atcomsystems.ca/forum Forums Wiring - Telecom Carriers - Trunks & Services Mobile Phones & Devices Plantronic or cordless handset?

I have a small business and I need a 2 line phone. I want be 'mobile' with either a cordless handset on my belt (and a headset) or a bluetooth/ plantronics-type headset. Trouble is, many of the 2 line phone systems w/ a cordless handset have a cheap beltclip that easily or eventually breaks. Then I'm stuck carrying the cordless.

Should I get a corded 2-line with a plantronics headset and the handset lifter?

Any recommendations? Remember...small business...small budget.

Thank you.

Matt

Matt:

The problem with many two-line phones is that the line buttons are mechanical. It's going to be difficult to use one of these wireless headsets if the appropriate line button isn't already depressed when the line rings. You may want to contact www.headsets.com to see what they would suggest.

You are correct and I am isolating that issue for purposes of this consideration (and addressing it separately).

For now, I'm purely interested in this forum's readers' experiences with these two types of mobile solutions. Which has provided the best combination of durability, sound, ease-of-use for the money?

A 2-line phone with corded and cordless handsets only costs $75 and I already have a decent headset. But I have to carry the cordless all the time. A good plantronics (smaller unit to carry) can run $200 - $300. Is it worth it? Are the bluetooth phones a good idea?

Thanks,

Matt

From my personal experience, Bluetooth headsets are hit or miss. I haven't had much luck with them on wired or cellular phones.

The Plantronics CS55 with the HL10 lifter (they are available as a package, part number 69702-01) seem to be a good "one-size fits all" solution for most applications.

There is a home edition of this system, part number 73374-01 that might be a little less expensive.

Great. I will take a look at it. Thank you Ed for your time and ideas.

Anyone else have any experiences to share?

TIA!

Matt

One of the people in the Student Union where I work has a bluetooth headset she uses when walking around the office. This is on an NEC dTerm phone. It also has the handset lifter.

Thank you Jeff.

Stay away from the handset lifters - they are a source of constant trouble - I get lots of warranties on AWH-55's CS-50's, etc. with HS lifters. They are an afterthought by vendors for headset users. Use headsets with phones that have headset jacks and a headset key/button. Go with a spectralink wireless handset.

The headset jack and key doesn't replace the lifter in all instances, what about answering when the phone is out of reach? We've never had an issue with a lifter on the GN/Jabra 9330, which btw sounds much better on both ends than the Plantronics CSXX line.

mmwilcox, :toast:

We have not had any issues with the GN/Jabra. I have customers who have had issues with the remote answering on the HL-10, but, to be fair, I only see the problems. I'm sure there are more that work than don't work. In fact, I have a CS-50 hooked up to a NEC Dterm seies E on my desk- and it works just fine. No HL-10 though. The CS-50 was a customer return, they said it didn't work. Yet I have not had any problems with it.

We have had great success with the plantronics cs 50--we started with 4 sold at one doctors office, and close to 12 more since then. We sold him the cs 50 with the hl10 lifter, no problems yet after almost 3 years. They work great.

I have never had a problem with them either.
Other then users slamming them around they seem pretty good. Can't make any money selling them though.

bump

We mostly offer the plantronics line, have only had one lifter in over a hundred go bad. We don't do much to sell them, they sell themselves, we generally tell people we will let them try them for a month and if they don't like it we'll take it back no questions asked. Haven't had one returned yet, also the cs 70 has been much preferred over the 50 because of the headset design change. But yes having to press a line button it'll limit your choices.