Lately, it seems that media players and Bluetooth radios are more or less standard features within mobile phones. Individually, these two features can greatly enhance the functionality of a device. Combine them and you have audio transmitting wirelessly. Taking advantage of this concept, Plantronics have released a device called the Pulsar 260. This device claims to receive Bluetooth transmissions and broadcast them, in stereo, via a set of headphones. Does it work well? Is it easy to establish partnerships and use? Read on as the Pulsar 260 is put to the test.
INTRODUCTION
The Bluetooth 2.0 functionality provides superior range at up to 10 meters (33 feet). It’s nice and light, weighing in at only 25 grams. Outstanding battery life, this little guy will play music for up to seven hours.
WHAT’S HOT
Setup was straight forward, charge, power on, pair. The instructions were a little confusing, they state hold down the power button for >2 seconds, I found I had to hold it down for >5 seconds. Later in the manual the graphic next to the on/off button only mentions a "short press" to activate the device… It still took me 5-6 seconds. Pairing with a Windows Mobile device was obtained via the standard method, share code was "0000".
SETUP
Here’s a look at the Pulsar 260 within the Bluetooth neighborhood. It is listed as "260Plantronics".
The device is fairly simple to use, on/off plus volume and track controls. There’s also a talk button embedded on the mic for use with voice calls. Here are some of the features as listed on the Plantronics site:
PRODUCT FEATURES
- In-line telephony controls, pendant music controls
- Clothing clip or lanyard wearing options
- Up to 9 hours talk-time or up to 7 hours music listening time
- Audio-out feature for Bluetooth connection to powered speakers or home Hi-Fi
- Pod weighs just 25g
- Bluetooth V2.0 software for improved co-existence with wireless networks
- Up to 10 meters’ range
(all images link to higher resolution)
Inside the box we have the receiver, headphones, lapel clip, custom fit earbuds, 2.5-3.5mm lead, lanyard, warranty info, manual, charger (not shown).
Let’s look at the pod first. It’s nice and small (light) with controls for next/previous track, volume increase/decrease, power on/off. Also on the face is a blue/red LED.
The back of the pod contains a belt clip, under which is a reset button.
Here’s a look at the Pulsar 260 pod next to the T-Mobile Dash.
Next, I decided to compare the size with an actual MP3 player. Pictured on the right is a Samsung YP-F1X. They are strikingly similar in size.
Here are the same two devices from a different angle.
A third look at the two, this time from an end-on-end perspective.
Lastly, here is the Yepp (top) and the 260 (bottom) side by side. Depth is relatively the same.
As mentioned, the Pulsar 260 ships with a set of headphones. These sport a 2.5mm jack and built in mic c/w talk button. I found that the weight of the mic would pull one earbud loose; my fix? I attached the lapel clip the mic and it resolved this issue.
above
The unit ships with a 2.5-3.5mm adapter, so you can plug the pod directly into a home audio system.
A decent lanyard is included, I found it very strong. Different sized earbuds are included, allowing for a custom fit.
In terms of sound, the device functioned OK on a T-mobile Dash, however, some static was noticed. Static was not noticed when testing the device on a Pocket PC (XV6700), so there could be some underlying Bluetooth stack issues relating to the Smartphone OS (or the particular Dash used). Range was found to be generally very good on both devices. Typically, range is dependant on the signal. Given that the signal on the Pulsar is strong, the resulting range is very good.
There are other useful, not so overt features, such as the ability to split the unit from the headphones if required. This can come in handy, i.e. leave the unit on your belt but stash the headphones in a pocket.
The earbuds took a bit of getting used to, but I seem to have small ears. Or so I am told. I used the smallest earbuds, and during insertion, opened my jaw a couple of times. They seemed to form a seal and stay put after that. Call audio was acceptable; the earbuds are noise isolating, meaning you will be blocking a significant amount of external dB’s. Therefore, these earbuds are not recommended for certain environments (i.e. driving).
Something I knew was coming to was the nausea of dealing with the Windows Mobile OS when it comes to re-directing audio over Bluetooth. Although it does work, it takes a multitude of button presses to make it happen. There are 3rd party applications which route all audio to Bluetooth, but you still have to start the Bluetooth radio. Note to Bill: hardware BT on/off button please!
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This item carries a 2-year warranty, and an extensive Knowledge Base is available if required. Warranty information can be found via the Plantronics site. If you’re really stuck, tech support is available via web form. support the Advanced Audio Distribution Profile A2DP. type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
The concepts works, as with the product. My major issue with this item relates to the use of wires. I realize there’s no getting around it (for now), but I wish there was a better way to deal with them. Some devices may receive static when using this item, potentially depending on Bluetooth stack and/or physical distance of phone from the pod. Overall, if you listen to a lot of music on your phone, and want a better way to change track/volume, then this would suit you. The casual user or someone looking for just a voice headset, then this may not be what you are looking for.
HELP SUPPORT
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
must
BUGS AND WISHES
PURCHASING
PROS
Simple to use
CONS
Some static noticed
Still involves wires
Value
Ease
of Use 
Features
Overall
OVERALL IMPRESSION
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