Go Mobile with your Landline - DECT Headset adds Hands Free Functionality to Normal Phone (Plantronics DECT Headset C65)

Member Name: ermine

Product:	Plantronics DECT Headset C65
Date:	28/08/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good range, Hands Free and DECT digital call quality

Disadvantages: Dialing and transfer with a DECT phone awkward (see text for easy workaround). Needs DECT base

I find it a bit odd that wireless headsets haven't really caught on for fixed line phones in the same way that Bluetooth headsets have caught on for mobiles. There are a few fixed line phones which have Bluetooth so the usual mobile headset can be paired with them, but they are expensive.

You often need to have your hands free when using a fixed line - to check something on the PC or write something down. In offices and call centres that is sorted by using a headphones with a boom microphone, but this DECT headset from Plantronics does the job in a similar way to how we are used to it with mobile phone headsets.

Call clarity is very good and it is easy to use. Buyers should remember that you need a GAP standard DECT base station to use this accessory, or to factor the cost of that into the budget.

Setting up the Plantronics C65 headset.

The headset needs to be paired with a DECT base station supporting GAP - I used it successfully with a BT Reveal answering machine and a BT Verve 450. The base station PIN needs to be set to 0000 when the Plantronics C65 is paired for the first time, as there are no keys to set the headset up.

Making calls with the Plantronics C65 - there's a hard way and an easy way

Answering a call is easy enough, simply press the answer button on the side and you're away. Without a keyboard the C65 can't make calls on its own, so Plantronics recommend that you use the main DECT phone to key the number and then transfer the call to the C65.

I don't know about you but I find remembering the keystrokes to transfer a call to another handset far too much bother. Though I'd like it if I could get everyone to call me so I can use the headset as my phone bill would drop, I found the easy way to make calls with the Plantronics C65 is to dial the number with another extension that isn't the DECT base station. I then press the answer/connect button on the C65 once the number is dialled and put the extension phone down.

Overall I'm pleased with the Plantronics C65 DECT headset. Range is good, I can wander around the house and it sounds fine. A discreet bi-bip sounds in the earpiece as you start to wander out of range which gives plenty of warning before the signal is lost.

The controls are a bit fiddly, but what do you expect - it's an earpiece so they have to be small. Mute and volume control is on the top of the earpiece and the connect to line control is a button on the side.

Summary: A good though slightly pricey solution for wireless handsfree operation of fixed line phones.