The Answer to My Roaming and Privacy Requirements

Those of us in the Information Technology field seem to spend just as much time on the phone conversing with vendors, or technical support representatives, as we do with our hands in the equipment. Over the years I have spent countless hours on the phone with one vendor or another tied to my desk while working on a problem, or on hold. I would have loved to have had the freedom to leave my desk and attend to other matters while on hold, but never could until recently. Two weeks ago I received a new Plantronics CS50 900MHz DIG Wireless Headphones set; now my phones conversation can go where I go.

Product Description (from the Manufacture): When you're on the phone, the information you need may not be in front of you. It may be in the next office, or down the hall. To keep up with business, you need to move; you need to stay in touch. You need Plantronics revolutionary new Plantronics CS50 wireless office headset system. Answer and end calls when you're away from your desk with the touch of a button Be heard clearly with a noise-canceling microphone Quickly mute the microphone with the touch of a button Choose between over-the-ear and over-the-head wearing styles.

In the Box

o Headset,
o Base/charging unit,
o Interchangeable earloops,
o User's manual and a two year warranty.

Installation & Use

The Plantronics CS50 is actually two units: the wireless headphones and the base unit; they talk to each other wirelessly at 900MHz. I have my unit plugged into my Cisco IP phone. Installing the unit is simple: plug the base unit into an available power outlet, then plug in the headset and let it charge. Next unplug the phone handset and plug it into the wireless base, and replace the handset; you are now ready to make and receive calls.

The beauty of the Plantronics CS50 is that I do not have to use the wireless headset to make a call; I can use the handset, wired headset, or speakerphone to make and receive calls. The choice is mine, and I love the flexibility.

The base (radio) unit is small, unobtrusive, and attractive and sits right next to my phone. There is place at the top which houses the easy to remove wireless headset—the charging cradle. Once mated to the base the headset will recharge itself. Three LED’s on the base unit are designed to quickly relate the status of it and he headset. On the left a red LED denotes power, which a yellow LED in the center denotes the head set is in use. The final amber LED on the right relates the charging status of the headset: solid is fully charged, while blinking denotes charging.

Controls on the base include Listen Volume Master, Speak Volume Master, Speak volume Fine Tune, Telephone configuration dial and Intellistand switch. The various jacks for power and other inputs are all situated on the bottom of the base unit. My particular unit also shipped with the HL10 Handset Lifter, a cool little device that lifts the handset from the phone when the wireless headset is removed from the charging base. Once the headset in replaced the handset lifter places the handset back on the phone. This feature can be toggled off and on via a switch on the base. If turned off on the base pushing the talk button on the headset will activate the lifter.

Wireless Headset

The elongated wireless headset used with the Plantronics CS50 is lightweight and comfortable. There are just two controls: a Talk Button for initiating and ending calls, and a volume/mute button/jog dial located on the end of the headset. A yellow circular LED in the middle of the headset will blink when on a live call.

Using the volume/mute control I can control the listen volume and mute a call, but I cannot control the talk volume. The headset will rotate on the headband in order to achieve workable boom placement. The headband can be replaced by optional earloops, which ship in three sizes.

As I stated above placing a call is as simple as pushing the talk button to activated the HL10 Handset Lifter to get a dial tone. Once the call is placed I can of course speak normally. But not all calls are created the same; some people have related that they had trouble hearing me; that was easily taken care of by adjusting the Master and Fine Speak volume controls to find an acceptable level.

Occasionally, I have noted a high pitched ringing on the line while using the headset, but it eventually fades into the background. I have been able walk a considerable distance from my desk and remain connected; the volumes never changes and there is not static introduced on the line. This has proved invaluable when I have personal business to conduct of a sensitive nature. Since my cubicle is located in very close proximity to ten other individuals, privacy is an issue. Roaming with the Plantronics CS50 I can utilize a nearby conference room, close the door, and gain instant privacy. I love it! And as I mentioned above I can do other tasks away from my desk while on hold with a vendor.

I am beginning to like the Plantronics CS50 so much that I am contemplating a unit for home on my office phone.

Conclusion

The Plantronics CS50 900MHz DIG Wireless Headphones are the answer to my need for mobility and privacy. The system is easy to setup, easy to learn, and easy to use. And the inclusion of the HL10 Handset Lifter only makes the system more useful and care-free. If you are in the market for a stellar, relatively inexpensive 900MHz wireless headphones system, the Plantronics CS50 will certainly make the grade.

Product Features

o 8 hours of wireless talk time
o 300 feet roaming distance
o 900MHz for secure conversations
o Features integrated IntelliStand
o Wearing option of over the ear or over the head

Technical Details

o Frequency: 900 MHz
o Operating range: 300 feet
o Operating time: 8 hours
o Recharge time: 3 hours (full), 1.5 hours (80% full)
o Wearing options: Over the head, over the ear
o Indicators: LED for power, online and charge
o Headset weight: 26 grams
o Headset battery: Li Ion Polymer
o Headset microphone: Noise canceling
o Headset controls: Volume, mute, call answer/end
o Compatibility: Most office or PBX-based telephones