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Introduction:If you talk on the phone quite a bit, balancing that receiver between chin and shoulder can be a real chore. Not only is it difficult to complete other tasks while on the phone, but it can also be, quite literally, a pain in the neck. Even if your phone use is sporadic, sloppy positioning can easily strain neck and shoulder muscles.

Yet few actually take advantage of a fairly inexpensive and simple solution: Plantronics phone headsets. Headsets allow you to talk while keeping both hands free, giving you the mobility you need for writing, typing, or even drinking a cup of coffee.

Use and Design:
Plantronic Headsets can be used with virtually any kind of office or home phone. They install by simply connecting one or two plugs. Differences are plenty between the models available, so it's important that you pay attention to the details when trying to find the right one.

Plantronics Headsets come in many styles, ranging from small models that sit in your ear to large, cushioned broadcaster-like units. For noisy environments like call centers, a binaural headset, which sports two earpieces, is a good choice for drowning out background noise. However, if you aren't constantly on the phone, a monaural (single earpiece) headset will allow you to easily listen to your surroundings or hold conversations without removing your headset.

Sound Quality:Pay attention to a headset's sound quality. If you cannot be heard or people can't hear you, the headset is essentially worthless. Because some people are just louder than others, volume controls can be very important. All models have an incoming volume control, but only a few offer outgoing volume control. A second key to high quality sound is noise canceling headset, which helps reduce background noise so you can hear your callers more clearly. (Bear in mind however that you'll pay a premium for this feature.)

Convenient Features:Handset/Headset SwitchoverThe switchover feature allows the user to switch between the handset and the headset when handling calls. Make sure the feature is well marked and accessible in a hurry; when the phone is ringing, you don't want to have to scramble to figure out what to pick up.

Quick Disconnect:Plantronics Quick disconnect allows you to disconnect the headset from the rest of the equipment, so you won't have to remove your headset when leaving your desk. (Prime protection, also, against being jerked back to your chair by the headset cord.) When buying a model equipped with this feature, check that it lives up to its name; a few models require a bit of a wrestling match to disconnect the halves.

Pricing:You should expect to pay about $150-$200 for a worthy commercial grade headset, which consists of the headset and an accompanying amplifier. Although there are $50 models available, skimping on price will probably result in getting exactly what you pay for, and you'll find your headset occupying permanent space in your drawer.

Cordless Headsets:Plantronics Cordless headsets are also available if you'd like to walk around the office. The only drawbacks are that you need to return to the phone to place or answer calls, and, like cordless phones, cordless headsets tend to lose their signals over greater distances.

Cordless vs. Wireless:If you've got a cellular phone, there's a headset for you as well. Cell phone headsets free you to actually drive while talking on the phone in the car. They plug into a headset jack on your cellular telephone (most have them; if not, adapters are available), and you wear them on your head or perched in your ear, in either headband or over-the-ear style. Wireless cellular headsets can cost anywhere between $25 and $80, depending on the style and features.

Choosing a Headset:When shopping for a Plantronics headset, comfort is key. Even the best-featured model will be a waste of money if the design isn't right and you don't like wearing it. For example, if you're not so keen on mussing your hair, opt for an over-the-ear model rather than a headband style. Or you may prefer a boom that's cushion-free if you don't want to have a large black spongy object in your peripheral vision.

For best results, try out a couple of models for a day in real-world conditions; any discomfort should show up quickly. Make sure the microphone is easily adjusted. Also, not only should you be able to hear your callers without trouble, but they should be able to tune into your voice clearly as well. The range of volume control does differ across models; make sure to check it is adequate with any set you purchase.

Questions To Ask:When evaluating Plantronics headsets, make sure to check the following:

- Does the headset stay securely in place?
- Is the headset comfortable after wearing it for extended periods of time?
- Is the microphone unobtrusive and easily adjustable?
- Are the cords long enough to handle movement away from the phone?
- Can the quick disconnect be easily disconnected and reconnected?
- Is it easy to tell whether the phone is in headset or handset mode?
- Are the volume controls easily adjustable? Do they offer a sufficient range of control?
- Is the sound quality on both ends of the line strong and clear?

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