[packetknife]

I keep reading about this 'delay' with the Plantronics 655. And in the recent BB 655 posts they refer to the clever advertising RIM has done about their 'optimized' 655.

What is this delay? I see some people refer to the 'hello' delay...

Do people have difference experiences based on the 'batch' of 655s? Why would Plantronics not have the same firmware across models? Could they have that much higher a hope for the BB branded one?

It seems like an awful premium to pay unless there are some clear (more than advertisement) assurances that something other than the 'logo' has changed. -Pk

[Phone Guy]

BB obviously has some great marketing. Usually this type of thing is for folks who want everything the same brand I think. It's kind of like Jaguar...it's still a Ford, just with a pretty face.

[calancaster]

Based on the specifications I've read for both devices, there is no difference in the Plantronics 655 and the BB HS-655. Adding a BB logo does not make it a better funtioning headset. The "Optimized for BackBerry" is purely a marketing ploy. Yes, it would be "nice" to have a BB branded headset, but if I can get the Plantronics version for $69.99 with the EXACT same specifications (from Amazon.com), why would I pay $139.99 for a BB branded model? But I guess the folks at RIM are counting on people to WANT the BB branded version regardless of what it will cost.

[ajay]

I think there is a difference. If you read Plantronics ads for the Discovery 655, it states clearly that it does not work well with BLackberry devices (no exceptions by model). The delay (probably in pairing) is very noticeable. From what I've been reading from folks who have (or have had a chance to play with) the HS 655, the delay is gone. That's the "enhancement" of the 655 for Blackberry.

We all have a choice. You can pay less for a Discovery 655 and live with a second or two of audio delay when first initiating contact or you can spend a little more and have (from what I read), no delay with the HS 655.

Different strokes as they say.

[packetknife]

Originally Posted by ajay

I think there is a difference. If you read Plantronics ads for the Discovery 655, it states clearly that it does not work well with BLackberry devices (no exceptions by model).

I've seen two people say this now and have not been able to find the Plantronics ad you're referring too. Can you provide a URL please? -Pk

[tosa68]

I have the Plantronics 655 that I've used for 7100g and now 7130c. While published specs may be the same between that and the BB HS-655, the key difference (whether specs published or not) is that the Plantronics has a 2-3 second delay when answering, whereas the "optimized" HS-655 does not have that delay (so others say). There's a difference somewhere.

With my Plantronics 655, I too have the delay when answering. To be clear, the headset is powered on & connected to BB. When I receive a call, I hear tones in the headset as well as my BB ring. When I answer (either via headset or via BB), the phone connection is established, but the audio link to the headset takes 2-3 seconds (even though the call rang via the headset also). It's annoying, but I know to wait after answering until I hear a couple of tones from the 655.

[ajay]

Packetknife: Just Google the "Plantronics Discovery 655". Just taken from the blueheadset ad re the Discovery:

Compatibility Note: Users of the following devices purchase this headset at their own risk due to poor compatibility: All Treo devices, Blackberry devices, Audiovox PDA's, HTC, and T-Mobile MDA's. As other devices become known to us we will list them. This headset does not work with the 'Voice Command' feature or 'voice dialing' found in certain devices.

[mark0341]

Plantronics )) The World Leader in Communications Headsets BlackBerry

[mortys11]

sold my new Plantronics 655 and got the bb 655

there is no delay but you dont get the aaa battery charger accesory.

[BBMatt007]

hello:

I too have bought the Plantronics 655 thinking I got a good deal and saved $. It seems to work o.k., but I have noticed a lag in between the phone ringing and being able to hear through the headset. My biggest gripe though is that I haven't been able to get it work with voice dialing. The BB itself works with voice dialing but not with the headset.

so....do I need to eat the 655 and get the BB HS 655 or would that be just falling for a marketing ploy and essentially being taken?

thanks!!

Matt

[faisal]

Originally Posted by BBMatt007

hello:

I too have bought the Plantronics 655 thinking I got a good deal and saved $. It seems to work o.k., but I have noticed a lag in between the phone ringing and being able to hear through the headset. My biggest gripe though is that I haven't been able to get it work with voice dialing. The BB itself works with voice dialing but not with the headset.

so....do I need to eat the 655 and get the BB HS 655 or would that be just falling for a marketing ploy and essentially being taken?

thanks!!

Matt

What did you do?