INTRODUCTION

   There are days that I
long for just a phone. Or rather, a much smaller, lighter phone that
gave me the same level of service as my existing XV6700. The same goes
with headsets. While I love multi-function design, sometimes simplicity
is the better way to go – especially if it’s easy to use, powerful, and
comfortable. Plantronics has released their Explorer 350 Bluetooth
Headset for just that purpose. But how does it rate for the power user
who wants the simple life sometimes? Read on for our review!

AT A GLANCE

(all images link to higher resolution)

  
Weighing under an ounce, this new headset design from Plantronics is no
lightweight. The front of the unit is black with a very subtle striped
design. It is also very solidly built with no creaks or cracking when
squeezed. The main button takes on all the tasks of the headset, but
you have to hold on to the earpiece or it will be pushed further into
your ear canal. Pressing down (and holding, depending on the task)
answers the call, pressing forward or back adjusts the volume. It does
work with voice dialing software, and as expected, can easily transfer
calls to and from the actual phone. Just behind all-controlling button
is the indicator light. It works in the typical blue/red fashion except
for one noticable difference: it actually goes purple (more or less)
when an incoming call is available.

  
The side of the Explorer 350 is silver in color and is quite resilient
to wear and tear. As you can see in the example above, the ear hook is
hinged and can rotate to make it easy to use on either your left or
right ear. The actual ear plug is rubberized, shaped to fit into your
ear canal ever so slightly, but not completely filling it. Also on the
bottom of the unit (near the front) is the small power port. My only
fear is that it would be easy to get something stuck into this hole,
but to add a plug would be just silly, as you would quickly lose it
because it would be too small.

  
Both USB and CLA power is included in the Explorer 350 kit. The
attachment ends are the same style as the power plugs on the
Plantronics 590A (that review can be found here).
Both power options have a cable length the likes of which we hardly
ever see. I could easily attach the CLA into the backseat port of my
Passat and still have plenty of cable to run up to the holding clip.

   I
really like the included clip and its well thought out design. You can
either use the default vent clip, or the dash mount (two stickers),
depending on your vehicle design. Or, if you wanted, you could even use
both in separate vehicles as the clip simply slides onto the backing
and is easily transferable.

  
Since I have center vents, I opted for the default vent clip, I just
don’t like sticking bits to my dash if I don’t have to. The headset
easily slides into the top hook, and then snaps right into power. When
you need the headset again, it easily disconnects and is attached to
your skull in no time at all. You can use the clip with or without the
power adapter attached.

  
Wearing the headset is as simple as placing the rubber end into your
ear canal and flipping the hook over the top of your ear. Once
attached, the Explorer 350 is very comfortable, although it doesn’t
block outside noise very well. The fit feels secure, but not tight –
you won’t feel like it’s going to fall off at any rate, even with a lot
of movement. Surprisingly, it even fit, albeit a little loosely on my
wife’s small ears. Battery life was outstanding (compared to the other
headsets we’ve reviewed), although the warning level was rather short.
The volume levels were acceptable, and I only heard one complaint about
noise (and that was due to the phone, not to the headset itself). The
beeps and tones produced by the headset are the Plantronics standard.