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.

Plantronics Savi Beefing Up

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

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

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?

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