Plantronics Discovery 640

Overall, a very good Bluetooth headset that works easily with just about any compatible cell phone or PDA. The battery should last about as long as a short work day. The unit doesn’t always sit into the charging station comfortably.

This headset features a molded ear insert with an optional ear coil to hook onto your ear. Unlike other Bluetooth headsets, this unit’s ear insert will help keep it in your ear so the ear coil is not necessary unless you’re very active. The unit has three charging options that suit most phones and cell phone users. The first is the unit’s own built-in charger, which recharges its internal battery. The second is an AAA battery module that plugs into the headset and charges its internal battery off the AAA battery. Plantronics claims the headset can fully charge twice off one AAA battery. It is important to note that you have to be careful to properly seat the 640 in its charging cradle, or it will pop out and not recharge. It’s not the best fit.

The third charging option is a series of adapters that lets the unit charge off compatible cell phone chargers. The unit comes with adapters for Nokia, Motorola, Sony Eriksson, and Siemens. Not all phone models are covered, but a good cross-section is supported. The controls on the unit are easy to use, and the earpiece comes in three sizes so most people are sure to find one that fits comfortably.

The mic doesn’t have noise reduction technology, which I found a bit odd, as it means you can basically just use the headset indoors when you’re not moving; otherwise it becomes hard to communicate. Also, the sound quality is not the best.  Friends said my voice was tinny, and even on my end I could notice the lack of quality compared to the cell phone’s actual speaker.

However, the lightness and comfort of the Plantronics Discovery 640 headset can be considered a very good trade-off for its less-than-perfect sound. It just fits so nicely!