Plantronics Bluetooth headset recommendations

[curtismo]

I'm looking at standardizing Bluetooth headsets for use in a professional office environment with 1140e phones, and looking for experiences from readers.

Currently in our organization for wireless headsets we use the Plantronics CS55 or CS70 products with M3900 phones and headset lifters. We are also have a couple of IS department users trying the Voyager Pro and Pro+. Wired we almost use 100 percent Mirage H41 with the Vista amp, but would also be interested in what wired USB headsets you might be using with the 1100 sets.

Concern is also due to UNIStim release notes indicating loss of pairing problems with certain Plantronics headsets, including the Voyager 510/510S. Of course the Avaya support website search is so screwed up I can't find any additional information about what headsets have and have not been tested with the 1100 phones. And Plantronics website leaves much to be desired.

 

[guycable2]

We tested several different bluetooth headsets and decided we didn't like the way any of them worked. For our 1100 series phones we decided to use the CS50USB Plantronics headsets if someone needed a wireless solution.

For wired we went with Jabra smart cords and then used any of the standard Jabra headsets. This way we could use the corded ones on any of our 1100 series or 3900 series phones.

 

[curtismo]

Can you elaborate on the Bluetooth issues you were experiencing?

 

[gwebster]

Bluetooth may have interference challenges if you have WiFi 802.11b/g installed in the office (they share the same frequency) as well as distance limitations. Wireless DECT-based solutions will not have the interfence challenges and typically will operate over greater distances.

 

[guycable2]

Microphones were too sensitive and picked up noises from neighboring cubicles.

Batteries not lasting a full 8 hour work day. In some cases the batteries died after an hour of talk.

Headsets becoming unpaired during phone calls.

Distance from phone not acceptable. Supposed to be 30ft. Most cases was 10 to 15.

Everyone we have given the CS50 USB headset to has been happy and we have had very few issues. Nothing like the issues with the bluetooth headsets.

I should note we tested $200 Plantronics bluetooth headsets all the way down to the cheapest Jabra and it really seemed like the cheaper the headset the better it worked.

 

[MarionCountyGuy]

I have had the same disconnect issues using the voyager series. Not during a call, but connection loss non the less. Less with the pro+ than the 510, but still. We now have 2 Savi headsets that our service desk folk use. I have had only 1 instance of 1 of the savi's becoming disconnected in the last say 3 months. I appreciate the info about the cs55 usb though. We haven't tried those.