I might have a bluetooth curse on me

[Barb]

A BAD one.

I've been using versions of the Plantronics Voyager Pro (VP) for years (most recently the Voyager Pro for about 18 months) with no problems. I got my GS3, and the VP paired right away, connected, was clear as a bell - GREAT! For about two weeks. After that, I could hear callers very well, but some could barely hear me - enough to warrant using the speaker (I dread using the speaker).

I couldn't find anything at the Plantronics or Samsung sites. I googled the problem, and while my specific problem is not an unknown issue, it seems the GS3 has perhaps not been out long enough to have established a useful pool of information.

That's not to say I couldn't find ANY info - I did. I followed a ridiculous array of rituals, and hit on one that seemed to work for several days - just long enough for me to think problem-solved... about twenty minutes before it once again went kerflooey (not a technical term). I re-perform the ritual, things work again, but not for long and now sometimes not at all.

The ritual: Turned off the phone and the VP. Took the battery out of the phone for an hour or so. Put the phone back together, turned on both devices, they were already paired, I connected them, and viola!

Thanks in advance to anyone who might be able/willing to help me!

(Might this be better threaded in another forum?)

(Is taking the battery out of the phone what's called a "battery pull"?)

[rocer]

Do you have any other bluetooth devices to try using. Just to see if it's an issue with your S3 or the Plantronics earpiece.

[Barb]

Yep. A Verizon Plantronics Marque M155 (standard).

So far so good with this model. Well, I did have a scare when my mother-in-law couldn't hear me, but so far she's the only one so I'm chalking that up to her hearing aid (a well-known issue - pun intended!).

I just bought a Jabra Clipper to use while I'm doing yard work. It's on the charger now, so I should be able to test that soon.

The really goofy twist in all of this nonsense is that once I tickle everything into place, I need to actually call someone to see if they can hear me! I'm trying to remember a few voice-menu driven places to call. HA!

Thanks for your interest, and your suggestion, rocer - I appreciate it!

[furbearingmammal]

If you don't mind shelling out $40, I've had such amazingly good results with Jawbone products I basically refuse to use any other Bluetooth products at this point.

Jawbone ERA Midnight Bluetooth Headset with HD Audio, NoiseAssassin 3.0 | eBay

This is a refurbished Era (Midnight color/style), which is their latest headset, and uses the latest version of their "Noise Assassin" military-grade noise-cancelling technology. I'm using the last generation Jawbone ICON and had a Jawbone 2, both of which I've loved (though the earpiece on my current one isn't as comfortable as my first one) for their clarity, battery life, and features. I've put both models through the wringer and they've come out champs. Noise cancellation is beyond excellent, and it takes a pretty stiff breeze for any wind-rush to enter the conversation on either model. The noise-conduction rubber thingie (I can't think of the name they gave it) is wonderful if you can get it to touch your face -- and I'm unsure of any competitors that offer a similar feature. Considering the Era retails for $120ish, $40 delivered is a steal. It may not be compatible with S-Voice, is the only issue. Mine isn't, and that's a drawback, but it's one I've accepted so far. I'm hoping the imminent update to JellyBean will fix it.

[Barb]

If you don't mind shelling out $40, I've had such amazingly good results with Jawbone products I basically refuse to use any other Bluetooth products at this point.

Jawbone ERA Midnight Bluetooth Headset with HD Audio, NoiseAssassin 3.0 | eBay

THANK you for this suggestion, furbearingmammal. Now that I've found my back-up BT, and don't feel like I'm flying without a net, I've had some quality time to double back on a few projects; and want to give you props for your reply.

PROPS FOR YOUR REPLY, FURBEARINGMAMMAL!

I've had so few issues with my Plantronics items, brand loyalty kicked in without my having thought about it. I'm pleased to have the reminder to take a second look!

[furbearingmammal]

If we never took second looks we'd never cook a decent meal out of a cookbook.