This multipoint technology extends the range and capabilities of its users to provide greater mobile freedom and enables stereo music listening from their laptop, cell phone or AV equipment up to 30 feet away. Plantronics says the Pulsar 590A provides up to 12 hours of talk time and 10 hours of listening time.
The Universal Adapter included with the Pulsar 590A can plug directly into your 3.5mm jack on any audio devices. This means any device – your laptop, home stereo, Playstation, Gameboy, portable DVD player, etc – can enjoy the benefits of wireless stereo. In contrast, the Motorola HT820/DC800 needed stereo RCA jacks and power – somewhat rare on a PC or laptop, and definitely a hassle when you want to connect something quickly.
Pulsar 590A Features:
- High fidelity stereo sound, superior audio performance
- Freedom to roam up to 33 feet from your Bluetooth device
- Works with multiple Bluetooth devices: seamlessly switch between calls and music with multipoint technology
- Up to 12 hours talk time and up to 10 hours audio listening time
- Telescoping voice tube for clear calls
- Foldable headset design for convenient travel and compact storage
- Adjustable headband and pivoting pillow-soft ear cushions for superior fit and wearing comfort
- Dedicated buttons allow call and music control functions directly from the headset
- Convenient desktop charging stand to charge and store your headset
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion Polymer
- Headset Speakers 28mm Neodymium
- Speaker Frequency Response:
o Telephony/Microphone 300 Hz to 3600 HZ
o Stereo Audio 20 Hz to 20 kHz (16-bit 48kHz)
- Headset Weight: 3.45 ounces (97.7 grams)
- Universal Adapter Weight: 1 ounce (28.4 grams)
The Plantronics Pulsar 590A headset natively supports the Bluetooth Audio Distribution Profile for wireless stereo listening. The (A2DP) Advanced Audio Distribution Profile in Bluetooth specifies the protocols and procedures that define the distribution of high quality audio content, in either mono or stereo on ACL (Asynchronous Connectionless link) channels. Devices that do not support the A2DP profile must use the included Plantronics universal adapter. Since most devices and PC adapters don’t natively support this profile, having an included adapter makes a huge difference in the performance of this headset and with your wallet.
The Plantronics Pulsar 590A has the look and feel of a high-end quality audio device. The weight is solid, but not too heavy sitting on your head. Even though the cushioned drivers seem a bit thin, the headset is comfortable to wear during long periods.
Out of the box, it takes about 3 hours to initially charge the headset. A great feature that Plantronics has included is the multiple ways you can charge the Pulsar depending on your location or mood. First up, Plantronics includes a standard AC adapter that you can plug directly into the headset to charge. The adapter is the same that is used to charge some of their other Bluetooth headsets such as the Discovery 640. Also included is a very cool looking Desktop Charging Stand that you can store and charge your headset. You can ideally place this charger next to your computer or favorite AV device to charge the headset once you are finished using the set. Lastly, Plantronics includes a USB charging cable that is lightweight to allow you to charge the Pulsar 590A and the Universal Adaptor from your PC or laptop. All of these different powering options make using the Pulsar 590A headset very convenient for home, work, or during travel.
Using the Pulsar 590A with a Mobile Phone
Pairing the Pulsar 590A with your mobile phone was a breeze. Range of use on the Plantronics is very good. When using the Pulsar 590A for cell phone use exclusively, you should be able to go the entire day under one charge and even for most of the next day before an audible beep in the headset would warn you of a low battery. The talk-time/standby-time for this headset easily compares to the Motorola HT820. In fact, the Plantronics headset is better because there is a visual status indicator of battery life versus audio only.
Using the headset with an AV System
It is incredibly easy to hook up the 3.5" stereo jack to an AV receiver and get in your own wireless world. The volume on the headset is very good and the stereo sound is superior . If you are an audiophile, you will appreciate hearing your CDs and DVD Audio using the Plantronics set.
Using the Pulsar 590A with a Bluetooth-Enabled Computer
The pairing with Belkin F8T012 PC Adapter results in being able to hear music played using iTunes or Windows Media Player in "cell phone" quality sound. Sound basically borders on being "mono" quality.
For voice conversation over the Internet using Skype, the Plantronics Pulsar in conjunction with a Belkin PC Adapter performs flawlessly.
Using the Plantronics Pulsar 590A to listen to music in the office, computer lab, or while traveling is sweet since Plantronics has given the user everything they need to connect and communicate with any device out there. The Universal Adapter is worth its weight in gold. Being small and rechargeable the Adapter goes wherever you need it to go to interface with whatever device you need. Even though the headset had limited (i.e. Non-stereo) Bluetooth connectivity with Bluetooth-ready PCs, the Pulsar 590A works great for Internet chats and Internet telephony.
The Pulsar 590A switches between phone calls from your Bluetooth mobile phone and other audio devices you might have with no difficulty at all. You’ll never miss a call when listening wirelessly to your favorite music, movie, or video game. Plantronics includes a ton of accessories as well including a desktop charger and case that the 690A can fold up and fit into.
