Review: Plantronics Explorer 340/350 Bluetooth Headset

Plantronics Explorer 340/350

Plantronics Explorer 340/350

Plantronics Explorer 340/350

Plantronics Explorer 340
Weight	17g (0.6oz)
Body Size	66mm x 20.3mm (2.6" x 0.8")
Talk Time(1)	7:20
Ear Loop	Over Ear
Left/Right Ear?	Both
LEDs	1, Red and Blue
Pairings	Unspecified
Headset Sound	Excellent
Mic Sound	Good, small amount of noise reduction
Included Accessories	AC Charger, User manual
1) hh:mm. Music was piped continually through the headset in both directions, for a worse-case scenario

Today we have the Plantronics Explorer 340 for review, which is the mid range headset in the Explorer 300 series, made up of this, the Explorer 350, and the Explorer 330. Predictably, the Explorer 330 is the low-end headset in the series, while the Explorer 350 sits atop the group. The Explorer 340 and 350 share the exact same long but sleek design, the only difference being the included accessories.

The Explorer 340 is very easy on the eye. It comes in a range of colors including black and navy blue. Our test unit is a classy looking black unit. Regardless of color, the main glossy plate runs down the center of the unit, and is bordered by matte silver, with chrome accents around the button. The unit itself is quite long and slender, and while it does not have a curvy feel like many other recent headsets do, it still has a sophisticated look about it.

The accessory list for the Explorer 340 is the same as the 330. Both come with just an AC charger and the user manual. The Explorer 350 comes with a USB Charger, an in-car charging cradle, and a vehicle charging adapter, but no AC charger.

While the headset feels sturdy, the front face does creak and move around a little when lightly squeezing the unit. The silver border is quite scratch resistant, as was the glossy plate, surprisingly. The Explorer 340's measurements of 66mm x 20.3mm (2.6" x 0.8") do not give a true indication of its shape, as the front end of the unit tapers away to be under 10mm wide at the end. The Explorer 340 tips the scales at a fairly orthodox 17g (0.6oz).

The Explorer 340 is controlled by only one multifunction button (MFB). This is the only button on the unit, but it also acts as a rocker for volume control. This button was one of our favorite features of the Plantronics Explorer 340. The button is easy to press, gives good feedback without having to apply too much pressure, and using the rocker functionality also proved a simple and enjoyable experience.

Controlling the headset is quite an easy task, owing to the fact there is only one button. Holding the MFB for two seconds will power up the headset, and this is accompanied by a blue flash of the LED and an audible beep. To power the Explorer 340 down, hold the MFB for three seconds, or until the LED flashes red, and a lower pitch beep is heard. The MFB is used for all call control and is quite simple. A tap of the MFB will answer an incoming call, or end an active call. A two-second hold of the MFB will reject an incoming call, or activate the phone for voice dialing. The rocker switch controls the volume, where pushing it forward will turn the volume down, and pushing it back will increase the volume.

 

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