Plantronics MX500i 3-in-1 Headset

The media could not be loaded. I have a home office and sometimes spend 2-3 hours a day on the telephone. I have a Uniden cordless phone and have been using Uniden HS-915 headsets because I really like having the audio on both ears. Unfortunately, both of the Uniden headsets that I have suddenly stopped working--the microphone no longer worked. So I am searching for a decent replacement.Based on the positive reviews and low price of the MX500i, I gave it a try. First the fit. At first, it seemed like it was awkward to put on and loose on my ear, with the microphone moving away from my face. It seemed like it would fall off at any time it was so loose (but it didn't). After some fiddling, I finally figured out an adjustment that keeps it snug to my ear so that it does not flop around. (see video) This works for me, but may not work for other ear 'types'. After putting the headset on, and directing the speaker directly into the center of your ear, gently push the back of the speaker towards the back of your head to rotate it, angling the font of the speaker in your ear canal so that it is pointing forward--basically pointing the speaker into your ear canal. This small adjustment holds the headset against my head much better, keeping the headset from moving away from my cheek. It still seems comfortable and the sound quality still seems fine. Once I found this adjustment technique, the fit improved dramatically and I was much happier with the headset.The 'speaker' sound quality seems to be very good. Very clear, plenty loud enough at standard volume. With my Uniden cordless phone, I do notice some hissing when the Plantronics volume adjustment is near its highest setting. It is also there with my other headsets, but the Platronics seems to have more treble and better highs, making it a little more apparent.At first, I thought that the microphone volume was not loud enough. During tests, the microphone produced sound that could be heard, but it sounded like it needed to be a little louder on the other end of the call. I tried moving the microphone tube, but couldn't get it to stay close enough to my mouth to make the sound louder. And then I noticed the tiny microphone volume switch on the volume control. I didn't notice it previously on the instruction sheet (it is there), but there is a tiny switch on the side of the volume control that lets you switch between two microphone volume settings. Once I switched it to high, the microphone was plenty loud, and I could move the microphone tube comfortably away from my mouth without worrying about the volume being too low.As others have noted, the headset is very light, and I'm sure I will forget that I'm even wearing it, which is great.The cord is a small, soft wire, so it is not stiff or cumbersome to deal with. Another reviewer noted that his cord was 6 feet long, but mine is around 4 feet, which seems very reasonable and works fine for me.So far I'm pretty happy with it, and for the very reasonable price, would definitely recommend it over the cheap over-the-head headsets.

I purchased this headset to allow me to connect to a ATT 933 desk phone (that includes 1 2.5mm jack) as well as to use with my Laptop for applications like skype. I originally had considered other headsets and a headphone/mic "Y" adapter for the skype application but since the difference in price between the 500i and the 500c (which appears to be the same save the USB adapter) was about the same as a "Y" cable I decided to give it a shot ... I found the headset comfortable and I'm told by people on the other end of skype and landline connections that they can hear me fine. The headset has a control on the wire that allows one to mute the mic as well as control ear volume. There is also a shirt clip on the wire between the control and the headset. the headset ends in a 90 degree 2.5mm plug that attaches to the USB adapter when you use it or to your mobile or hardwired phone. The laptop I connected to is running XP professional (someday corporate will upgrade to 7) and it worked flawlessly .. in addition, connecting the headset muted the normal speakers connected by the normal headphone jack on the laptop dock. Upon experimentation I determined that this was only the case when the speakers were not in use ... if itunes is playing and the usb adapter is then attached, it continues to play. if you exit itunes and restart it ... it then plays through the headset ... I actually like this behavior. Connection to a mobile or hardwired phone is via the 2.5mm jack ... I'll need a 2.5mm to 3.5mm to make it work with my Blackberry. Overall I'm pleased with it and believe it will meet my needs well. I'll be doing some travelling in the next few weeks and will update this review with life on the road experience. The reason for the one star demerit is twofold 1)The USB adapter should have included some sort of wire management .. a piece or two of velcro ... it has two lengths of cord ... 24" or so of USB and 48" or so of headphone .. nice and long ... and easily tangled in my bag and 2) they should have included a 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter plug these retail for under $2 and cost pennies.