Product Review: Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth Headset

As an on-the-go, task-oriented individual, I have long found it convenient to utilize Bluetooth® earpiece technology for hands-free cell phone use while driving, walking or working. Let's face it: the routine of the day can get busy and it's not uncommon to find yourself multitasking while trying to hold an important conversation with someone on the other end of that annoying cell phone that you wish you could throw from the precipice of the nearest bridge and watch it plunge into the icy river below. Unfortunately, you find yourself chained to this electronic device that has, although unintentionally, become a bodily extension of your forearm.

The Plantronics® Voyager Pro Bluetooth earpiece is by far the best on the market, going above and beyond its competitors, including the Motorolla®, Samsung® and Jawbone® models. If you're a businessman or woman, journalist, public relations practitioner, or just the average American who tends to move through life at breakneck speed, this device is for you.

First things first: the Voyager Pro boasts a sound quality which far exceeds similar devices on the market, while simultaneously providing the wearer with a comfortable fit not found in other earpieces. The Voyager Pro's sound technology secret lies in its dual-microphone AudioIQ2® noise-cancellation system. Unlike any other Bluetooth available, the Voyager Pro can perform at near-perfect levels in even the most grueling wind conditions (which might include a quick ride in your convertible sports car), all while "cutting up to 80% of any background noise," according to the official Plantronics® web site (www.plantronics.com).

Not impressed yet? Try this one on for size: the device's ear wrap-around construction not only aids in a comfortableness-factor that will likely cause you to forget you even have the thing stuck to your head, but also "provides a balanced, lightweight design," including "up to six hours of talk time and audio battery recharge alerts." That's right. The Voyager Pro, in the form of a soft, gentle, female voice, will tell you keep you updated on your battery level and how many hours or minutes of talk time you have remaining via spoken cues and voice commands.

On a negative note, I found the aforementioned feature a bit annoying. After ending every phone call, the Voyager Pro, again in the form of the computerized female voice, informed me of my remaining battery levels and talk-time hours. While helpful, users who are constantly moving from one phone call to the next may find it a bit aggravating and repetitive.

Another con to the device, one which was duly noted by a few CNET reviews, is its weight (17.5 grams to be exact) and "bulky...retro design" which may indeed "turn some people off." (Read the full CNET review here: CNET Review of Plantronics Voyager Pro). Personally, I did not find anything uncomfortable about the Pro's design and weight, but I sympathize with users who are looking for something as small and discreet as possible. These consumers may additionally find the Pro's small microphone, which protrudes from the device and is intended to be positioned as close to the speaker's mouth as possible, highly unattractive.

As far as controls go, the Pro is quite simple and user-friendly. Near the bottom of the device's wrap-around earpiece lies the power on/off button. Small, but easy to see, touch and feel while wearing the device, the button will light up red for a brief instance after it has been pressed. The wearer will be alerted instantly via the spoken voice cue: "Power on," followed by "Talk time, six hours," (six for a fully-charged device, five and less for devices in need of a full charge). The Pro's volume +/- controls are located on the "top" of the earpiece, volume-up being positioned directly in front of volume-down. You may also mute the device via these controls, a feature which can often be useful.

It is worth final note that, unlike the majority of Bluetooth® devices, the Voyager Pro is capable of accommodating users who prefer to wear their devices on the left or right ear. The Pro accomplishes this by utilizing its rotatable earbud, which is connected to the device's small mic. So when the earbud rotates, for wearing on the opposite ear, the mic rotates as well, accommodating any user.

Bottom line: the Voyager Pro is one of the most technologically-advanced Bluetooth® earpieces to hit the market in years. I personally found it well worth the $80-$100 a typical user will pay, depending on where he/she decides to purchase the device. The "pros" (no pun intended) for this device far outweigh and exceed its cons. If you're looking for quality, user-friendliness and comfortableness in your earpieces, consider adding the Plantronics® Voyager Pro to your arsenal of communicatory devices.