Plantronics and GN Netcom Wired and Wireless Headset Experts

The Plantronics CS50 - Still Going Strong

2010-07-29T11:07:00.001-07:00

The Plantronics CS50 wireless headset was the first wireless headset introduced into the market by Plantronics.

Similar to the newer CS55 model, it was and still is a reliable unit that produces clear sound both ways.

With a range of 300ft, this unit surpassed range output of newer models and remains the unit of choice when range takes precendent. This unit continues to be one of the most popular sellers because of this fact. Still boasting 8 hrs of impressive talk time, clear sound and range, many users opt to keep this the unit of choice.

Newer units such as the CS55, CS70N, CS351N and the CS361N only produce a real life range of 60-100ft. If range is not an issue, we recommend choosing one of these models.

The just released 2010 Plantronics Savi line can produce approximate real life range of 200ft, but are more expensive as they target users who want wireless voice with a desk phone and a PC.

As an aside, the Plantronics CS50 is still being produced factory fresh, however Plantronics does not list it on their web site as they wish to push users to newer models. However, given the weakness in range of the newer models, they keep the CS50 on hand to address the needs of users.

The CS50 never fails to impress its users and remains a strong option when considering a wireless headset.

Click for more information on the Plantronics CS50

Does my headset come with a connector?

2010-06-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

Most people looking for home use headsets can usually find headsets that connect to the phone if their phone has a 2.5mm connection or the "little round jack".

These headsets are cheaper, but produce less quality sound and are adequate for home use. I fyou don't have a headset jack, you may need to buy an amplifier/headset system.

Users buying for commercial phones can buy a variety of headsets but must determine what type of connection is required. Because there are many different types of phones, headset manufacturers cannot make one headset that fits all.

To determine which headset is right for you, you must either call for assistance of check the compatibility guide if available on the retailers web site.

GN Netcom supplies what is called a smart cord that connects with any phone and can be bought with some confidence it will work, however they do recommend the amplifier be deployed for optimum performance. Plantronics requires you to identify the specific make and model of phone in order to discover the exact end connector sometimes resulting in a low cost solution.

Whatever you buy, take a few minutes to check the compatibility guide or call for help first, it will save you time, money and frustration in end. Visit www.telecomsuperstore.com for help

Make sure the retailer and manufacturer provide good support before you buy.

2010-06-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

Buying a headset is not as easy as it may seem. Ensuring it will work correctly with your phone system to your specific needs is they key to success. Headsets can make your life easier and more productive and should last years.

Our advice is to do it right the first time, to save you countless headaches down the road.

Things to consider before you buy a headset:

1. Make sure the retailer knows headsets. Buying a headset from a company that doesn't know what they are doing, already puts you in a deep hole. Right off the bat you don't even know if you're going to get the right solution. You might save a little money but is it worth it?

2. Does the retailer supply parts? I've talked to many people who have bought headsets but get absolutely no support in trouble shooting or in spare parts or accessories. Good stores supply all supporting products and know which ones to recommend. This will save you countless time and frustration in figuring things out later on down the road.

3. Buy online. You may wonder about this one, but buying online is often cheaper then a retail store, selection is greater and you get permanent records/invoices should problems happen later, even years later. Your file can be easily looked up to help trouble shoot, find support or get warranty replacements fast.

4. Buy from a reputable manufacturer. Generic brands exist for less money, but don't often work as well and for reasons 2 and 3 above, is not always a good idea. Good manufacturers supply replacement parts and have good service/warranty procedures in place. Less known manufacturers or generic ones from say overseas offer no support after the sale is made and is not worth the hassle.

We've been in the headset business for awhile now and provide an honest service with the customer in mind. Buyers need to know who to trust and often remain suspicious (as they should be), but take our word, we'll do out best to help and provide all the support and expertise you need.

For more information visit www.telecomsuperstore.com

Plantronics Headset

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

Plantronics (NYSE: PLT) is the world’s leading designer and marketer of headset products for a wide variety of communications devices. In fact, the first words spoken from the moon were through a Plantronics headset in 1969. Besides space exploration, Plantronics headsets have been deployed in many Fortune 500 corporations. Plantronics offers mobile headsets, computer audio headset products and wired and wireless headsets and systems for office and contact center use.

Let’s look at some of the popular Plantronics headsets and their features:

Plantronics Discovery 975: The Discovery 975 has a striking minimalist design and one-touch controls. The Dual-mic AudioIQ² technology cancels background noise and enhances audio clarity. WindSmart technology provides triple protection against wind noise. The headset fits comfortably and has up to five hours of talk time and one hour of standby. It uses a QuickPair technology for seamless pairing with any Bluetooth enabled phone.
Plantronics Voyager PRO Bluetooth Headset: The Voyafer PRO headset is equipped with two noise cancelling mikes, AudioIQ² technology, and a pivoting mike boom. Automatic prompting for alert battery and mute status and triple protection against wind noise.
Plantronics Explorer 390: The Explorer 390 has noise reduction features like wind and echo reduction. It pairs easily with other Bluetooth enabled phones and has a lightweight design.

All Plantronics headsets and audio devices are equipped with Sound GuardPlus technology to reduce interference and transient pops. Plantronics Call Clarity system uses noise reduction techniques to process electronic signals to produce clarity in sound and reduce background noise.

On Choosing Plantronics Headsets
A headset can be an investment in the long run. To choose the best headset for you and your workplace, consider these following factors:

Extent of background noise
Protection against sudden bursts of noise
Levels of the output and input signal.
Quality of after sales service

For many applications, the lower cost of a direct connect headset is sometimes the right choice. Plantronics also offers cutting edge direct connect solutions for your needs. However, for call-intensive environments, where productivity and safety are top priorities, the benefits of an amplifier-based headset solution outweigh differential factors in cost. Whatever your needs are, you can count on Plantronics for superior audio quality, service and reliability. For more information on top of the line headsets and audio solutions offered by Plantronics, please visit TelecomSuperstore.com.

Headset Wearing Styles With Glasses- Myth

2010-04-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

I get a lot of people who ask me if wearing glasses prohibits wearing a headset over their ear. I myself wear glasses and have tried many different models and actually prefer over the ear. I find no problems fitting a variety of over the ear headsets despite using glasses.

The bottom line is wear what you like, because if you don't like it, you won't wear it!

For more headset information, visit www.telecomsuperstore.com

Plantronics Blackwire Arrives...Finally. Now Reviewed!

2010-04-17T20:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, Plantronics has launched a direct all in one USB headset. In the previous Plantronics .Audio line, their headsets for VoIP were either analog connections or headsets that had analog connections with a USB adapter.

Often the .Audio USB connectors would cause problems as the adapter would at times fail, resulting in problems where the headset would no longer work. Plantronics designed the .Audio headset to capture the market a time when PCs were being used for audio communications more frequently.

The other option was to connect a more expensive H series headset with a USB adapter. This method would work, but not take advantage of the wide decibel range utilized by VoIP technology. Newer Plantronics Wideband HW headsets have solved this problem and now offer an even higher end VoIP solution (more in a later blog).

With the improved reliability of VoIP and it's wider implementation by businesses for daily use, Plantronics determined it was now time to produce a lower cost reliable direct connect USB system for enterprise use.

The Plantronics Blackwire is designed strictly for the USB port with noise canceling and mute function, echo cancelling, call answer/end, flexible boom options for commercial implementation.

Now business class systems such as Avaya, Cisco, IBM and Microsoft have a headset option from Plantronics. Plantronics now can provide a wide selection of tools to businesses to match any of their headset needs including wireless solutions.

Plantronics is known for quality and reliability and has brought this quality design and performance to the Blackwire headset line. The Blackwire comes in a number of options such as the:

Blackwire C210

Blackwire C220

Blackwire C420 - no call answer/end or soundguard. Ideal for mobile lap top users.

The Blackwire C610 and C620 (below) comes with a solid 2 year warranty and features sound guard technology to block against sound spikes, plus call control answering/end features and superb noise cancelling ability. Recommended for very heavy users.

Blackwire C620

The Plantronics Blackwire is also cost effective (prices range from $49 to $120) and can be depended upon for daily reliable use. For more information visit:

www.telecomsuperstore.com

Choosing The Right Headset

2010-04-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

You’re ready to buy a headset? This decision will now provide limitless payback in terms of comfort and productivity during the life of the product. No more crinkled neck or typing with one hand.

Choosing the right headset is important as making the decision to use one. Although finding a headset does not require an MBA, there is enough variation out there that one cannot just click and buy.

What to consider when buying a headset:

1. How it Fits. Over the head or over the ear? People to do not like things over their head and opt for the over the ear versions (If you are going to cover both ears, your choice is only over the head). Plug in or outside the ear options exist and comes down to personal choice. Plug in versions provide closer sound contact but may not be liked by the individual. Over the ear versions are also on average slightly higher in price then headband style.

2. Is Noise Cancelling Required? Headsets can cancel out background noise. Regular voice tube versions do not. You can also find regular Noise cancelling, or Ultra noise cancelling headsets. Ultra noise cancelling is used in EXTREMELY heavy noise environments and in some cases can actually reduce the user’s voice. Ultra noise cancelling headsets should only be ONLY used in EXTREMELY noisy areas. I usually suggest people buy noise cancelling headsets, as it is not a lot more money but provide flexible benefits. Voice tube’s also need to be replaced every 6 months as they get dirty thus there is a cost associated with that.

3. Choosing Between Monaural or Binaural Headsets? Monaural headsets cover one ear and binaural two ears. Binaural headsets are used in heavier noise areas or for people who may be hard of hearing, Binaural headsets are more expensive.

Monaural headsets cover one ear and allow users to keep one ear free to converse with other colleagues in the room and are effective in moderate noise environments.

4. Analog or VoIP connection? VoIP is not just referred to as PC or MAC use communications. More frequently known as Skype or Voice using chat systems. For this low costs consumer solutions exist. VoIP can also mean your company is based on an IP Internet Backbone for voice. Users with this system are recommended into a High Wideband width headset which can take advantage of the full decibel range of sound and will allow users to hear better. Analog headsets will still work, but will not produce the full spectrum of sound. In terms of price, they are similar so make sure you find out if you are analog or not.

5. Choosing A Connector? Once you’ve chosen your headset, you need to make sure you have the right connectors. Pro-series headsets do not come with end connectors to the phone because there are too many variations of phones or equipment in the marketplace. There are phones with built in amplifiers, have headset ports, or require other custom solutions. Getting the wrong type of connector will result in the headset not even working or burning the headset out during extended use. If this happens, the manufacturer will not support the warranty, so buying the proper product is important.

Connectors can vary with a lower priced cord, to a more expensive amplifier. Amplifiers can provide better sound control and is ultimately the best solution, but can be overkill in cases where built in amplifiers exist.

User with soft phones will require a headset with USB connections to the computer direct. These headsets are available in consumer or pro-series styles with the right adapters.

6. What About Wireless Headsets?

Wireless headsets can be more expensive but have come down in price and are being used more and more often. When comparing a wireless headset to say a wired headset with amplifier, the difference in price becomes minimal compared to the benefits a wired headset can provide.

The benefits of a wired system are tremendous. Wireless allows you to have two hands completely free without wires hanging around. Wireless headsets also allow you to be away from your desk and pick up the call.

Wireless headsets also have similar wearing options as wired and produce crystal clear sound. In fact, one would likely never know the user is on a wireless headset.

7. Headset Warranties – Pro-series headset warranties are usually two years if you go with a major manufacturer like Plantronics or GN Netcom. Wireless headsets usually run about a year as well as USB type headsets. Accessories usually also run about a year as well.

Researching the Internet for information is useful, but feel free to call the real experts. Visit www.telecomsuperstore.com for more help.

Plantronics Savi Beefing Up

2010-04-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Plantronics Savi wireless headset system is certainly being beefed up by Plantronics. Beginning with the convertible W0100 (fashioned after the CS55) and W0200 (Fashioned after the CS70N, the Savi line brings users the ability to switch between PC and desk phone seamlessly.

This has become a powerful feature especially with the improved performance of VoIP technology.

Plantronics has now come out with a Bluetooth version for PC only as well as an equivalent system to the CS351N and the CS361N wireless headset models thus providing a multi-featured range to users.

A new feature which some will find useful is the ability to add / conference more then one headset into the system, improving flexibility of the tool.

I have used the Savi system myself and found it to be comfortable, efficient and user friendly.

If VoIP use, or wireless use of audio with the PC is something you do, or are considering doing, the Savi is a great option. Plantronics also optimizes the headset for us in Microsoft Office Communicator.

For a complete list of wireless headsets, click here.

Plantronics CS55 Wireless Headset, The Real Goods

2010-03-19T13:06:00.001-07:00

Most online reviews talk about specifications and other non relevant issues, but for most users, they just want to know that it works, is reliable and does it do what they need, fancy features aside.

I have used a wide range of wireless headsets from the leaders Plantronics and GN Netcom and have found the CS55 to be a reliable performer.

When using the Plantronics CS55 desk version, users should experience clear and consistent sound on both sides of the call. Talk time is at 10 hours so users should never run out of battery life.

As for comfort, the CS55 is ideally deployed among larger groups, as it can be worn over the head or ear. This allows users to choose the wearing style they prefer.

In my view, for someone wanting a headband style that is light and not in a very heavy noise environment, the CS55 is ideal. For those who want to wear it over the ear, you might want to try the Plantronics CS70N as the loop style can be a little "floppy".

However, those that use the CS55 in this manner, usually don't complain too much. The unit is easy to set up and runs through the handset of the existing phone, no tech support needed.

The Plantronics CS55 works with just about any desk phone, but compatibility should be checked. The main issue is when a lifter is required. The lifter option allows users to pick up a call when they are not at their desk. The lifter attaches to the phone and when a call comes in it hears it ringing. It then sends a beep to the headset unit and if the user decides to click on the ear piece, it picks up the call.

Without a lifter, the user must hear the call from the phone ring direct, go back tot he phone, lift the handset and then click on the ear piece to get on the call.

In my opinion, even if the user is not always away from the desk, it is a nice option to have as users can just click on their ear piece and start dialing or answering and over thousands of calls during its lifetime it certainly adds up and is well worth the extra money.

Actual real range of the CS55 is 60-100ft despite the fact Plantronics claims it is 300ft. If you need more, the CS55 is not for you. You might want to consider the Plantronics CS50 to help solve the range issue.

Life expectancy of these is 2-5 years depending on how heavy you use them. Another nice part about this is the battery can be replaced, in some wireless models you cannot do this resulting in a much larger future expense.

For most people, the review above should be enough for you to get a great idea about what the Plantronics CS55 can do for you. For the more technically minded, call!

To purchase the Plantronics CS55 or see more specifications click here.

GN Netcom 9350e Wireless Headset Review

2010-03-09T14:46:00.000-08:00

I have personally used the GN 9350e for over a month and will tell you what I think from an actual users standpoint, not a reviewer who tries it for a day and moves on to the next gadget.

The 9350e is a unique wireless headset in that it works for both a PC and a desk phone. With today's needs, it becomes increasingly useful to have a headset that can do both without costing twice the price.

It switches easily between the PC and desk phone at the click of a button. At times when I was using it for audio on a PC and the desk phone rang, I could just click on the desk phone button and the lifter would automatically lift and answer the call, which is an added bonus over the competing Plantronics units.

The range of 300ft provides a comforting freedom to move away from the base and still be able to answer the phone.

The GN 9350e can be worn over the head or ear, I tried the ear style and found it a bit tight for my liking, but everyone is different.

Overall, it is a reliable headset, with good range and sound clarity. Although a bit more expensive then single use headsets, the extra money can be justified by future reliance on the Internet as a form of communication.

To purchase a headset please visit www.telecomsuperstore.com or if you are in Canada visit www.headsetplus.ca

What does GN, GN Netcom and Jabra have in common?

2010-02-18T13:53:00.000-08:00

They are all the same! GN Netcom originally built headsets for business use. Featuring a good variety of wireless and wired headsets, the company grew quite large and became well recognized in Europe.

Jabra was a company that built mostly consumer based products and merged with GN Netcom in 2000.

Somewhat confusing is that they kept the name GN Netcom for their business side and Jabra for the consumer and never consolidated the brands.

This often results in confusion amoung the two, but are in actual fact the same company. You can view Jabra/GN products at Jabra.com.

For GN Netcom wireless headsets you can visit: www.telecomsuperstore.com.

For GN wired headset solutions: GN Wired Headsets

Plantronics Savi WO200 Wireless Headset Real Review

2010-02-09T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have just started using the Savi WO200 headset made by Plantronics. I have always liked the style of the CS70N over the ear system and this one is no different. Although it is personal preference, the over the ear style distributes the weight of the headset around the ear and makes it feel light, so light, Isometimes forget I am wearing it.

I also like the swivel boom, which moves in and out when taking a glass of water of for when you just don't want it in your face.

As for the sound clarity, the close contact ear bud allows for intimate hearing so you don't miss important details.

As for the difference, this system works with a PC as well as desk phone, which makes it pretty powerful. Going wireless with the PC allows you even more freedom then before and with trend towards using VoIP for calls, the Savi provide greater value.

Overall, the system is a little more expensive, so if you don't use your PC much, then consider the Plantronics CS70N.

If you really like flexibility, this model will give you what you need. Other competing models inlcude the Plantronics Savi WO100 and the GN Netcom 9350e.

Increase Productivity With Headsets

2010-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, and this is not just a sales pitch, headsets increase productivity. If you think about it, even just based on common sense it makes perfect sense!

Users enjoy two hands free to type or do other things with and no longer have to hold the handset with their shoulder to their ear, or type with one hand.

Over the life of the headset, this makes up for countless hours of increased productivity in addition to a healthier body.

A healthier body with twice as much capacity equals more work!

Plantronics Wireless Office Headsets Range

2009-04-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a wireless headset, Plantronics definitely needs to be on your list of brand to consider. They are reliable and offer a range of different options.

One thing to note in particular is range. Plantronics claims 300ft on their specifications, but in real life only produce 60-100ft depending on obstructions. In a perfect environment with no computers, walls, people etc. to get in the way, you might get 300ft. In real environments, not.

The Plantronics CS50 is really the only headset they make that will give you 300ft. So if it's range you need, this is the one. If you can stay within 60-100ft and still be effective, then Plantronics is a strong choice.

Headsets and State Laws

2008-07-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Many states have adapted laws that require cell phone users to have headsets when speaking on their cell phone. The newest state California has adapted this law beginning July 1, 2008.

This is an excellent law for as we all know, it is distracting to drive and talk with a phone held to your ear. How many times have we seen someone driving with a phone to their ear driving erratically and needing a slight honk to get them to straighten out.

A headset will go a long way towards solving this problem, but you still need to be careful when dialing or texting others.

The nice part about some of the newer phones is that the headset will provide voice activated dialing. So from the headset, the user just has to speak into the microphone and the phone knows to call and who to call, a real neat feature.

Wireless Bluetooh is truly the way to go, as it provides the most freedom possible. A wired headset, although cheaper won't provide the type of freedom wireless users enjoy.

When thinking about wireless, check your phone compatibility, make sure it has Bluetooth and what type of Bluetooth you have. If you are unsure, ask the company you are buying from. Some will provide online guides, but because there are so many phones to keep up with, the guides are not always current. A faster way would be to check a review online to see what type of Bluetooth the cell phone has, then identify what type of Bluetooth signal the headset uses. Note newer Bluetooth protocols will work with headsets with older protocols, but not visi versa. If you buy one with this combination, the headset may not utilize all the Bluetooth technology available but will still work.

So make sure you get your headset, regardless of state laws, they help avoid accidents.

Plantronics Bluetooth Headsets - The Review That Counts

2008-07-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

We've sold Plantronics Bluetooth headsets for years now as well as other brands. For Bluetooth we find them especially reliable over all other brands. We make this judgement not just based on our own use and testing of them, we base it on the experience of our customers.

We can tell what headsets work well by watching the number of returns we get. Customers that aren't happy with them will always let us know. On the other hand, headsets that don't come back, are the result of a happy customer. Make sense? We think so.

In fact, we base our recommendations on headsets to customers from this experience. It doesn't matter if we make a small margin or large, if the customer returns it because they are not happy, that costs us both time and money handling a return. No one wants that.

So what are the best performing Plantronics Bluetooth headsets?

Plantronics Voyager 510

Although not expensive and older, this unit has continued to be Plantronics best performing headset and outperforms other headsets from the Plantronics line. We think Plantronics has put a lot of time and money into building this as it also offers a commercial line for desk phones and VoIP calling, so the main Bluetooth headset has to work. We get the least returns on this one. In fact, truckers will only buy this one over other Plantronics models or any other competing brand for its noise cancellation.

Plantronics Voyager 520

Plantronics designed this to be the next generation for the 510. A sleeker design, we had many customer returns in the beginning. However, it seems as Plantronics has revised its production and are now manufacturing reliable units. Excellent model with few returns.

Plantronics Voyager 855

One of the newer versions, it offers stereo sound when paired with a phone that has the correct protocol. It can go in one ear or both, and is sleek in design. We don't get very many returns on this one.

Plantronics Voyager 815

Like t 855 but one ear and no stereo, this also works well and has few returns.

Plantronics Discovery 655

Designed to offer clear sound, we find this unit does not perform well with many phones. We get many unhappy people who return this unit. If you don't like the design of the Voyager 510, then consider the 815. Customers who find that they get a good pairing love the 655, the problem is it is hit and miss with which phones it likes to work with.

Plantronics Discovery 665

This is the mobile version of the 655 offering only a car charger and USB charger. The 655 offers a wall charger and USB charger.

Plantronics Discovery 640, 640e

The Plantronics Discovery 640 is discontinued, while the 640e will also be soon discontinued from the market. An ok headset, but for a few extra bucks, consider the 815.

Our web site can be found at http://www.telecomsuperstore.com