I was talking to a customer of a small insurance agency about a problem he was having with getting a new employee quickly up to speed to assist clients with questions from incoming calls.  The challenge as he described it is every time we have a new hire, or even expand job duties during times of downsizing, there is a need to have an employee be able to learn how to handle calls, answer questions and provide necessary answers to clients.  In his current situation, the new person would sit next to an experienced co-worker in a cubical for weeks while they listened to one side of the conversation.  After the call, most of the time is spend repeating the conversation so the new employee can hear what the caller was asking and what answer was provided.  Hearing the problem, I was easily able to offer a solution of a Headset Y-Training Cable

They were already using headsets in the office, so a simple $39.95 cable was the only necessary equipment.  A headset y-training cable allows you to plug two headsets into one telephone.  Both headsets will be able to hear the phone conversation, but only one microphone will be live while the other is muted.  There is a toggle switch in the Y-cord that allows you to control which microphone is live.  For this situation, the experienced worker will have the live microphone and carry on normal conversations with clients.  The new hire, or trainee, will listen into the call and now have the ability to hear both sides of the conversation making a gigantic step forward in the learning curve of what to say and how to respond to clients because now you’re hearing the entire conversation instead of a one sided conversation as before.  As you can see for an extremely small investment, you can increase the speed of training and have new employees up and going on their own in a fraction of time with the use of a headset y-training cable.

Problem: Where can I find Plantronics accessories for my Plantronics headset? I have tried looking for Plantronics accessories in stores and no one seems to carry them.  I have also looked on the Plantronics web site for Plantronics accessories but they don’t show the parts that I am interested in.

Solution: We get lots of calls from people who have purchased a Plantronics headset and they need Plantronics accessories, or replacement parts, but the store where they purchased the headset doesn’t carry them.  We feel your pain, and at Headsets Direct, we believe it is important to carry Plantronics accessories for every headset we sell.   We are a large, stocking distributor and we do our best to keep them in stock for the convenience of our customers.

On our website at www.headsetsdirect.com, we try to make it easy for you to locate the Plantronics accessories or replacement parts you are looking for.  The “key” to quick and easy shopping on our web site is to know what Plantronics headset you have.  On our home page there is a teal green column on the left side of the page.  At the top of the column is a “google custom search box”.  Just enter the model number of the headset you have and hit search.  A page will open offering several matches to your search.  Select the best match; click on it and it will take you to an entire page that is all about your headset.  You will find all of the Plantronics accessories and replacement parts for your headset at the bottom of the page.  If you aren’t certain which accessory or part you need, you can click onto the part number at the left and (for most parts) there will be a picture of that part available to look at.

However, if you would rather talk to a real person, rather than order off the computer, just give us a call!  We have real, live, customer service specialists available Mon-Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and they will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.  If we don’t have the Plantronics accessories you are looking for in stock, we can get it from Plantronics for you.

Question: I’m looking for a good wireless Bluetooth headset that is really comfortable, what would you suggest?

Solution: Now-a-days, there are many states and municipalities with laws requiring drivers to wear headsets for their cell phones, so they can have both hands free to drive.  The majority of drivers prefer wearing the wireless Bluetooth headsets so they don’t have to deal with a cord hanging from their headset which could easily get caught on things.  Plantronics offers an excellent selection of high quality wireless Bluetooth headsets for you to choose from.

The majority of wireless Bluetooth headsets come in one of two styles:  the first is worn in the ear, using only an ear bud placed inside the ear, and the second style is worn over the ear using an ear hook along with an ear bud resting inside the ear.  If you prefer a light weight, discreet, ear bud type of wireless Bluetooth headset, take a look at the New Plantronics Discovery 975.   This unit comes with its’ own sleek rechargeable case which not only displays battery levels and connection status, but it can triple your talk and standby time.  The Plantronics Discovery 975 has a classy, modern look, and only weighs 8 grams, but it offers a ton of high tech bells & whistles including:  WindSmart technology to block intrusive wind noise, Multipoint technology which allows you to pair one earpiece to two phones (like a Smartphone and a cellphone) and the innovative, dual-mic Audio IQ technology so your callers will hear only your clear natural sounding voice without invasive background noise.

Would you rather have the security of an ear hook over your ear, in addition to the ear bud inside your ear?  If that’s the case, then take a look at the Plantronics Voyager Pro because this headset is made of soft, flexible materials that conform to your ear, providing the secure, comfortable fit that you’re seeking.   However, comfort is not the only attribute of this little Bluetooth gem.   The Voyager Pro wireless Bluetooth headset also comes with a full range of technological advancements such as:  Dual-mic Audio Q2 noise cancelling, WindSmart technology to cancel out wind noise, Multipoint technology which allows two phones to be connected to one headset, and a full 6 hours of talk time so you can enjoy it all day long!

If you have any questions regarding our wide selection of wireless Bluetooth headsets, you can contact us at headsetsdirect.com

or call us at 800-914-7996 and one of our Customer Service Specialists will be happy to assist you!

Replacing the Plantronics CT12 with the Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone headset

Problem: Several years ago I purchased a Plantronics CT12 cordless headset phone that I use in my home office and I love it. However, my CT 12 is getting old, and I am considering getting a two line phone for my office. Is there a unit similar to mine that will work with a two line phone?

Solution: Well, I have both good news and bad news for you. The good news is that Plantronics developed an updated cordless headset phone called the CT14. The Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone provides the user with about 300 feet of roaming distance (the size of a football field), compared to the older units with only 150 feet of roaming distance. Plus, it has been upgraded from a 2.4 GHz frequency to the 1.9 GHz voice dedicated 6.0 DECT technology, which means less chance of interference. In addition, our new improved cordless headset phone provides twice the talk time as the older CT12 model! The Plantronics CT14 cordless telephone offers the ability to place your caller on hold and use Call Waiting, Caller ID and Telephone Messaging, providing you subscribe to those services through your phone company. If you have these features, you may not need that second phone line. Plantronics also improved the design of the mobile phone pad that you clip to your waistband or belt. You will find the display is easier to read, the buttons on the dial pad are a little larger and the clip on the back of the phone pad is sturdy, but smooth, offering a more comfortable and secure fit.

The bad news for some of our customers is that the CT14 is designed specifically for single line phone systems. There is only one multi-line phone system that the CT14 cordless headset phone is compatible with, and that is the Avaya Partner phones. If you happen to have an Avaya Partner multi line phone system, this unit works just great with it, and the price is very reasonable for the convenience of being totally mobile. There are two features that the CT14 does not have that the CT12 did: (1) the CT12 came with a “Firefly Headset” so the tip of the microphone would light up to let people know you were on the phone and (2) it also offered a speed dial feature. Although the CT14 does not have speed dial, you can put approximately 70 contacts in the CT14 dial pad phone book. Consequently, if you have been happy with the CT12 you should be quite impressed with the CT14, because you are doubling your roaming distance and talk time, plus the new design makes it even easier to use! For more information on this, or other options for home office use, call Headsets Direct at 800-914-7996 and one of our customer service specialists will be happy to help you.

Problem: My teenage son wants a headset for his computer so he can listen to music and talk to his friends.  I don’t want to spend a lot of money, but I want something pretty durable, any suggestions?

Solution: Hey mom, we all know how teenagers love their music, and they enjoy listening to it on a unit that provides quality sound. Plantronics has developed a headset that hits the mark, and it’s soooo- cool they named it  BLACKWIRE Headsets.   For individuals who like to be totally immersed in their music and conversations, choose the total focus, sound reduction, dual ear version, offering Hi-Fi audio and stereo sound.  For those people who prefer a lighter headset, and having one ear free to hear what’s going on around you, there is also a single ear version.  Both styles employ wide band technology and Digital Signal Processing (DSP), along with USB enhanced digital sound, resulting in a more natural voice sound as you chat with friends or business associates.  In addition, the BLACKWIRE headsets come equipped with SoundGuard, a new technology designed to protect you from painful audio spikes that can leave your ears ringing.

So we have established the exceptional sound quality, now lets’ talk comfort!  The headband is adjustable to assure a perfect fit, and it has soft, swiveling ear cushions to provide all day comfort.  It is also light weight with simple in-line call controls to make volume and mute adjustments quick and easy.  Thanks to the adjustable noise cancelling microphone, your friends won’t hear any distracting background noises during your conversations .The standard 210 (monaural) and 220 (binaural) are compatible with most software systems and computers.

Although BLACKWIRE Headsets comes with an array of bells & whistles that his friends will envy, you will find this remarkable headset is priced very economically! If you have any questions, call Headsets Direct and talk with one of our friendly customer service specialists. We offer full technical support on everything we sell and a 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee!

Problem: I am a truck driver and I need a new cell phone headset that can block out the wind and road noise.  I love my old 510 Bluetooth, but I understand it has been discontinued.  What do you suggest?

Solution: You are absolutely correct; Plantronics decided to take the 510 off the market. It was a great little headset, but they came out with some newer headsets with more advanced technology and they took a few of the older units off the market.

Since the 510 is an over the ear unit, rather than just an in the ear style, take a look at the new VOYAGER PRO. The VOYAGER PRO is very similar in design to the 510; it has an ear piece that is made of a soft, flexible, rubber-like material, which conforms comfortably to most people’s ears, but it is lighter and has a more modern style.  Also like the 510, it offers WindSmart technology with acoustic fabrics and electronic filters to block intrusive wind noise.  The Voyager Pro headset actually has two noise-canceling  mics in the boom, plus an adaptive 20-band equalizer which is tuned to maintain balanced audio for comfortable listening volumes.

Another new headset you may be interested in is the classy, light weight, in the ear Discovery 975.   This innovative, stylish unit has the WindSmart technology of the 510 plus the dual mic technology of the VoyagerPro; but that’s not all! It includes a sleek, rechargeable case providing triple talk & standby time.  On the outside of the case is a convenient display that shows your connection status and battery levels, to let you know if you are running low on your charge or talk time.

For more information about the latest in Plantronics Bluetooth technology, give us a call and one of our customer service specialists will be happy to assist you.  Our goal at Headsets Direct is to make sure you get the right headset for your individual needs and we back that up with a 60 day money back guarantee.

PROBLEM: I need to purchase a good quality headset to use with my computer and VOIP.   What is your best computer headset?

SOLUTION: You are asking a trick question because rarely is there one headset that is “best” for everyone.   Thank goodness Plantronics provides us with so many choices!   For example:  are you wanting a wireless unit, and if so, do you plan to use it only with your computer, or would you like to use it with your cell phone as well?  Or are you looking for a corded unit that can provide high quality conversations as well as first class tone quality for listening to music or playing games?

If you prefer wireless, take a look at the WG100b (Savi Go). Hands down it is the best wireless value, offering the latest state of the art technology as well as a full menu of options. The Savi GO is designed for in-office “mobile professionals”.  It allows you to seamlessly switch between calls on your cell phone and calls on your computer with just a touch of a button.  Oh by the way, it also provides a headband and an ear hook so you can decide which wearing style is most comfortable.  Are you wondering about quality?  How about wideband technology with an extended noise canceling boom, so your callers hear only your clear, natural sounding, voice?  Anyone looking for a top-notch, sharp looking, wireless, with excellent quality and plenty of options, should seriously consider the Savi Go!

What if you’re not too keen on wireless, or you’re on a tight budget right now?  Not to worry, we also have a new, value priced, corded unit that is loaded with top of the line features.   Our .Audio 476 DSP has Digital Signal Processing which offers enhanced sound quality; and wideband acoustic echo cancellation, so your calls are clear and natural. Not only that , but you will love how the acoustically tuned equalizer  supplies rich, resonant stereo, and optimizes voice response so you can truly enjoy your music, watching a movie, or playing your favorite video game!  The easy to use inline, volume and mute controls, along with the USB plug and play connector, make set up a snap!  By the way, it’s also foldable so you can take it with you to the library, on business trips, or anywhere you want your computer making it one of our best computer headsets.

Check out both of these new units, and if you have any questions or need assistance, give us a call.  At Headsets Direct we want to help you get the best computer headset that is “best” for you and your particular situation.

Problem: When I am out walking or jogging I love to listen to music, so I want a headset with great stereo sound, but I also want to be able to take calls on my cell phone.  What do you suggest?

Solution: Plantronics just came out with a headset that meets all your criteria – - -and then some!  The  Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset offers Altec Lansing sound technology for rich, full spectrum, stereo music.  It also has a bass-boost feature so you can enjoy the full dynamic range of your music.  There are actually two BackBeat models available.  The BackBeat 903 is compatible with the latest iPhone, iPod Touch, MP3 players, and cell phones, which support stereo Bluetooth.  The BackBeat 906 includes an adapter to stream music from iPods, MP3 players, portable CD players, computers and laptops that are not equipped with the Bluetooth A2DP stereo profile.

With the Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset, you can wirelessly stream and control music as you walk, run, work or play, and that’s not all! You will also experience exceptional call clarity, plus an improved ability to focus on your conversations, since you will be listening with both ears.  In addition, Dual-mic AudioIQ noise canceling technology will separate your voice from any background noise for your callers.

Alright; so far we have covered the quality and convenience of this unique headset.  Now let’s talk about BACKBEAT STYLE ! It has an awesome, flexible, neck band that goes behind your head. The dual stereo headsets fit discreetly behind both ears, so you will look sharp “doing any activity you are involved in”.  Concerned about comfort? Don’t be; BackBeat offers a three-way adjustment to provide a comfortable fit for almost anyone. If a friend approaches, the OpenMic button brings the outside world in, allowing conversations with those around you.  Plus, this dynamic unit provides up to 7 hours of listening pleasure or talk time from each charge.  When you are finished with your headset, just fold it up and tuck it away for the next time.

For more information about the Plantronics BackBeat wireless headset or any other Plantronics headset, call Headsets Direct and talk to one of our trained headset professionals.

Problem: I have a Plantronics wireless headset and my co-workers often walk up to my desk and start talking to me when I am in the middle of a phone conversation.  Is there any device to let people know that I am on the phone?

Solution: Wireless headsets are great, but sometimes they make it difficult for people around you to know when you are on the phone.  At Headsets Direct we try to find a solution for every problem.  In your case, the solution is the “Telephone Online Indicator”, otherwise known as the Plantronics busy light.   The Plantronics busy light (Plantronics #65116-02) will work with most of the wireless Plantronics headsets, except for the CT14, which is not compatible.  If you have the HL10 lifter for your wireless headset, you can simply plug the busy light into the jack at the back of the lifter.  If you don’t have the lifter, you can plug the busy light into the base unit of your wireless headset.  Unfortunately, the busy light is great for wireless headsets, but we don’t have a similar device for our corded headsets at this time.

This handy little device can be set on top of a cubical, placed prominently on your desk, or you can even hang it on the wall.  It comes with a cord that is about 6 feet long and it is purple with red flashing lights, which makes it hard to miss.  Everyone in our office has one and it prevents a lot of interruptions when we are on the phone with customers.  If you have questions about the busy light, or any other product that Plantronics manufactures, just call our toll free number and anyone who answers the phone will be happy to help you.