CORDLESS TELEPHONE HEADSETS
This site is sponsored by Crucible Technologies. It has information on telephone headsets and is designed to help you choose the most suitable telephone headset for the job.
CORDLESS TELEPHONE HEADSETS
Wireless headsets are increasingly popular. They allow the user complete freedom to move around whilst being on the telephone. They generally use DECT or Bluetooth technologies.
DECT
DECT telephones: These telephones are quite popular in the home. They consist of a handheld unit with a keypad and a base unit which connects to the telephone line. The base unit also acts as a charger.
These telephones provide the user with a solution that enables them to walk around whilst on the telephone. Some DECT telephone handsets have a 2.5mm jack socket. This allows headsets to be used and provide the user with a hands free, mobile product with the headset being plugged into the mobile handset unit.
Cordless headset: These compact, lightweight headsets do not have a keypad, or telephone line connection. They just come with a charger. They use DECT technology and have to be used in association with a DECT telephone of the type shown above.
Although it is possible to receive incoming calls with this type of headset, one cannot dial, as the unit odes not have a keypad..
Cordless headset for telephones: This the most versatile type of cordless headset uses DECT technology and can connect to any telephone with a detachable handset.
The picture shows the wireless over the head headset and a base unit, which also acts as a charger. The base unit connects to the handset port of the telephone. On the base unit is a button to switch between handset and wireless headset operation.
The wireless headset has a volume control built into it. With this type of headset, it is not possible to make calls, or answer calls, unless one is in the vicinity of the actual telephone as the unit does not have a keypad.
However, some cordless headset packages give you the option of being able to answer or end calls remotely by using a “handset lifter” device. This is described below.
Cordless handset lifter: This fits under the handset of any telephone and allows the remote answering of incoming calls. When the telephone rings, a tone is played in the ear of the user by the wireless headset. On pressing a button on the headset, the lifter operates, the handset is lifted and the call is answered.
However, even with the lifter fitted, it is not possible to make outgoing calls, whilst one is away from the desk telephone as the cordless headset does not have a keypad.
Bluetooth
Blue tooth is a radio frequency based technology designed to be used with many portable appliances such as laptops PDAS and mobile phones. This is essentially a short-range cordless solution designed to replace connecting wires and the range will rarely exceed 10 meters.
When using Bluetooth headset on a PC, either a Bluetooth USB dongle or a Bluetooth equipped PC is required. Bluetooth headsets are also widely used for hands free operation with mobile telephones. Of course, the mobile telephone needs to have Bluetooth technology built in.
Because of the limited range of Bluetooth technology, it is rare to find a normal telephone with this technology built in. The preferred approach for wireless headsets in the office is to use DECT technology.
