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 Plantronics CS50 Wireless Headset System

The Plantronics CS50 is the first completely wireless unit Plantronics has come out with.  The base unit is very small and sits next to your phone.  It doubles as the charging when the unit is not in use.  There are four microphone settings (A-D) and four speaker settings (1-4) which allow for great range and the ability to fine tune the unit to your specific phone and personal volume needs.  This is great for people who are willing to spend 10-15 minutes to learn how to get the most out of the product.  For people who want it to just work right out of the box may find this frustrating or as most do, just leave the settings alone and feel satisfied.  Not realizing how much better the sound quality could be if they could spare a few minutes.  The CS50 base also has up and down buttons for microphone volume adjustment.  Think of this as the fine tune adjustment.  You select the microphone A-D setting so the person you're talking to can hear you and then press the up and down buttons to fine tune your voice volume.  Setting the speaker volume is a little more involved with the CS50.  First, you set the 1-4 settings so you can hear comfortably.  The fine tune adjustment for the speaker volume is located on the headset.  It's a small dial on the back of the unit.  Rocking it up, raises your speaker volume.  Rocking it down, lowers your volume.  This dial is small and designed well to allow you to increase/decrease volume as needed per call.  You can also mute the microphone by pushing the dial inward.  This is a little tricky the first time, but you quickly get the hang of it.  The unit will continue to beep in your ear when the microphone is muted as a reminder.  The CS50 expected range is 200-300 feet which is what we have experienced.  The talk time is 6-8 hours with the batteries lasting 1-2 years.  Battery replacement is slightly difficult because you're afraid you're going to break the battery cover.  It is very durable and breakage has been infrequent.  To ensure the most comfortable fit, Plantronics has included multiple wearing attachments for optimal comfort.  There are two headband styles included.  One where the headband has two temple pads and the headband supports the unit.  The speaker rests against your ear, but with little or no pressure against your ear.  The second headband is a more traditional version with a small leather ear cushion.  This works better in a louder environment because is seals off your ear and blocks out background noise.  Three different ear pieces are included to allow you to wear the unit over-the-ear without a headband.  They are adequate with the biggest complaint we hear is that they could be a little softer and bendable which ultimately would make them more comfortable.  Initially the headband and ear pieces would break as you snapped them onto the headset.  This was a major issue with the CS50 for the first 6-months of production but has been resolved by Plantronics with a much tougher grade of plastic.  As for compatibility, the Plantronics CS50 has a dial on the side of the base numbering from 1-4.  The default setting of 1 works on most phones.  Other numbers work with specific phones if you find the unit doesn't work on setting number 1.  The headset has a button on the side which will turn the headset on and off.  If you also purchased the Plantronics HL10 handset lifter, by pushing the button the unit will turn on and lift the handset all at the same time.  Without the lifter, you are only turning the unit on and then you will need to push a button on your phone to establish the call.  The only known problem with the CS50 is that some users will hear static during a conversation or when they turn the unit on to establish a call.  There is a reset sequence that can be engaged with the pushing of a few buttons and the problem is resolved permanently.  On rare occasion, the problem continues and the reset is needed on a regular basis.

Overall, the product has been an excellent wireless product and very benefit in the call center/office environment.  The product is compatible with most phones, has great speaker and microphone volume and is easy to hook-up and operate.  Though slightly more expensive than a corded headset, the ability to be wireless and accomplish more will pay for itself within months.

Created - 4/17/2006

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