Backbeat Go Plantronics Headset

[Pic0o]

I have owned a set of Plantronics Backbeat Go bluetooth headphones for a year or so now. There is a 2nd edition of this device, but I have (and an referencing) the original model of this headset. This will be a very brief review with performance points. These work well on an Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S4.

 

Battery Life: 2.5 - 3 hours. When you hear a single bell chime while listening to audio, you have approximately 1 hour of battery left.

Range: 50+ feet? I was able to walk around my house without my phone and keep an active signal. Going into the back yard reduced the range from the mobile in the house, thanks to a solid brick wall.

Controls: Power on/off, volume control, pause / call answering.

This headset also works as a microphone. I would rate the microphone sound quality excellent, as even when driving with my windows down, anyone I spoke to reported clear dialog.

Charging: Micro B USB connection. LED shows Red when charging and Blue when finished. Blue also displays on the right earbud (also the charger insert) when the headphones are powered on.

Synchronization: Quite easy to do. The power button will double as a 'new device scan mode' toggle if you hold it down. Make sure to remove the headset from any old devices you synced too, as to avoid connection issues.

 

Ear placement: This headset uses 'stabilizers' that can keep the buds in place by going into your ear curves. I rate these moderate, as I occasionally would re-adjust them when riding around on my bicycle. Throwing a dart at usage, I would say I have put ~250 hours on this headset since I got it. I did loose one of the stabilizers, but got some replacements on ebay, as the parts are no longer available on the plantronics site.

 

Bluetooth is extremely nice in a headset. The only cable is from earbud to bud, going around the back of your neck. If you want to secure the headphones while riding a bike and such, I recommend a lanyard. I had one from an old MP3 player that works well. Be sure to adjust the slack on the back of your neck, so you have good side to side range for each earbud and you should be doing well with this headset.

 

As for the revision, it seems to come with a carrying case that charges your headphones. Both versions use a Micro B USB connection, so in my case, I have the same charger compatible with my headphones and mobile phone. You can use those external batteries to recharge your headset too. I recently got one and gave it a passing test this week. I have well gotten my use out of this ~$80 (at my time of purchase) headset and continue to use it to this day.

 

Very nice for making cell phone calls too. Granted you can hook it up to any Bluetooth enabled device you wish.

[Pic0o]

Update on these headphones from the weekend of 2014-08-01. My right earbud is actually going silent. Having been tossing these in my travel bag on work commutes, I pulled them out with a bud wrapped up at least twice.

 

Unraveling a loop this weekend, the right audio is not working, unless I fiddle with the earbud. Powering up works fine (but I only hear the startup noise in the left earbud), as does the LED on the main earbud / charger side. I am guessing the audio is on the outer run of the cable between buds.

 

Just wanted to share. I'll contact the OEM and see if they can help me out at all with these. I did enjoy them and was looking forward to more use as I walk around the city.

[Pic0o]

My RMA should be received tonight. They (Plantronics, the OEM) accepted my request without the original reciept from BestBuy. I was hyped about that. I paid about $6 to ship the part back to them for a repair, but that was it.

 

Extremely simple RMA process. Almost too simple. I opted to describe the issue by writing notes on the RMA sheet. Because it's easier to repair something when you know the symptoms of the fault.

 

I got a new headset, charger and ear bud accessories. New ones instead of old item repaired. Cool.

Edited August 15, 2014 by Pic0o
RMA completed.