Wireless Headset Features Benifits
The explosion of wireless technology has enabled office workers to communicate without the need for cables or wires of any kind, enjoying the full unencumbered movement of their hands to engage in other tasks while talking, and be able to remotely pick up calls when mobile in the office.
The typical wireless headset device consists of two pieces. The main part of the device is the base that hooks into your telephone or computer system. This is also where you place the headset when not in use so it can be charged. The second part of the headset system consists of the actual headset portion. This is the heart of the device and allows voice communication. The headset can come in several types, some more sleek and light, while others more rugged. Both options offer different advantages.
A standard option is to purchase a wireless system with a lifter device. A lifter will pick up the handset of the desk phone remotely, so if a call comes in and the user is away from their desk, they can simply click on the ear piece to pick up the call, without having to run back to the desk phone and physically pick up the handset piece. For only a small investment more, this is a great option. However, check your phone configuration first. The handset lifter sticks on the side of your phone, and will not fit with some phones that have a curved shape.
As for headset styles, select for comfort as well as environment. The headset that covers both ears may be more comfortable for some people who find having something hanging on just one ear to be distracting or uncomfortable. One of the main advantages of these larger headsets is that because they cover both ears, they will drown out other sounds in the office.
The more slender, less bulky type may use less space on the desk, but it may also be much more comfortable for workers who find a larger headset that goes over both your ears to be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Some of the newer wireless options include Bluetooth and VoIP capability. Bluetooth options also allow the user to switch between other Bluetooth devices such as their mobile phone. Also, with the growing number of home offices, a wireless phone option can improve productivity. Almost all first time users state they would never go back to a wired solution.
Another feature to look for is digitally encrypted, voice-dedicated DECT 6.0 technology. DECT, which stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, is the standard for cordless communications in public, residential, and corporate environments. This standard combines several digital radio techniques to achieve highly efficient use of the radio spectrum – and as a plus, secure transmission of speech with low risk of radio interference and low power. What this means for users is that if DECT technology is present it will help guarantee exceptional audio quality and lower interference with other wireless devices.
The ergonomic advantage of a wireless headset will allow the user to physically perform their tasks with greater ease, reducing long term work related injuries. Although a little more expensive then a wired solution, prices have come down enough that using a wireless solution has clear benefits.
Other important features of wireless headsets:
- Range - Most wireless headsets offer a use range of up to 30 feet from your desk (usually Bluetooth), however, some wireless headsets have a range of up to 300 feet.
- Security - Many headsets offer voice communication secured by digitally-encrypted DECT 6.0 technology, which also lessens the chance of interference with other technologies and communications devices in your office.
- Talk Time - Most fully charged headsets will allow up to 4-8 hours of talk time.
- Sound - Many of today's wireless headsets use DSP, or Digital Signal Processing for a clear, crisp, natural sound.
Product Comparisons
Plantronics CS70 & CS70N
CS70 and CS70N comparitive features:
- Wearing Style - Over the ear wearing style only. The wearing style goes around the ear,distributing the weight more evenly thus resulting in a more comfortable fit.
- Noise Canceling - The CS70 is a voice-tube type, no active noise canceling. The CS70N provides noise canceling, and is ideal for users in a noisy environment, who want a one ear, light system.
- Talk Time - 6 hours talk time.
- Sound - The CS70/CS70N unit has DECT 6.0 technology which helps reduce interference with electronics around it.
- Range - 60-100ft in a large office environment, home office use will produce closer to 300ft.
See CS70 product description for more details.
Plantronics CS55
CS55 comparitive features:
- Wearing Style - Flexibility of being used over the ear, or over the head (Each option comes in the retail package)
- Noise Canceling - Minimal noise canceling technology, ideal in a quiet environment
- Talk Time - 10 hour talk time
- Sound - The CS55 unit has DECT 6.0 technology which helps reduce interference with electronics around it.
- Range - 60-100ft in a large office environment, home office use will produce closer to 300ft.
See CS55 product description for more details.
Plantronics CS351N and CS361N
CS351 comparitive features:
- Wearing Style - The CS351N and CS361N offer an over the head wearing style, with the ear piece covering the entire ear. The CS351N is monaural, covering just one ear. The CS361N is binaural, covering both ears. A monaural style allows the user to interact with people around them with greater ease. The binaural CS361N wireless headset is the only headset to offer dual ear coverage. Ideal for very noisy areas, this headset covers both ears allowing the user's ears to be fully enveloped, blocking out background noise while providing better audio direct to the user's ear.
- Noise Canceling - The CS351N/CS361N provides noise canceling, and is ideal for users in a noisy environment.
- Talk Time - 10 hour talk time
- Sound - The CS351N/CS361N unit has DECT 6.0 technology which helps reduce interference with electronics around it.
- Range - 60-100ft in a large office environment, home office use will produce closer to 300ft.
See CS351 product description for more details.
Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset System
The Planronics 510S wireless headset includes the 510SL (includes lifter) and the 510 SL Premium (includes lifter and other accessories). A BUA 510 Bluethooth USB adapter is also available which will enable use to the Voyager 510 with your computer for VoIP or other audio applications. Multipoint technology allows seamless switching between your office phone and your voice-enabled Bluetooth mobile phone, PDA or laptop. If all you need is an interface to your computer softphone, pick the .Audio 910, which combines the Voyager 510 earpiece and a Bluetooth USB adapter.
Voyager 510 comparitive features:
- Wearing Style - over the ear wearing style only. The wearing style goes around the ear,distributing the weight more evenly thus resulting in a more comfortable fit.
- Noise Canceling - The Voyager 510 provides noise canceling. WindSmart provides wind-noise reduction technology for optimal sound clarity.
- Talk Time - 6 hours talk time.
- Sound - As it is Bluetooth, its clarity is not as sharp as other versions, it is ideal for users requiring heavy cell phone and desk phone use.
- Range - 33ft of range
See Voyager 510 product description for more details.
Jabra GN 9350 Wireless Headset System
The Jabra GN 9350 system is a multi-application headset system that connects to both PC audio and Phone audio, while leveraging the range and interference-free characteristics of the DECT 6.0 standard. With the GN 9350 you can get your Skype on, your iTunes on, and your phone on, all using one wireless headset.
Jabra GN 9350 comparitive features:
- Wearing Style - Lightweight design and three wearing styles: headband, earhook and neckband.
- Noise Canceling - Noise-canceling microphone for reduced background noise
- Talk Time - Talk time on a single charge: 6 hours PC talk time / 9 hours telephone talk time. A second, interchangeable battery is available as an accessory, making talk time a non issue. There is always a spare battery which you can change out in a few seconds. DSP and IntelliTone™ for superb sound quality and greater hearing protection.
- Sound - DECT 6.0 technology, reducing interference from WiFi 2.4Ghz signals.
- Range - The GN 9350 has tested flawlessly with no choppiness even 250 feet away. GN Netcom claims 300 feet of range for the GN 9350.
See GN 9350 product description for more details.
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