The Backbeat Go–does it have a microphone (can it be used for phone calls)?
I’ve got a Voyager Edge that I like less than the Jawbone ERA (but that PLantronics is still supporting, at least), and Jaybird BT headphones that are amazing…but that have no mic. So if someone calls while I’m listening, I have to take them out, turn off BT, etc.
It would be nice if the Backbeat eliminated that, and if it has a mic, can anyone speak to the call quality?
Does the over the ear version work to play music from Android?
[QUOTE=scott.hall, post:21, topic:494983]
The Backbeat Go–does it have a microphone (can it be used for phone calls)?
[/quote]
Yes, check the amazon listing here: http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-BackBeat-Bluetooth-Wireless-86800-03/dp/B007MC6WGK
Tempted, I’ve had great success with all the plantronics gear I’ve used over the years…
They work perfectly on Android for Skype, and music (mono of course).
Referring to the Voyager Legend.
I don’t like the voyager. Too bulky.
The Plantronics M50, however, is awesome. Unfortunately, it’s price fluctuates. I got some at $19.99 once on amazon, but i didn’t buy enough. It wasn’t just for me.) I was a little excited when i saw this Woot, but they didn’t have the M50.
Maybe, one day.
I have the legend, and it is the best single ear style I have ever used, and I have used dozens of different kinds… It’s comfortable to the point that I’m in the habit of checking my ear before getting in the shower because it’s easy to forget you have it on. It is extremely clear on both ends (user and person you’re talking to), seems to have very good noise/wind reduction (have never had complaints that people can’t hear me), has outstanding battery life (in use 7 hours, standby several days), and to top it off, plantronics has fantastic customer service… I have had several occasions to use them, for headsets in the past, and they typically two day express ship me a replacement and have never even made me return the old device.
The ONLY complaint I have about this one is that it’s charging connecter is “unique”, so I can only use the piece they gave me, which can be frustrating when I travel and forget to bring it (prob just need to suck it up and buy a spare! :)), but on the positive side, it tends to fully charge to its 7 hour use in less than 2 hours.
There are other cool things about it, but I’m outta time… All I can say is that you won’t be sorry to own it, whether you buy it here or elsewhere! (quite frankly I got a non refurbished one for less on eBay and I think amazon as well). Anyway, hope this helps!!!
I have 2 Voyager Legends (one is a full UC setup), and love them, as they are the best all around headset I have had in years (Jabras, Plantronics Voyager Pros, etc.)
2 things to optimize your experience.
FIRMWARE UPDATES!!! I cannot stress this enough. I bought a Voayager Legend UC when they were released and bonded them to an Apple iPhone 5 and a Nokia Lumia 920 (Windows). It would constantly go into a connect-reconnect cycle if I turned had the iPhone on before it connected with the Lumia. I would have to turn off the iPhone Bluetooth before either would connect correctly. I ran into some Plantronics Reps who gratefully upgraded me to the latest firmware, and the Voyager worked like magic with both phones, regardless of connection order. Since then, I always check and update the firmware in the headset.
Check Amazon for the charging dongles, as they can be had for less than $10. They have a longer cord, that when the lassoed charging tip is removed, doubles as a regular microUSB cord. I bought a couple and keep one in my jacket, just in case I need to charge on the go. The headset recharges quickly with most wall/car adapters, so you are not stuck at a wall or sitting in the car forever.
The only issue I have experienced recently is cracking of the plastic cover on the controls. If it does and is out of warranty, glue it back quickly, or you’ll be left to sort out the magnet positioning for the charging dongle when the magnets come out of the headset. Not much of an issue, but a pain trying to keep the tiny magnets from attracting to each other while aligning them with the corresponding magnet in the charging tip.
I see that the charging cables are included, but are the replaceable ear tips included?
Confirmed that the extra ear tips are not included.
[QUOTE=ThunderThighs, post:30, topic:494983]
Confirmed that the extra ear tips are not included.
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Not to “nit pick,” but does this include ANY ear pieces? The unpacking video shows a bag of various sizes and not all of us have similarly sized ears.
[QUOTE=chacham, post:26, topic:494983]
I don’t like the voyager. Too bulky.
The Plantronics M50, however, is awesome. Unfortunately, it’s price fluctuates. I got some at $19.99 once on amazon, but i didn’t buy enough. It wasn’t just for me.) I was a little excited when i saw this Woot, but they didn’t have the M50.
Maybe, one day.
[/quote]
I have the M50. I’d go only so far as saying it’s good, not awesome. It loses connection if my phone is in my pocket, and its volume is somewhat limited. Primarily because of its ‘earbud’ design instead of in-ear. (That is a problem with all of these one ear headsets however - I have yet to find one that has an in-ear design.) Generally though it has been reliable with decent battery life.
Since some people object to the styling on these things anyway, I step it up a notch by adding one of these wind screens for $1.95.
My experience (or my wife’s rather) is that these headsets, and every other headset I have tried suck in direct wind. This little piece of mouth jewelry mostly solves that problem.
Note that these headsets, and others, are fine with indirect wind, like an open car window. But stick your head out the window and the person on the other end will hate you.
[QUOTE=redstang, post:32, topic:494983]
I have the M50. I’d go only so far as saying it’s good, not awesome. It loses connection if my phone is in my pocket, and its volume is somewhat limited. Primarily because of its ‘earbud’ design instead of in-ear. (That is a problem with all of these one ear headsets however - I have yet to find one that has an in-ear design.) Generally though it has been reliable with decent battery life.
[/quote]
Hmm… I never had those issues. I find it works beautifully, only losing a connection if i go too far away (like out to the dumpster with the phone inside) or when i connect two devices at the same time. The mac and the Android don’t seem to get along. I wonder… But if it isn’t registered to the mac, it has no issues.
I use it at home, usually at least a half hour a day (to a friend that has the same model) and it sounds great.
The only issue i have is that when i take it in the car (my car needs a new muffler or something) it picks up that noise as well, and people have a hard time hearing me on the road.
It’s going to be different for different people, i guess.
[QUOTE=eph6jonprice, post:27, topic:494983]
…
The ONLY complaint I have about this one is that it’s charging connecter is “unique”, so I can only use the piece they gave me…
[/quote]
Wait - what?! This doesn’t charge with a standard micro USB plug? No sale, no way.
[QUOTE=chacham, post:34, topic:494983]
Hmm… I never had those issues. I find it works beautifully, only losing a connection if i go too far away (like out to the dumpster with the phone inside) or when i connect two devices at the same time. The mac and the Android don’t seem to get along. I wonder… But if it isn’t registered to the mac, it has no issues.
I use it at home, usually at least a half hour a day (to a friend that has the same model) and it sounds great.
The only issue i have is that when i take it in the car (my car needs a new muffler or something) it picks up that noise as well, and people have a hard time hearing me on the road.
It’s going to be different for different people, i guess.
[/quote]
Basically, if it is out of line of sight, it struggles. If I have it in my left ear, I have to have my phone in my left pocket for it to work at all. However, in my car with the phone in the dash holder, 100% reliable.
The other thing that bugs me a little is that the power button is opposite the volume button so I often change the volume accidentally when going to turn it off. Again, it works really pretty well, but still can’t quite call it awesome.
Yes it does, though the volume may be insufficient in noisy areas. I sometimes use it for listening to my android while driving truck.
Really? I use it from the next room all the time. And in my pocket (once, at least.) Never had the issue. (/me knocks on wood) Then again, maybe my apartment just has cheap walls. 
I never turned off the power while adjusting the volume either. Though i often get mixed up between the volume up and down when its on my ear. Different strokes for different folks, i guess.
Yeah, I was ready to pull the trigger until I saw that. Another cable to carry around? No thanks.
BTW, I have a red Stang, too!
[QUOTE=eph6jonprice, post:27, topic:494983]
I have the legend, and it is the best single ear style I have ever used, and I have used dozens of different kinds… It’s comfortable to the point that I’m in the habit of checking my ear before getting in the shower because it’s easy to forget you have it on. It is extremely clear on both ends (user and person you’re talking to), seems to have very good noise/wind reduction (have never had complaints that people can’t hear me), has outstanding battery life (in use 7 hours, standby several days), and to top it off, plantronics has fantastic customer service… I have had several occasions to use them, for headsets in the past, and they typically two day express ship me a replacement and have never even made me return the old device.
The ONLY complaint I have about this one is that it’s charging connecter is “unique”, so I can only use the piece they gave me, which can be frustrating when I travel and forget to bring it (prob just need to suck it up and buy a spare! :)), but on the positive side, it tends to fully charge to its 7 hour use in less than 2 hours.
There are other cool things about it, but I’m outta time… All I can say is that you won’t be sorry to own it, whether you buy it here or elsewhere! (quite frankly I got a non refurbished one for less on eBay and I think amazon as well). Anyway, hope this helps!!!
[/quote]
I highly recommend you get the carrying case for this, it can be purchased separately and the case has a battery in it that charges the headset. The beauty is that the case itself is charged with a micro USB so you don’t have to use their proprietary charger.