Bluetooth headsets have become very popular in Los Angeles thanks to the new hand-free law that took affect July 1, 2008. While the new law had good intentions, it falls short of fixing the real problem with drivers being distracted when having conversations while driving. Regardless, many law-abiding citizens are searching for the right bluetooth headset to use in the car. While each user may have different criteria on what makes a good headset, most would agree that ease of operation is important. Plantronics has introduced the new Voyager™ 520, which is designed to deliver high quality audio with a noise-canceling microphone. The innovative wind screen design minimizes wind noise making audio clearer for others to hear. Plantronics had great success with the previous model (the 510) and some still consider it one of the best bluetooth headsets out there. With that said, we will take a look at the new 520 design.

Operation
We paired the Voyager 520 with out Motorola RAZR V3m. The design is an easy to use and features a simple one-touch call control for placing calls, answering calls, and adjusting the volume. The 520 features QuickPair™ technology, which allows users to easily pair the headset with Bluetooth (v2.0) enabled phones from Apple, Blackberry, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, and others. If you happen to use two cell phones, the Multipoint technology allows you to easily switch between them using the same stay 520 headset. The battery provides up to 8 hours of talk time and 180 hours of standby time when fully charged.

Pressing and holding the Call button turns the headset on or off. When the battery level is very low, the headset will double flash in red every 10 seconds along with an audible double high tone on the headset. The Call button can also be moved up or down to adjust the volume level setting. A solid red for 4 seconds with descending audio tones indicates the unit has turned off.

Our review unit came with a vehicle power charger along with a vent clip cradle. This keeps the headset in an easy to find location while being charged in the vehicle.

Perofrmance
The noise cancellation feature was one of the best we have heard on a headset and those on the other end of the conversation confirmed this. Sound quality was also clear and intelligible with good volume. Some headsets do not fit in my ear well, but the unique soft ear loop design worked well and fit comfortably. The Voyager 520 also looks attractive with its high tech design and weighs only 16 grams.

Conclusion
The Plantronics Voyager 520 is one of the best Bluetooth headsets we have used and with an MSRP of less that $100 it is an impressive product. The headset is easy to use and the fit and feel was great. The long lasting battery is also a big plus especially when the user forgets to charge the unit from time to time. Overall the Voyager 520 worked better than most of the headsets we have used and is worth the extra cost over entry level models.

- Kevin Nakano

Mobile Phone: Motorola RAZR V3m

Plantronics - Voyager 520 Bluetooth Headset

Features:

• Bluetooth-enabled technology Filter distracting background noise
• Screen out wind noise
• Lightweight design for all day wearing comfort
• Enhanced ear bud design improves sound
• Quickly switch between two Bluetooth® devices
• Plantronics QuickPair™ technology makes pairing easy
• Up to 8 hours of talk time from a single charge
• Up to 180 hours standby time from a single charge

Data Sheet

User Guide

Voyager Family

Company Information
Plantronics, Inc.
345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: 831-458-7700
Toll Free: 800-544-4660
Website: www.plantronics.com

Source: Manufacturer Supplied
MSRP: $99.95