Essentially Plantronics Explorer 500 is an improved version of the Plantronics 50: with active noise cancellation, comfortable sound control and the addition of an ear piece. The devices feature a comfortable fit in the ear and the original charging in the form of a bracelet. But users also note significant disadvantages of the headset - noise during conversation and frequent "falling off" of the mono-headphone from the transmitting device.
Content:
Design and ergonomics
The style and neatness of the device was mentioned more than once by users in their reviews. The outer panel is rubber, ribbed, tactile is very pleasant. The control buttons are well felt under the fingers.
There are the following functional points:
- The on/off lever of the device;
- The volume up/down button, the volume up/down button is noticeably knurled, which makes it easier to operate;
- answer key - on the outer panel closer to the top.
Interestingly, and at the same time functionally designed solution with two microphones. They do not open the usual holes or grille. Sound to the microphones comes in a slot between the front panel and the case, only at the top there is no hole. Users say that this is convenient, the sound of the voice comes into the microphone well.
On the top of the device there is a jack to connect the charger. The minus is that this port is not closed, which means that during operation it gets foreign debris, dust.
The charger is a bracelet with magnetic snaps. The thing is convenient, it can even be worn on the keys, arbitrarily does not unbuckle. Can be used to recharge other devices with microUSB connector.
The transparent silicone earpiece is removable from the earpiece. It also comes with a removable earhook that can be used to secure the earpiece tighter.
Most owners note that the earplug, which holds up well despite its single size, is sufficient. Just one ear cushion is certainly not enough, so you should constantly monitor the safety of the silicone cap.
A huge disadvantage is the impracticality and fragility of the front panel. According to the owners, the rubber band in just a month begins to come off, fall off. The solution to the problem found in different ways, almost glued to the gum. But it is best to use glue Moment for rubber things.
Available features and controls
Bluetooth headset is paired with wireless devices.
Depending on the type of platform, the functionality is also revealed:
- iOS. Siri voice control works.
- Android. You can install Plantronics applications and run google prompts.
- Windows Phone. You can install a program to control the mono-headset.
The main function of the support programs is to display the charge level of the headset. But there are more interesting possibilities. For example, on Android you can put an application to track the location of the device, its search in a room within 10 meters with a search signal or display on the map.
The program Plantronics Hub allows you to view the functions assigned to the keys, to study in detail the instructions. The manual is very detailed, with its help you can even set a different language in the voice support of the mono-headphone.
Speaking of languages. Many users note that the earpiece "talks" only in English. In fact, it is a Russified device, which reports in advance about the level of charge, the remaining hours of activity, an incoming call.
It does not identify the caller, it replaces the ringtone of the phone with its own ringtone. The "talkability" of the headset is annoying for some users, especially considering that voice support cannot be disabled.
The main problem of the Bluetooth headset is the loss of signal. Disconnect appears when two devices are connected, then the support voice reports that the connection with one phone is lost, the connection with the other phone is lost, the pairing with one phone is done, the pairing with the other phone is done.
This over-pairing with the device isn't just stressful, it's frustrating to talk to, especially when the loss of pairing occurs during an important call.
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Microphone
Thanks to active noise cancellation, the microphone gets the highest ratings from users. You can use it to talk on the subway, on a busy street, and even in a rushing Zhiguli with the window open. All your conversation partner will hear is the sound of your voice.
And the only complaint owners of mono headphones have is that they do not cut off the natural echo of the voice that occurs in entrances, foyers of schools and clinics.
Speaker
If the silicone tab tightly covers the ear canal, the speaker is quite decent to transmit sounds. And thanks to the built-in codecs, users can also listen to music. Of course, the quality of playback in a mono-headset is not comparable with that of a dual headset.
But short melodies, podcasts and voice messages can be listened to quite comfortably. Especially considering that the headset "knows" how to read messages in Vyber, watsap and other messengers.
Battery
The manufacturer's claimed time of 9 hours does not match the headset. In fact, the headphone can withstand up to 6 hours of active conversations. If you still listen to music, the device will run down faster. In the cold, the battery sags very quickly, so it is better to use the device in the cold.
Conclusions
Plantronics Explorer 500 has many disadvantages: the lag of the rubber band from the housing, loss of communication, deterioration of sound transmission. These problems are noted in 30% of reviews.
But many owners, comparing the headset to Jabra, still point out the high comfort of the silicone earpiece and just an excellent noise cancellation, ensuring normal communication and data transfer during the conversation. Will your mono headphone work well?
You won't know until you try it. It's worth it to be sure to test the device at the time of purchase by making a test call from your phone.
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