Plantronics M2500

The Plantronics M2500 is a compact, multifunction Bluetooth headset that offers a simple, fast way to use the hands-free capabilities of Bluetooth phones. The silver-and-blue case will look attractive with most phones, although we could do without the large Plantronics name brand along the side. At $70, the M2500 is fairly priced.

At first glance, it looks like the M2500's earpiece is too large, but this so-called SoundGuide earphone is actually pretty comfortable. Be advised, however, that it is very important that you direct the hole in the rubber earphone toward your ear canal; switch ears without rotating the earphone, and you won't be able to hear a thing. Even properly aligned, the phone doesn't fill the ear canal, and we heard some background noise when talking on the street. However, it's a better overall fit than with the Plantronics M3500.

As on most headsets, the Plantronics controls are minimal. There is no display for caller ID or an internal menu system. A single LED indicates when the device is charging, fully charged, or ready to link up to a host phone. Use the multifunction toggle to turn the device on, adjust the volume, and activate the Mute function. Answer calls with the other volume option.