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Review of Plantronics M100 Bluetooth headset

In the box:

Headset
Charger
Exchangeable plugs
Neck strap
User guide

For many months I have not tested inexpensive solutions from Plantronics, which keeps on coming up with new offers. Take, for example, Plantronics M100. Read on for details.

Design and construction

Plantronics changed the package, which I noticed during the test of Voyager Pro +. I like the plastic box. It looks nice in a shop and can be used at home to store all components of the kit. The front of the headset is made of smooth and quality plastic, while at the back you get a velvet-like material. You don't have a feeling of a cheap device. The weight is 9 g and the size is 18.6 х 55 х 8.1 mm. The front of this tiny accessory now features bluish stripes to resemble a spaceship. I think some people will identify the product right even without the stripes, which merely point to the multifunctional button. It is located where the stripes go different ways.

The build is good and the back side has a nicely designed microphone with a metal grille. The huge advantage of the product is the perception of something more expensive.

How to use the headset

In the box you find a pair of well-packaged tips, which is great for people (like me), who are crazy about the hygienic part of the issue. It means that nobody has touched tips before! The ear loop is flexible and inconspicuous as well as the material. Subsequently, the headset fits well and brings only positive emotions. I think the majority of users will like it.

Interestingly, Plantronics engineers really care about customers and in the box you find a neck strap. Alternatively, you can use this strap to connect the headset to your arm (leg) when you go to sauna. The strap is shiny and beautiful and can be recommended to some people even without the headset. M100 is fixed very simply – the strap has a microUSB jack, which you have to connect to the headset and you are done. You can carry the headset with or without the ear loop.

Control

The front panel has a multifunctional button to answer and end calls, activate voice dialing, reconnect to the phone, move to the coupling mode and switch on multipoint. On the top we get a control lever, so it is always clear where to press. Another button is at the bottom and it regulates the volume control. With every press you move from minimum to maximum volume and back. It is a convenient solution and I wish other headsets featured it as well. All buttons are convenient, though the multifunctional one seemed to be not very impressive.

The light indicator on the inside is a tiny spot, which luckily doesn't reflect too much light and irritate owners.

Power

The manufacturer claims up to 6 hours of talktime and 240 hours on the standby. The standard microUSB is used in the model. The charger is not standard as you can change plugs, which is a good option in travel. You can charge from USB port of your PC as well. In real life the operation time is shorter, but you will still get 5 hours. It is good for a low cost product with its features.

Phone connection and sound quality

The headset can be connected to a couple of phones at a time and I successfully tested this option with iPhone 4 and HTC Desire. It is interesting that you get two microphones in this accessible product, DSP, wind protection, etc. Taken together these features provide good voice transmission in a car, in the street or in an office. I also liked the function of echo suppression and this headset can be easily used. You don't have to raise your voice. I liked another feature of M100 – when you connect an iPhone the screen shows the charging level, which is excellent.

Traditionally the double pressing dials the latest number, while the long press leads to the voice dialing.

Conclusions

I have nothing to add, the device is excellent! The main feature is its price of $50. For this amount you get:

good design, nice materials, the accessories in the box (drivers will appreciate a neck strap for M100)
excellent voice transmission quality even in a noisy environment
decent operation time
convenient controls, good volume control and a dedicated switch on button
two phones operation support
charger with exchangeable plugs
convenient tips and an ear loop with the tips shipped in a well-packaged bag

I couldn't find serious drawbacks and I can bravely recommend it for purchase. In the mid price range M100 is one of the best and Plantronics engineers again impressed me with their excellent craftsmanship.

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