon removing nose nuggets or applying makeup, I can help you become a safer driver while talking on the phone.
We all must admit that in our busy lives the cell phone and the car are going to continue to go hand in hand. A few municipalities have banned them while driving, but most have not. They are here to stay. Hence, the reason you need a hands free device.
I purchased the Plantronics M140 headset about six months ago and have been pleased with the performance and, perhaps as important, the look. I think part of the reason that headsets have not become more popular is that they have always looked so dorky. No longer is this the case.
THE SPECIFICS:
* Hands free headset
* Lightweight
* Noise filtering device for better sound
* Over the ear loop for comfort
* One touch volume and mute
* Works with mobile and cordless phones
* One year warranty
WHAT I LIKE:
1. The M140 is not dorky looking! The headset has a sleek look and over the ear loop for comfort. You do not have the silly look that many headsets provided and nor do you have the single ear hole sized microphone that other headsets offer. The M140 is cool enough that you would see it in a Bond movie.
2. Comfort. Yes, it is much more comfortable than the single in the ear hole piece. While this is still considered to be "in the ear", it does not stick in the ear in the same manner. It sort of grazes the "in the ear". The M140 is also quite light.
3. Performance. The M140 works well with minimal background noise. This is important. You want to be able to talk and hear without listening to the sound of the road or the clatter of the guy who just ran off the road while chatting without his hands free headset. The M140 is very quiet on both ends.
4. The ability to mute and change volume with just a single touch. While this may not seem like a big deal, it is. Remember, the idea is to be hands free so you can pay attention to the road. If you are fiddling around with multiple buttons or touches, you are not necessarily hands free.
WHAT I DO NOT LIKE:
1. The mute button can be tricky. I think everyone has made the mistake of having you headset on mute. You are speaking but forgot or accidentally turned on the mute button. The other person cannot hear a word you have to say. Just a reminder that the problem is more than likely the mute button. Simply turn it off.
2. No Bluetooth. Ok, for less than $20 I did not expect to get Bluetooth technology. But it would have been nice. I expect that as soon as the prices come down I will be in the market for a Bluetooth enabled headset. Until then, there is nothing wrong with the M140.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
I am pleased with my purchase of the Plantronics M140. While it is sort of what I would call a "bare bones" headset, it gets the job done. The negatives are nothing more than minor annoyances. The biggest positive is that I am able to pay more attention to the road while using the headset. Regardless of what the studies tell us- that it does not matter if you are on a headset or not- I feel as if a headset is a big plus if you drive and chat frequently. I would recommend the M140 to anyone looking for a non-Bluetooth enabled hands free headset.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hwz1
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Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reviews written: 845
Trusted by: 923 members
About Me:
Just got a big promotion that will move my new wife and I to Atlanta.
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