Tag Archive for: Poly

Plantronics MDA200

Plantronics MDA200

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The Plantronics MDA200 (MDA220) is a product that not many folks seem to know about, however, in many cases, it’s the exact thing you need.

It’s a very versatile product that allows multi-connectivity to desk phones and PCs. You may say there are tons of products that do this. You are correct. What makes the MDA200 special is that you can take a USB headset and use it with your desk phone (and PC). You can use a Blackwire USB headset or a Plantronics QD headset and DA USB adapter.

Plantronics MDA200

The cool thing is you can also use the BT300 USB Dongle and pair your Plantronics Bluetooth headset (like the Voyager Legend UC) and use the same headset for your Desk Phone, PC and Mobile device.

Plantronics MDA200

Additionally, the MDA200 supports the Plantronics Handset Lifter and EHS Cables. The MDA200 is just a cool device that may support how you work and communicate. View more Poly solutions here!

Plantronics BackBeat PRO Review

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Plantronics BackBeat PRO Wireless, Active Noise Canceling Headphones + Mic is another great addition to a solid Plantronics portfolio.

First the packaging is kind of cool. It was somewhat of an “experience” and I hadn’t even used the headphones yet.

What’s In the Box: Wireless, active noise canceling headphones, Ballistic nylon travel sleeve, 3.5mm inline cable (with 4‐pole for Apple), Micro USB charge cable

Plantronics BackBeat PRO ReviewPlantronics BackBeat PRO Review

Plantronics BackBeat PRO Review

Plantronics BackBeat PRO Review

Set Up: First thing I did was start charging my BackBeat PRO headphones by connecting Micro USB charging cable to headphones (port on left speaker) and USB portion to PC. (Please note I charged them on 10/16/14). Once headphones were charged (after 3 hrs) I quickly and easily paired to my iPad and iPhone. The first time you power on your headphones the pairing process begins. In addition to being able to pair via Bluetooth, BackBeat PRO also supports NFC (Near Field Communications). The NFC zone is also on left speaker. Additionally, you can pair to the Plantronics BT300 USB Dongle for use with softphone applications.

Actual Use: These headphones have tons of features. Let me get the one ding out of the way however it’s a minor ding considering how these would actually be used.  The microphone isn’t the best. It works well in terms of I can be heard clearly however, it does pick up background noise. Again, minor ding. Also, this is not really a “contact center” device. I see the knowledge worker using these to help them “focus” while at home, coffee shop, airport, subway, train, plane…you get the idea.

There is a power on/off button on right speaker in addition to answer/hang up button, Open mic button: allows you to listen to surroundings if you have ANC activated – If in a call, it acts as Mute button, volume up/down wheel. If your smartphone supports, you have voice-enabled assistant. Using answer/end button you can decline call as well as call back last number dialed.

The left speaker controls include Active Noise Canceling (ANC) switch, Play/Pause music and track selection wheel.

Here’s yet another cool feature! The Backbeat PRO has Smart Sensors like their Voyager Legend. Putting on headphones will play music, activate noise cancelling (when switched on) and answer call. Taking headphones off will pause music and deactivate noise cancelling (when switched on). So let’s say you’re in the kitchen cooking dinner jamming out to your favorite tunes and your significant other taps you on the shoulder to talk, just lifting the left speaker off ear pauses music so you can hear her. Once you’re done with conversation, place speaker back on ear and back to your song right where you left off!!!

Speakers lay flat for easy storage into the really cool bag that’s included.

 

Remember I stated I charged these back on 10/16/14. It’s now 10/28/14 and when I turn them on, the voice message states “Battery High”!!! So battery power is crazy long with these! I’ve been using daily with my iPad at home for listening to music and watching videos and movies. The audio quality is pretty awesome! I’m actually wearing them now as I type this. I’m testing out in middle of sales floor listening to some tunes. I feel as if I’m all alone in my own little world. I had to get up and look to see if anyone was in here.

Should you happen to exhaust battery, you can use the included 3.5mm Apple cable. The cable allows you to adjust the volume, play/pause music, track forward, track backward and activate Siri.

The Plantronics BackBeat PRO is a really cool feature packed set of headphones that can be used by pretty much by anyone. Not necessarily restricted for business. I use them more for personal entertainment and I think they’re great!

 

EncorePro HW530 and HW540

EncorePro HW530 and HW540 Review

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Plantronics has introduced a new series of headsets called the EncorePro Series that includes the following models/variants:

Right now all variants are available including EncorePro HW530 and HW540.

HW530 – What’s in the box: EncorePro 530 headset that terminates in Plantronics QD, Lapel Clip, Small and Large Earhook, Headset Bag, Quick Start Guide

EncorePro HW530 and HW540EncorePro HW530 and HW540

HW540 What’s in the box: EncorePro 540 Headset that terminates in Plantronics QD, Lapel Clip, Small EarHook, Neckband, Headband, Headset Bag, Quick Start Guide

EncorePro HW530 and HW540 Set Up: Decide which wearing style. HW530 offers a small and large ear hook to choose from. The HW540 offers small ear hook, neckband and headband. Plantronics really did some work in making it super easy to change wearing styles. The ear hooks, neckband and headband easily snap on and off. Next step connect Plantronics QD to Plantronics interface ie. M22, 26716-01 Cable, HIC Cable, AP15, etc. In my case, I connected to DA45 USB Adapter and then into my PC with Microsoft Lync (now Skype for Business) client while using the EncorePro.

Actual Use: The first thing you’ll notice is how very lightweight and sleek looking the EncorePro HW530 and HW540 variants are. I tried all wearing styles and all were comfortable. Another cool little feature is the little gauge on the ear piece to show mic position to ensure proper positioning every time.

EncorePro HW530 and HW540EncorePro HW530 and HW540

 

Audio Quality: The speaker audio quality is good. I can hear clearly. The transmit quality is also very good. I can be heard clearly. Here’s my only ding. The noise canceling mic isn’t that noise canceling. Feedback I received from folks I called was they could hear background noise. Other than that, the EncorePro 530/540 are pretty solid in terms of performance.

The Plantronics EncorePro HW530 and HW540 are the lightest corded headsets I’ve worn to date. Even though small and light as they are, Plantronics was able to get very good audio quality in them. I especially liked how super easy it was to change wearing styles. The EncorePro HW530 and HW540 are nice additions to the Plantronics portfolio.

 

Poly Voyager Legend Review

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Poly produces some great communications and collaboration devices to include the Poly Voyager Legend series, however, customers are often confused as to which model to order. For today’s blog, I’m going to do a quick break down of the differences.

Poly Voyager Legend

It all starts with connectivity. What are you looking to connect/pair to?

If you are simply looking for a Bluetooth headset to pair with your mobile device (smartphone/tablet) the standard Poly Voyager Legend (Plantronics Part# 87300-01 or 89880-01 includes case) will suffice.

In today’s world, folks have a need to connect to a mobile device and their PC/Laptop for web-based collaboration applications or VoIP softphone/UC platforms. The appropriate model would be the Voyager Legend UC (Standard UC version B235, 87670-01 or Microsoft Lync Optimized version B235-M, 87680-01) which includes Voyager Legend headset plus a USB Bluetooth dongle for PC/Laptop.

Poly Voyager Legend UC

Then there are those who have office desk phones however, also have a mobile device. For this scenario, the appropriate device is the Voyager Legend CS (Plantronics Part# 88863-01 or 88863-11 with HL10 Handset Lifter) which includes a base that allows for connectivity to a desk phone. Both models support EHS Cables and HL10’s.

Poly Voyager Legend CS

 

Connectivity:

  • Mobile Device only –> Poly Voyager Legend: Plantronics Part# 87300-01 or 89880-01 includes case
  • Mobile Device and PC –> Poly Voyager Legend UC: Standard UC version B235, 87670-01 or Microsoft Lync Optimized version B235-M, 87680-01
  • Mobile Device and Office Desk Phone –> Poly Voyager Legend CS: Plantronics Part# 88863-01 or 88863-11 with HL10 Handset Lifter

 

 

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

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Is there a difference between Plantronics CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries? YES! Quick blog to help customers see the differences between the CS540, CS540 XD and Savi W740 headset batteries. At first glance, the three models look similar if not identical. However there are some subtle differences in CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries.

CS540 vs SaviW740 BatteriesCS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

The CS540 and CS540 XD models both have a black boom mic, chrome/silver answer/hang up button and black volume/mute switch. The Savi W740 has a chrome/silver boom mic and volume/mute switch. Upon closer inspection, the CS540 XD has “CS500XD” stamped right below volume/mute switch:

Now for the batteries. The CS540 XD and Savi W740 use the same hot swappable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 84598-01).

CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

The CS540 had field replaceable battery (Plantronics Part Number: 86180-01). You must remove the battery cover pull battery out to replace.
CS540 vs SaviW740 Batteries

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M Review

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Unboxing: The new Plantronics Blackwire 300 Series. Plantronics will sell these in bulk via the case. Call One, however, will break cases and sell as 1ea. Blackwire 300 Series come packaged in bubble wrap, well at least headset portion. USB cable/inline control are wrapped in a plastic baggie. This Blackwire C325-M included is Quick Start Guide and pretty nice, mesh-like storage bag with zipper.

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M

 

Headset: I am evaluating the dual ear Plantronics Blackwire C325-M model optimized for Microsoft Lync. Looks just like the other 300 series except for two differences: leatherette ear cushions and foldable speakers that allow the headset to lay flat. The microphone boom is flexible however it does NOT have a 360-degree rotation.

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M

USB Inline Control: It’s standard inline control. Call Answer/Hang Up button, Volume Up/Down and Mute. Placement of inline is actually higher up/closer to the headset so it’s not down by my foot. It’s in a more accessible location/position. The answer/hang up button didn’t work. I can’t seem to answer or hang up using inline control. The Mute button works well.

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M

 

 

Comfort: It’s “ok”. The Plantronics Blackwire C325-M is not the most comfortable, however, not uncomfortable either. I headband does seem to feel like it’s digging into the top of my head.

Plantronics Blackwire C325-M

Set Up: USB headset, plugged it in and allowed drivers to be installed. It is Lync optimized so once the device was ready for use, it became an Audio Device option via Lync client.

 

It’s also detected via Plantronics software:

AudioQuality: It’s “ok”. Not spectacular but it works. I can hear and be heard. The person on the other side stated I sounded “muffled”. I’ll make a few more calls to identify if isolated or not. Other calls state I sound good and clear.

Summary: Not certain how this product is priced compared to existing Blackwire 300 Series however, I’m assuming it will be lower price point than Blackwire 500 and 700 Series. After just an hour of wear, I find myself wanting to take it off. The headband feels like its digging into my head. May I just have a pointy head. Also, it feels like it’s squeezing my head. I’m certain after a few days it will loosen up.

Plantronics Calisto P240

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Received Plantronics Calisto P240 a few days ago. Finally getting around to testing.

Unboxing: Standard Plantronics package/box. Contents included: Calisto P240 USB Handset, Plantronics Calisto P240 Quick Start Guide, Handset drawstring bag.

First Impression: Looks like a little handset. Good size, not too small, not too big. Fits nice into my hand. Lightweight. Just one connection, USB.

Connecting: Very easy to connect. Simply plug USB cord into free USB port on PC. We use Lync for Voice. The model I have is NOT Lync Optimized version, I had to “select” P240 via Lync Client.

Plantronics Calisto P240

Plantronics Calisto P240

Use: I was able to dial “extension” on Calisto P240 and it dialed and connected call. Additionally it changed my presence status to “In a call”. The sound was actually very good and clear. I am so used to using wireless. This is not a device that I would recommend for the office user. This is a good device for someone who does NOT want to use a headset. Maybe a “Road Warrior” that can connect to his laptop to make/take softphone calls. It has a cord management Velcro strap that assists in keeping cord nice and neat. Also, the included handset bag is a great way to store handset.

I didn’t use for too long. It’s just not practical for me because I receive calls via Lync softphone, Inter-Tel desk phone and iPhone. A multi-connectivity wireless headset (like the Savi 740) better suits my needs in how I operate on a daily basis.