Plantronics Offers a Bluetooth Headset Shopping Guide for Consumers SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Bluetooth(R) enabled audio headsets -- which allow mobile phone users to talk hands-free -- are sure to be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. Today's Bluetooth headsets are stylish, simple to use and offer the ease of effortless hands-free communications where ever you go. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061205/NYFNSC11 ) With a Bluetooth headset, you can shop or stroll through the mall, cook a feast, trim the tree, get ready for a holiday party or drive to Grandma's house -- all while talking hands-free -- on your Bluetooth enabled phone. And you can even look good doing it. Design pioneers have turned headset technology into fashion accessories -- emphasizing fun, fashion, glitz and glamour. It's this combination of form-and-function, style-and-substance that proves Bluetooth headsets go way beyond trendy technology; they make life easier in many ways, particularly during the busy holiday season. And there's another reason to consider a Bluetooth headset: more cell phone users are going hands free (by choice or by law) requiring consumers to balance their communication needs with phone safety. With over 50 percent of today's mobile phones featuring Bluetooth capabilities, headsets are a cool -- and practical -- gift choice this holiday season. Bluetooth enabled headsets even let you listen to music wirelessly, or use the latest Internet calling services without being 'tethered' to your computer. And with prices ranging from $50 to $250, it's easy to find the right gift to fit your budget. With all of these benefits in mind, a Bluetooth headset is a perfect gift for the people on your holiday shopping list. (And hey, nobody said that you couldn't buy yourself one, too.) Leading Bluetooth headset maker Plantronics has some shopping ideas for you. How to Shop for a Bluetooth Headset: There are so many Bluetooth headset options -- what sets them apart? Bluetooth Basics: * What is Bluetooth? -- Bluetooth wireless technology is a short-range radio frequency that provides a way to connect and exchange information, sound and voice between devices. It is intended to replace cables that connect devices while maintaining clear and consistent transmission. * How does Bluetooth work? -- Bluetooth enabled devices can communicate with each other up to 33-feet away. Because Bluetooth is a radio frequency, the devices do not have to be within direct sight of each other, and can even be in other rooms. * What does Bluetooth work with? -- Bluetooth wireless technology is compatible with products such as smart phones, mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras and video game consoles, among many others. -- Plantronics offers an easy-to-use online pairing guide to help users pair their phones with Plantronics Bluetooth headsets: http://www.plantronics.com/EasyToPair * How do you wear a Bluetooth headset? -- Most Bluetooth headsets are very small and come in a variety of wearing styles to accommodate personal preferences. Whether a consumer wants a headset that fits underneath, behind or directly in the ear, Plantronics offers a design to match their style. All of the headsets are comfortable to wear and can easily be slipped on and off. Bluetooth Buying Guide: * The first-time Bluetooth user: -- For new Bluetooth adopters, the Plantronics Explorer(TM) 330 headset is the perfect gift. The affordable and lightweight headset fuses Bluetooth technology with easy-to-use call control for an effortless hands-free experience. The headset incorporates all call features -- volume, answer/end call, last-number redial, and voice-activated dialing -- into one button. * The on-the-go individual: -- Designed for performance and style, the super-light Plantronics Discovery(TM) 655 headset is equipped with the latest in audio technology to reduce noise levels for clear-as-a-bell conversations. An innovative AAA battery charging system allows for up to ten hours of talk time. * The music lover: -- For those looking for a quality headset to complement their Bluetooth-enabled music phone, the Plantronics Pulsar(TM) 590E headset is the ideal choice. Users can seamlessly switch between wireless music and phone conversations, never missing a call. The headset offers high fidelity stereo sound and a retractable voice tube for clear conversations. * The power user: -- For users who want one headset to use with multiple Bluetooth devices, the Plantronics .Audio(TM) 910 is the perfect gift. The all-purpose headset can be used with both your PC based softphone and cell phone. The .Audio 910 offers plug-and-play wireless connectivity for Internet calling and multipoint technology to let users switch between Internet calls and mobile phones. The .Audio 910 improves the audio quality on incoming and outgoing calls with a noise-canceling microphone with WindSmart(R) Technology. To learn more about Plantronics Bluetooth headsets, please visit: http://www.plantronics.com/. About Plantronics In 1969, a Plantronics headset carried the historic first words from the moon: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Since then, Plantronics has become the headset of choice for mission-critical applications such as air traffic control, 911 dispatch, and the New York Stock Exchange. Today, this history of Sound Innovation(TM) is the basis for every product we build for the office, contact center, personal mobile, entertainment and residential markets. The Plantronics family of brands includes Plantronics, Altec Lansing, Clarity, and Volume Logic. For more information, go to http://www.plantronics.com/ or call (800) 544-4660. Altec Lansing, .Audio, Clarity, Plantronics, Plantronics Discovery, Plantronics Explorer, Pulsar, Sound Innovation, Volume Logic and WindSmart are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth(R) word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Plantronics, Inc. is under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Contact: Jennifer Shanks Plantronics, Inc. 831-458-7084 Kim Fleischman The Hoffman Agency 303-327-5480 http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20061205/NYFNSC11 http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Plantronics CONTACT: Jennifer Shanks of Plantronics, Inc., +1-831-458-7084, ; or Kim Fleischman of The Hoffman Agency, +1-303-327-5480, Web site: http://www.plantronics.com/ http://www.plantronics.com/EasyToPair

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