Wireless Recommendations

Summary

• If you are looking for a headset to replace your single line telephone, the Plantronics Calisto Pro is the place to start.
• If you are looking for a headset to work in conjunction with your single or multi-line telephone, look no further than the Plantronics CS55

Wireless technology is the fastest growing area in headset development. There are so many decisions to make and options to choose from, it's no wonder so many people feel confused. Hopefully we'll help you cut through all the jargon and techno-babble to the issues that really matter... read on!

The first thing you need to consider is how wireless is wireless? It sounds like an oxymoron, I know, until you realize that there are wireless headsets that are truly wireless, and those that have a belt pack that you carry around with you - with a wire between it and the headset. The advantages of having a belt-pack, are that the manufacturers can use a heavier, higher powered battery. This means longer range and longer talk times. It also means there's somewhere convenient to put all of the control buttons. No matter what manufacturers say, adjusting the volume of a headset when its on your ear takes practice! The downside is, of course, that you have a wire.

In this category of belt-pack wireless headsets there is one that receives an honorable mention. The Plantronics Calisto Pro, a great, low-priced wireless headset that completely replaces your existing phone. Which brings us nicely on to the next big surprise for newcomers to wireless headsets - there is no headset currently available that allows you to dial out from your existing phone. Those models that connect to your existing phone require that you return to your desk to place a call. These headsets replace your entire single line phone - and as such they have restricted usefulness in an office environment. They are however, perfect for the small office and home user - and if you fit into this category the Plantronics Calisto Pro gets our unreserved 'two thumbs up'.

Recent breakthroughs in battery technology have allowed manufacturers to start thinking about placing the battery on the headset itself. The first headset of this kind was the Cordless XLT. Without a doubt, it is the first of its kind and a great headset. Its battery life was pretty short. And that was just as well, because if you wore it for more than a few hours, the sheer weight of the thing could do you serious injury. That said - we salute the Cordless XLT as the first entry into the completely wireless arena. GN Netcom entered the long awaited GN9020-D into the fray - a groundbreaking headset that shattered performance. It was small, lightweight, digital and had a respectable talk-time. It's since been upgraded and reintroduced as the GN 9120. Its improved weight and battery life and the elimination of some of the durability issues of its predecessor have earned it an honorable mention in this category.

But the file is not closed on 'completely wireless headsets' - there's a new kid on the block - the Plantronics CS55. We are quite simply blown away by the functionality of this headset. It's super light, completely wire free, has an outrageous talk time and range, is digitally encrypted for complete security and just about hands down smashes the performance of anything else on the market. If you need a wireless headset - this is almost certainly it.