It did not take long before Bluetooth technology started creeping into communication devices, such as mobile phones and Handheld PDAs. Built on the wireless platform, Bluetooth has several enhancement and it is not long before Plantronics, professional headphone makers, takes advantange of the technology and come up with the one and only Plantronics Pulsar.

The Plantronics Pulsar™ 590 Series Bluetooth® Stereo Headsets deliver the ultimate in wireless freedom! Allowing users to Seamlessly switch between their Bluetooth phone and your favorite music or movie, they will never miss a call. According to the data sheet, Pulsar 590A provides up to 12 hours of talk time and 10 hours of listen time, without recharging. In addition, users can also enjoy wireless stereo listening on laptops, PCs, TVs, DVD as well as MP3 players.

When Bluetooth technology was introduced to the public, not many developers are impressed with its technology, basically because of its short communication range of about 10 metres. Hence, it was hardly implemented in wireless networking. Nonetheless, in recent years, designers have found new applications for Bluetooth, and it is soon to be the future trend in communication.

According to some tests, the music playback on the Pulsar 590A was acceptable and could easily pass off as normal wired earphones. However, it lacked the audio depth and range when compared to better quality mid-range headphones. When paired with most Bluetooth ready mobile phones, the audio was slightly muffled but still sufficiently clear enough to make out the other party’s reply in a conversation. The cool thing about this device is that it has a built-in smart function which will alert users of any incoming calls by softening the music and giving out buzzing ring tone. When pressed on the call button on the headphone, the Pulsar 590A automatically paused the music and let you connect to the incoming call. The music resumes once the call ended.

Product Specification:

• Listen Time: up to 10 hours
• Talk Time: up to 12 hours
• Standby Time: up to 130 hours
• Charge Time: 2 hours
• Range: 33 feet (approximately 10 metres)
• weight: 97.7g
• Suports Bluetooth Hands-free and Handset Profiles, Advance Audio Distribution
• Profile, Audio/Video Remote Control Profiles and Generic Audio/Video Distribution Profile

Though the Plantronics Pulsar offers both audio and mobile phone support simultaneously, providing convenience for anyone who love listening to music on the move, and avoid to haveing to miss any calls, the device comes with a hefty price tag of US$249.95. Audio quality may be acceptable and convenience is just there naturally, but it will be hard to part with a price unless you are willing to spend it out just to grab the public’s attention.