Plantronics 655
 

I just ordered a Plantronics 655 and I should have it in a day or so. I now see that there is apparently a difference between the Plantronics version and the RIM version. I had been checking the shopblackberry.com website for the past few week but it hasn't ever let me click on the headset (claiming something about "cookies"). There must be something wrong with the site because it doesn't work on any computer or browser I try.

Anyway, is the difference between the 2 devices merely in the firmware of the headset? If so, does anyone foresee an update for the plantronics version? Lastly, how much "better" is the rim version over the plantronics version?

I know there are other threads discussing some of this but it's a bit overwhelming and there must be others with similar questions to this.

Thanks...

I've read where it works fine with the blackberry.

The Plantronics Version Has A 3 Sec Delay When Answering Calls, Rim Version Dosent.

I Have The Rim Version And Have Experienced Some Mis-connects On Calls....its Not Perfect

I just purchased the RIM version this morning. After testing it in the car, and in a mall, I ended up taking it back a couple of hours later. The reason is that it does a very poor job of filtering out the background noise. In both cases, the person I was calling complained of not being able to hear me clearly due to the background noise. I could hear them just fine.

It's really too bad. The unit was comfortable to wear and, best of all, it can be charged using the BB's own cables, thereby eliminating extra cords.

Well, just for balance, I'm quite happy with my RIM 655. The reports that *I* get are that it filters out the background noise quite nicely, and I sound better on the other end through the headset than I do holding the phone to my ear and talking directly. Same reports as I got with the Plantronics 645 before it.

And, I "upgraded" to the RIM HS-655 to have a sturdier clip on the charge pocket, as well as to get rid of the delay. The delay with the Plantronics versions is not 3 seconds - more like a second and a half - *maybe* 2 seconds tops. Now that I have the 655, I've discovered that the lack of delay is appreciated *if* I have it in my ear when I receive a call. OTOH, if I get a call and have to pull it from the sleeve and put it in my ear, the delay is just about the same amount of time it takes to get the thing out and into your ear, so it really isn't that bad.

Yes, the Plantronics 655 does do better noise filtering then holding the Blackberry to your ear, since the Blackberry could pick up the sound of a snail farting from a mile away... it's still does a poor job of filtering in noisey places (ie Mall, Airport, Resturant).

I posted a mini-review of the 655 vs 510 here - (Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth Headset Reviews (Page 13)) -- forum won't let me post URL since I haven't post 10 times

Again, opinions and reports seem to vary widely on this. My callers give me good reports regarding the noise filtering in noisy environments - and I spend a LOT of time in various airports. So I wouldn't say it does a poor job at all. Obviously different folks seem to have different experiences with it, for whatever reason.

Jawbone is better
 

I had the 655 and couldnt wait to get rid of it. it was absolutly horrible at airports and noise environments. I got the jawbone and it is awsome. i can actually use my BT headset now.

Plantronics announced the 665 headset at CES. Compared to 655 the 665 has a slightly smaller housing, supposedly better noise reduction and some quick BT connect feature. its shipping in February.

The deal breaker for me and the jawbone is the multifunction button to turn on/off and answer calls. I like a separate on/off button so I can keep the headset off and turn it on when needed for an incoming call. The Jawbone takes too long to turn on and connect!

I have this on order and will be offering special pricing for BBF members. Receiving it by mid February.

Does anyone who has the Plantronics 655 have an issue with an incoming call and it taking about 5 seconds to pick up the call. I have this issue with my phone and when I have talked to plantronics about it and this was the response

The headset does not control the rate at which data is sent/received from the phone.

Yes, this may be normal.

Try answering the call on the phone, and then transfer the call to the headset by pressing the Control button on the headset.


I am hoping that there was a fix for this. Does anyone know?

Thanks