Plantronics Discovery 640 Bluetooth headset
Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc. Part number: 68400-01
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Plantronics Discovery 640 is a well-performing Bluetooth headset that offers first-class usability.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | In stock Get free shipping on orders over $25! | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/23/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Plantronics Discovery 640 Bluetooth headset price range: $69.99
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 09/16/2005
The good: Great audio quality; multiple charging options; compact design; secure fit.
The bad: Uncomfortable ear hook; smallish controls; not compatible with all phone chargers.
The bottom line: The Plantronics Discovery 640 is a well-performing Bluetooth headset that offers first-class usability.
The cylinder-shaped headset itself is relatively small, measuring just 2 inches long and weighing 0.3 ounce. The compact size and the absence of a boom mic make for a subtle style, and we liked the simple silver-and-black color scheme. Like the Tekkeon EzTalker Mini, the Discovery 640 fits directly in either ear via a rubberized ear gel and can be worn with or without the ear hook. The headset slips on and off with ease, and you get three sizes of ear gels, so you should get a comfortable and secure fit in almost any ear. In fact, the fit was so secure that we preferred not using the stiff, uncomfortable ear hook at all.
Controls on the Discovery 640 consist of a volume rocker/mute button and a call-control button, which you use to place and end calls, power the headset on, and ready it for pairing. Though rather small due to the headset's size, the controls were easy to find and manipulate during a call. The Discovery 640 also has a ring-shaped LED light that flashes during charging and when the headset is in use.
Now on to the 640's main attraction: the collection of mysterious silver tubes. The first tube functions not just as a charging base but also as a carrying case. To power the headset, you slip it inside the base and attach the compact wall charger to the bottom. Though we normally don't like headsets that need a charging base, the whole setup is so small that we didn't mind at all this time. As a carrying case, it also comes with a clip for attaching to a pocket or a belt. Be warned, however, that the headset does not snap in to the case very securely. When turned upside down, it fell out of the case more than once.
Plantronics wisely included two other charging options with the road warrior and the commuter in mind. First, if your battery is low and you're away from a wall charger, you can charge the headset with a AAA battery. The battery fits into a cylindrical holder that attaches to the end of the charging base. When attached, the two parts are no bigger than a Magic Marker, so you can easily stash it in a front shirt pocket. A battery comes in the box, and Plantronics promises that one battery will charge the headset two full times. Lest you think that's all, the 640 has one more charging option. Taking advantage of the fact that travelers will already be carrying around their phone charger, Plantronics provides four adapters that can mate with chargers from most Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Siemens, and Motorola phones (other models are not supported at this time). Like the battery tube, the adapters plug in to the bottom of the carrying case. And because they're less than an inch long, they barely take up any room. There's also no reason to worry about how to carry around the entire headset kit; nearly all the parts aside from the wall charger fit into an attractive brushed-silver case.
We tested the Plantronics Discovery 640 with the Sony Ericsson S710a. The pairing process was easy to understand, and we were up and running after only one attempt. Audio quality was very good, with plenty of volume and little static. Voices occasionally sounded a bit hollow, but callers said they could hear us quite clearly. In fact, one caller said he noticed an improvement over a wired headset. In windy conditions, call quality diminished somewhat, but it was nothing we couldn't stand. Call features include last-number redial and voice dialing. The 640 has a rated talk time of 5 hours with the normal charger and up to 15 hours using the AAA battery. The rated standby time is slightly less than three days.
User reviews
-
-
Great! but two short falls...
by MiWolverine96 on October 14, 2005
Pros: SIZE! feel, battery & options.
Cons: distance/range & outside.
Summary: in short its good, okay. here's what they aren't telling u...
i have a ppc-6700 paired(1.2 BT onboard). problems: 1) in wi-fi areas i get some ...Summary: in short its good, okay. here's what they aren't telling u...
i have a ppc-6700 paired(1.2 BT onboard). problems: 1) in wi-fi areas i get some crackling when im close to an access point. it starts to crackle if u get close to 10 feet away from my phone. 2) outside people can hear more then me...im still clear as a bell, but meduim wind, or traffic is heard when i am speaking & when i am not speaking. in the office/home envirnment(GREAT). in the car windows up(GREAT).
summary:only short falls are outside & too close to an access point. im keeping it because i can wear it all day and not even know its on until it rings(redesigned jells, nothing jabra).77 out of 83 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great-sounding bluetooth headset
by krugorg on October 3, 2005
Pros: Small, light, good sound quality
Cons: Carrying case is not useful
Summary: I purchased the 640 to replace my Bluespoon AX. The size and functionality of the AX was great, but it kept breaking on me (went through 2 of them in ...
Summary: I purchased the 640 to replace my Bluespoon AX. The size and functionality of the AX was great, but it kept breaking on me (went through 2 of them in 6 months).
The Discovery is a little larger than the AX, but is more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. I am using the gel ear piece without the included loop. Sound quality is great and people do not realize than I am on a headset. Receiving sound quality is good, but a little more tinny sounding than my Plantronics Voyager 510.
The included accessories are neat, but I wish they would have included a functional travel case. The included case has spots for everything you don't need when on the road (other sized ear gels and charging adapters for different cell chargers), but does not have room for the charger itself.61 out of 64 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great Choice for my first BT Headset
by aus6321 on October 5, 2005
Pros: Light, Comfortable, Versatile, Small, Clear Sound
Cons: earpiece makes it hard to carry if not in your ear
Summary: This is my first bluetooth headset. I had been using a wired-over the head headset because they feel more secure. I have shyed away from in-the-ear headsets because I had ...
Summary: This is my first bluetooth headset. I had been using a wired-over the head headset because they feel more secure. I have shyed away from in-the-ear headsets because I had yet to find one that stayed put. However, the three earpieces provided by Plantronics makes sure you will find a good fit. An ear loop is provided but unless you are going to be talking while jogging, you probably won't need it.
I have a Motorola E815. Connection between the phone was very easy. A couple of key strokes on the phone and a press of a button on the headset and I was talking away like a pro. My first conversation was 2 hours long and the headset worked like a champ all through out.
When the phone was close to the headset, sound clarity was great. However, move maybe 10 feet away and you start hearing clicks in the backgroud - almost like someone clapping from another room.
The various adapters for use with your particular cell phone's AC charger is nice . This is good for saving the bulk of an extra AC adpater when travelling - just remember to bring the right jig. However, Plantronics does provide you with their own AC charger as well. For portable charging, you can attach a battery powered charger that will will make the whole contraption look like a rather large pen.
The only slight negative I see is transportability. The case is sleek and cool (literally) and I just noticed there is a mirror on the backside. However, I like to travel light and want only the headset and earpiece when I'm not travelling. The headset itself goes into a nice holster that doubles as the charging base, however, there's not real place to put the earpiece. Being soft rubber, it gathers a lot of lint while in my pocket.
Overall, great headset. I hope the reliability is just as good.47 out of 47 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best Headset i've had yet!!
by crburket on October 6, 2005
Pros: Size, Comfort, Multiple Charging Options, Appearance
Cons: I'm thinking, I'm thinking.... ahh, Holster design lacking in ************ and protection of heaset
Summary: Ingenious design... Terrific performance with my Palmone Treo 650... Holster terrifically functional for charging capabilities and vibration; could be better designed for protection and carrying of the headset. All in ...
Summary: Ingenious design... Terrific performance with my Palmone Treo 650... Holster terrifically functional for charging capabilities and vibration; could be better designed for protection and carrying of the headset. All in all, best one I've had so far..
Owned and tried Jabra Freespeaks (multiple versions), Cardo Scala, Sony-Ericcson (multiple)... First Plantronics.. and has to be there flagship model... Great headset...21 out of 23 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Wear glasses?? Well you've just found your Bluetooth headset
by Bignewyorican on November 10, 2005
Pros: No earpiece - hangers needed. Lightweight - great reception.
Cons: Very sensitive, Picks up everything when you are not talking, therefore don't go to a library to hold a conversation.
Summary: WOW... I just divorced my Jabra BT 250v.. My glasses and the jabra (the entire earpiece unit) were not getting along.. and then came this wonderful, sleek, lightweight Plantronics 640. ...
Summary: WOW... I just divorced my Jabra BT 250v.. My glasses and the jabra (the entire earpiece unit) were not getting along.. and then came this wonderful, sleek, lightweight Plantronics 640. I am not one to leave a long lasting relationship, but this tiny earpiece that fits in my ear (medium gel) was calling to me.
I really enjoy having this headset. You wear it and forget it - except when someone is literally there talking to you, because the earpiece is in your ear, you lose the ablility to hear clearly - there's a gel earpiece in your ear!.
The carrying case - storage unit.. Hmmm it's okay. Since I have my headset on all the time, I really don't use it much. I do carry the earpiece holder and the small - AAA - charger. Combined together makes the charging pen - unit.
The Plantronics 640 is Great for normal conversations - Average dbs. Don't try to whisper with it, since it is so sensitive...it will pick up the background noise as well and wash you out, But what unit doesn't?16 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Great sound, problems w/ usage
by opr8or on December 21, 2005
Pros: Very light, lots of features
Cons: Charger is clunky, kept losing pairing, eargels a bit odd
Summary: I did a lot of research before picking this unit. I really looked forward to getting it. But off the bat a few issues: the charger is wierd, and the ...
Summary: I did a lot of research before picking this unit. I really looked forward to getting it. But off the bat a few issues: the charger is wierd, and the earpiece did not fit well in it, so it kept losing contact w/ the charging contacts and stopped charging. I eventually had to wedge the earpiece into the charging holster with a book.
Then, every time (and I mean every time) I shut off the earpiece and then turned it on again, it would lose pairing with my Sony Ericsson T617. My old Sony Ericsson bluetooth headset would never do that...
So, after about two weeks of struggling with it I returned it.
Too bad, because when it did work it sounded great and was very comfortable due to the weight. I did have some trouble getting the eargels oriented the right way in my ear so I was never sure if I was using it the best way.15 out of 16 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
a good step forward but more work needed
by pwfb on October 24, 2005
Pros: size, weight and no need for an ear clip
Cons: ear gels don't fit all ears and no mini usb charger adapter
Summary: Wearing eye glasses makes it touch to use an headset/earpiece with an ear clip. As a result this unit appealed to me and overall I am glad that I ...
Summary: Wearing eye glasses makes it touch to use an headset/earpiece with an ear clip. As a result this unit appealed to me and overall I am glad that I got it. That said I can't get any of the ear gels to keep this in my ear and though it comes with many charging adapters, none for mini usb.
11 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Best BT Headset
by didalucci on October 10, 2005
Pros: Great sound, small form factor and array of attachments
Cons: Buttons are somewhat small and the unit is a bit pricey
Summary: I've used several BT headsets and the Plantronics Discovery is the best. It works very well with my Samsung i730. I was using the Motorola HS850, but its performance ...
Summary: I've used several BT headsets and the Plantronics Discovery is the best. It works very well with my Samsung i730. I was using the Motorola HS850, but its performance is slightly above average. The sound performance of the Plantronics is very clear. The headset fits very comfortably in my ear. The ear-gel design helps eliminate some ambient noise. The form factor is simple and discreet. The Plantronics Discovery is almost perfect!
8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
MOTOROLA KILLER!
by tasop on January 7, 2006
Pros: Comfy, light, good clarity and volume.
Cons: Attachments are not as tough as they look, finicky charging process.
Summary: This is one product that does what it should. WORK! Good clarity and volume even in a noisy environment, great design and so comfortable you will not even notice your ...
Summary: This is one product that does what it should. WORK! Good clarity and volume even in a noisy environment, great design and so comfortable you will not even notice your wearing it after a minute or two. I just wish all of the attachments and the unit were also made out of stainless steel just like the georgeous case is. On the fly battery charger, thats cool. Wish it also came with a mini usb adapter for new motorola's and blackberry's. If your careful with this produce due to its delicate design, this could be a real winner for you.
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
THE ONLY ONE FOR TREO 650!!!!!
by MRCOLEM on October 31, 2005
Pros: Beyond comfortable fit !! Excellent sound quality!!!
Cons: Not very durable gel earbuds will break if not careful.
Summary: I have owned several Jabra headsets (see my other reviews) with my Treo 650 and not a one has given me the performance and sound quality I am getting from ...
Summary: I have owned several Jabra headsets (see my other reviews) with my Treo 650 and not a one has given me the performance and sound quality I am getting from this little device. I have absolutely no sound problems and it is clear as a bell on both ends. If you are a Treo 650 owner you will know it is VERY hard to find a headset that will work well with your phone but this is the one it even works in a hospital. It is pricey but I asure you it is worth it!!! However, a bit of a con is that the eargels are very fragile they will break if you are not extremely careful with the insertion and removal of them. The carying device offers no protection for the eargel part but ultimately this is an awsome headset!!!
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Plantronics, Inc.
- Part number: 68400-01
- Description: Enjoy simplified mobility with the ultimate Bluetooth headset - the Plantronics Discovery 640. With an innovative pocket charger that gives you up to 15 hours of talk time, you stay connected like never before. Combining cutting-edge technology and a sleek, ultra-light design, Discovery sets the standard in style, comfort and convenience.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Weight 0.4 oz
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Volume control,
Mute button Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Ear-bud
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
Microphone
- Type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Omni-directional
Power
- Battery Standard battery - AAA type
- Run Time (Up To) 5 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 2 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 2 years
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Plantronics, Inc. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Plantronics, Inc.
- Address:
345 Encinal Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060 - Phone: 1-831-426-5858
- Fax: 831-426-6098
