Digital Trends

Plantronics Pulsar 260 April 11th, 2007 | by Jason Tomczak

Features & Design

The Plantronics Pulsar 260 is a smartly designed stereo Bluetooth headset targeted for use with cell phones that double as MP3 players. It is roughly the size of a first-generation iPod Shuffle (the white one) and weighs less than an ounce. And although the Pulsar 260's exterior is constructed mostly of molded plastic, it looks and feels like a high quality device able to withstand the rigors of heavy daily use.

The black and silver color scheme is sexy, professional, and hip — something easily worn by soccer moms, IT geeks, and powerful execs alike.

The Pulsar 260 uses a technology called Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, or A2DP. A2DP enables users to listen to stereo music wirelessly, while at the same time allowing them to interrupt the music to take a call. Typically, users would need to use a separate Bluetooth headset for calls and dedicated headphones for their music. A2DP merges these functions into one headset. Of course, one needs to have an A2DP-capable phone to take advantage of this technology.

The controls on the Pulsar 260 are easy to master. IPod users will recognize the simple, circular layout – play/pause/mute in the center, volume up and down, and music tracks forward and reverse. On the left side of the “pendant” (the Bluetooth transceiver) is the power button. Under the clothing clip is a tiny reset button used for resolving connection problems (if they ever occur).

Before buying the Pulsar 260, it's a good idea to visit www.plantronics.com to find out if the Pulsar 260 will work properly with your Bluetooth cell phone. (The Pulsar 260 will most likely work with every Bluetooth phone on the market for phone calls, but it may not work for listening to stereo music. Not every Bluetooth phone is A2DP compliant.)

The Plantronics Pulsar 260 and Motorola RAZR