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Checking out the Plantronics CS60

Cordless headsets for mobile phones are already becoming commonplace. Now, Plantronics is starting to make the same trend in office phones. The new CS60 cordless headset lets you converse wirelessly simply by attaching this device to any standard phone. The CS60 uses DECT or Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone instead of Bluetooth, the latest wireless networking technology. DECT is used in most domestic cordless phones and has a greater range than Bluetooth, as far as 100m in ideal conditions and 50m in offices.

The Plantronics CS60 comes with a base station that connects with your desk phone and a headset that you can conveniently clip over your ear. The base station connects to an existing standard phone between the base and handset, which then allows the corded handset unit to end up being connected to the CS60. This feature allows Plantronics to be compatible with a wide range of phone systems including ISDN and other digital phones. You can choose up to four different phone line standards through a dial on the side of the base station.

The Plantronics CS60 headset offers a call answer button and a volume control rocker switch. It has a small, replaceable battery that offers nine hours of talk time. You can be sure that the Plantronics CS60 will not run out of power since its battery is recharged whenever the headset is in the base station.

However, the CS60 also has major disadvantages particularly in its inability to initiate a call if you are away from your desk. The headset is designed only for taking calls since it has no keypad. Also, you must have the HL10 add-on, a motorized arm that lifts the headset above the off-hook switch to activate the phone. Without this add-on, you will not be able to answer a call remotely.

Meanwhile, the sound quality of the CS60 is excellent both for the user and the caller. However, the over-the-ear clip can become uncomfortable after an hour or so of use. This is due to the shape of the clips which might not suit the shape of your ear.

Overall, the Plantronics CS60 is a good and promising product but it is not suited for people move around a lot and who would like to make and receive phone calls away from their desks.