The Plantronics CS50 - Still Going Strong

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?

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.