GN 9350 DECT 6.0 headset does PC, VoIP, and regular phone handsets

GN Netcom's GN 9350 DECT 6.0 headset is one of the most versatile headsets I have ever reviewed. When GN Netcom told me they had a new headset that did both PC audio and Phone audio, while leveraging the range and interference-free characteristics of the DECT 6.0 standard, I just had to review this headset. (Note: DECT 6.0 operates at 1.9Ghz so it is less apt to have interference from WiFi 2.4Ghz signals)

Comparatively speaking, the GN 9350 is similar in functionality to the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth headset, which I reviewed here. Both support VoIP, both can use any PC audio application, both use USB, and both are wireless. However, the similarities stop there, since the Voyager 510 uses Bluetooth and the GN 9350 uses DECT 6.0 for wireless connectivity. The advantage of the Bluetooth wireless spec is that you can use the same headset both on your PC (using the Bluetooth USB dongle) and your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. The GN 9350 wasn't designed for mobile phones, but rather for traditional enterprise desktop phones, which the Voyager 510 cannot connect to. Thus, these products target a slightly different target audience. Although, I should mention that Plantronics has a higher-end model of the Voyager 510 called the Voyager 510S, which supports mobile phones, desktop phones, and PC audio (VoIP) using Bluetooth.

Here's a picture of the higher-end Plantronics Voyager 510s:


One advantage of the DECT 6.0 spec over using Bluetooth is range. When I tested the Bluetooth-enabled Plantronics Voyager 510, the audio started to get choppy just 15 feet away. On the other hand the DECT-enabled GN 9350 worked flawlessly with no choppiness even 250 feet away. GN Netcom claims 300 feet of range for the GN 9350.

Installation
Installing the GN 9350 was a breeze. You simply connect the phone wire to one of its ports, the handset cord to the other RJ11 port. I will say that connecting the phone connectors was a bit tricky because the ports are recessed about 1/2 inch in with a lip that hangs over and a tiny opening, making it difficult to get your fingers inside to clip the phone clips. I basically had to hold the wires from the outside and gingerly aim the RJ11 clips into the female ports - I felt like I was defusing a bomb like the injured "Cappy" in the scene from Executive Decision. It was then that I realized that the cover on top is actually removable making it easy to make the connections. Silly me. Under the cover I was surprised to discover an LCD display and a 4-way thumbpad allowing you to customize various features, including volume, bass/treble/normal, hookswitch selection, range/power selection, and finally protection level, which protects against sudden spikes in volume. There is also a switch for choosing which type of phone system you have. In any event, after hooking up the phone wires and playing with the LCD settings, I then hooked up the AC adaptor and the USB connector and was good to go.

Base Unit Features
On the front of the base unit are 2 buttons for switching from PC to phone and 7 LEDs. One LED indicates when the headset is charging on its base (flashing) or when the headset is in use (solid). Another LED, red in color indicates when you have the headset muted. Another LED indicates USB connectivity, another for power, and 2 blue LEDs indicate whether you are in PC or Phone mode.

Headset Features
The headset is very flexible in it's wearing styles. You can wear it headband wearing style, neckband wearing style (wraps behind your head), as well as "over the ear" wearing style. features automatic volume adjustment that sets the volume on all calls (phone or VoIP) unless you set the auto-volume protection to level 0. The headset also features noise reduction which can remove background noise from your environment.

The headset features a noise-cancelling boom mic, a charging port, and a three-way switch on the end that performs volume up/down, as well as mute when you press it in. On the outside of the headset is a blue LED that blinks when in use and is off when not in use.

In addition, your headset can also be used with DECT cordless phones, which are GAP (Generic Access Profile) compatible. You simply have to pair the headset with the cordless phone's base station by pressing the headset's talk and mute buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds after entering the cordless telephone's GAP mode. Relatedly, the headset supports a multi-unit conferencing capability. Simply start a call, then place a 2nd headset on the base unit for 2 seconds. Then remove the headset and this headset will be conferenced into the call. You can repeat for any additional 2 headsets for a total of 4 headsets in the call.

Here's an interesting feature - emergency dialing via VoIP. The base unit supports "speed dialing" emergency services using your VoIP application (softphone) simply by pressing the PC mode button and the Phone mode button simultaneously for 5 seconds. This is useful for when your workstation is locked and you're trying to shave off some seconds. Of course, I can type my password in less than 5 seconds as I'm sure most people can, but perhaps the emergency is that you injured your hand - which would make it a little difficult to do the three-fingered-salute (Ctrl-Alt-Del) to log on.

Testing
The voice quality was excellent and I was very impressed with the ~250ft range before the audio started to cut out. Overall, I was pleased with the sound quality, range, and the ability to switch from streaming music (PC) to an incoming call (Phone). If your phone is supported, you'll even hear a beep in the headset letting you know of an incoming call. If you have the optional handset lifter, it can even lift the handset so you can take the call without being at your desk. The unit also supports EHS (electronic hookswitch) to automatically answer a call, which does not require the handset lifter. Only certain phones support EHS. You can go to www.gnnetcom.co.uk/UK/EN/EHS-setup.htm to see if your phone is listed.

Unfortunately, when you set the base unit to default to the “phone”, it appears that you can't toggle from music to phone and then back to music using the headset button. You can only go from music to phone. So for example, say you are away from your desk, listening to streaming radio, and then an incoming call comes in. You click the headset’s button to switch to the phone connection, which uses the remote handset lifter to answer the call. You talk for a bit, you end the call and then wish to return back to the PC’s streaming audio. You can’t do this remotely. You have to press the button on the base unit in order to switch back to the PC audio. 

Similarly, when you set base unit to default to “PC” audio, on an incoming call, you cannot switch to the “Phone” using just the headset. You have to be physically at the base station and press the phone button.

Not a big deal, since in most cases you will be near your PC & phone (and therefore the base unit). Nevertheless, wireless headsets do add some nice office mobility, so  it would be nice if you could hold the headset button for say 3 seconds and it would toggle to the opposite (PC or phone) connection. Perhaps this is a simple firmware or software upgrade. I'll contact my sources at GN Netcom and see if its possible.

I found it a bit of a pain to put the headset back on the base unit to charge it. If you are slightly off, the charging prong hits the plastic on the headset and won't insert all the way down. I had to wiggle the headset a bit to get it to dock. However, with a little practive, I was able to get it docked on the first try about 80% of the time.

Beeping and blinking... Beeping and blinking (William Shatner - Airplane!)
When simply using the headset to listen to PC audio (music) I found that the mic picks up sounds and plays it back over the earpiece. For example, if listening to music, with the mic unmuted and you hit the mic boom with your hand, it picks up the sound and plays it over the ear piece. Or if I simply turn my head and the mic hits my cheek, it will pick this sound up. I was able to mute the mic, but then it beeps every 10 seconds which is annoying.

Beeping is a great reminder when using the phone feature – so you don’t accidentally forget you are muted, but when in PC mode, unless using a VoIP software all the time (requires the mic is unmuted), I prefer that the microphone be muted with no beeping.

Pros:

• Better range than Bluetooth headsets (300 feet).
• Battery life is 9hrs PSTN talk time and 6hrs VoIP talk time.
• Connects to both desktop phone and PC (USB)
• Uses DECT 6.0 spec and DSP for excellent sound quality.
• Integrates with DECT 6.0 cordlesss phones.
• 3 wearing styles.
• Multi-unit conferencing capability.

Cons

• Slightly heavier than the Plantronics BT headset (amazon link).
• Can't toggle from PC/music mode to phone and then back to PC/music. Can only go once from PC to phone. Or when in PC default mode, and currently on a call, you can only switch once to PC and cannot return back to the phone mode.
• Bit of a pain to dock the headset into the base unit.
• Can't disable the “beep” when muted feature is on

Conclusion
Even with the beeping issue and the toggling issue, overall, I was very pleased with GN Netcom's GN 9350. It is now my office headset of choice due to it's excellent range and very good feature-set. Having all these features, range, and sound quality will set you back $349 MSRP. However, I checked Amazon and I see the GN 9350 listed on Amazon for $271.99.

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Tags: 9350, dect 6.0, gn netcom, headset, phone, plantronics, pstn, voip, wireless
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Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on September 1st, 2006 with no comments.
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Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset review

Plantronics sent me their Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset to review. Unlike any other Bluetooth headsets, the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset is the first to simultaneously support both VoIP softphones on your PC and your Bluetooth mobile phone simultaneously -- negating the need to deregister/re-register your Bluetooth connection with the other device. Plantronics is able to do this using their exclusive Multipoint Technology.

Measuring 4.0 x 2.5 x 0.8 inches and weighing 5.6 ounces, the Voyager 510 headset is pretty lightweight - after awhile you don't even notice it is there. It is slightly heavier and bulkier than the Motorola HS850 , but I found the Voyager 510-USB much more comfortable on my ear. The Motorola HS850 would often dangle and not stay put.

Many PCs or even laptops don't have built-in Bluetooth, but fortunately, the Voyager 510-USB includes a plug and play Bluetooth USB adapter that works without the need for any software drivers. This enables mobile professionals to engage in one-step hands-free VoIP calling. If you want the ability to perform remote-end answer/hang-up integration with softphones you'll need to install the PerSonoCall application.

The system integrates with enterprise softphone software from leading companies — including Avaya, Cisco, Nortel, Skype, and others — to offer call notification and remote call answering through the headset. It also is compatible with most popular consumer VoIP services, like AOL, MSN, and Yahoo! although it doesn't feature remote call answer with these yet. I tested the ability to remotely answer incoming Skype calls from the 510-USB and it worked without a hitch. On an incoming Skype call from Greg Galitzine I simply pressed the call control button on the 510-USB and the Skype call was accepted. Beauty, eh?


Profle of the Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset

The headset's "smart" technology knows which Bluetooth device you are using and allows you to take calls from any device simply by hitting the button. With the optional Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter you can even switch between your office phone and your Bluetooth mobile phone. Thus, you won't need to use a dedicated "landline" phone headset.

The headset features a noise-canceling microphone for clearer conversations and the mic boom swivels to position on either ear. The 510 supports adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) which helps avoid interference from WiFi networks. It supports a hefty 6 hours talk time using the built-in Lithium polymer rechargeable battery and up to 100 hours of standby time.


Front View of the Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset

When you place the headset on the charging base, it automatically turns off the headset and charges it. Fortunately, when you remove the Voyager 510 from the charging base it remembers to turn it back on. Similarly, if you manually shut off the headset (depress power switch for 3s) and then place it on the charger, if you remove the headset from the base, the headset stays off. I wonder if the headset isn't truly "off" when you place the Voyager headset onto the charging base while it is still on? It's probably in a pseudo-sleep mode, but not totally powered off. The difference in charging the battery is probably negligible, so most users will probably keep the headset always turned on even when charging.


Plantronics USB-510 charging base connected to 1 USB port.
Bluetooth dongle connected to PC's 2nd USB port

Button functionality & testing
I had some minor difficulties with the power on/off switch which is very small and located just in front of the volume buttons, and it requires a very hard press. When the headset is on your ear, making a hard button press took a little getting used to. In any case, there are basically three buttons on the headset. The first button is simply a +/- volume button, which happens to be the largest of the three making it easy to adjust the volume.

The 2nd button is the small black button I mentioned which toggles the power button (and mute with a quick depress). The power button requires you hold the button for 3s to toggle the power. Well, they advertise in the manual that it's 3 seconds, but I tested it and it's actually 3s to turn on and just 2-2.5s to turn off. The 3s is a tad long to turn on, but useful I suppose to prevent accidentally turning on or off the headset. Of course, like I said, you have to press the power button pretty hard, so I doubt it would be pressed by accident. It probably has more to do with the time it takes to negotiate a connection with the other Bluetooth devices.

The 3rd button is placed where the boom mic meats the ear piece and it is used to call answer or end the call, as well as toggle between your PC Bluetooth connection and your Bluetooth mobile phone. It is also used to activate voice dialing, redial, and other functions.

To activate last number redial you simply double click the call control button. You will hear a high tone for each key press. When you hear a further tone, the last number has been redialed. In addition, when receiving an incoming call you can press and hold the call control button to reject a call. You will hear a tone. When you hear a second tone, the call has been rejected and you can release the button.

Voice Dialing & Call Transfer to other BT device
You can easily perform voice dialing supported by your mobile phone by pressing and holding the call control button for 2 seconds until you hear a second tone. Then you can speak the name of the person you wish to reach. Switching a call from your mobile phone to the headset is pretty straightforward. You simply briefly press the call control button. Switching a call from the headset back to the phone requires a slighly longer button press until you hear a tone indicating the transfer has been complete. I was able to listen to streaming music on the 510-USB, hear beeps in the headset that an incoming call was coming in, and then press the call control to answer the call.

Features

• Multipoint Technology allows you to seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth devices
• Noise-canceling microphone for superior sound quality
• Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time
• One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing
• Compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting the headset or hands-free profile
• Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound both indoors and out;
• Lightweight, foldable design for all-day comfort and easy storage;
• Boom swivels for use on either ear;
• 33-foot roaming distance. feet away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices

Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible and foldable to stow in pocket
- Cool charging base
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Comes with 3 different sized ear pieces for the best fit
- Includes a small portable USB Bluetooth "dongle" to Bluetooth-enable any PC/laptop
- Range performance was good - better than other BT headsets I have tested

Cons
- Too dependent on the time a button is depressed for some functionality - another button to take the load of one of the features might be good
- Power switch is small and hard to depress
- USB Bluetooth dongle doesn't have a key ring to put in on your keychain
- Can switch from listening to PC audio (music or Skype call) to an incoming mobile phone call,  however if you switch from the mobile phone to your PC (music or Skype call), it ends the mobile phone call. I wish there was a way to switch to the PC (put caller on hold) without disconnecting the mobile phone call.

Conclusion
The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is one of the best if not the best Bluetooth headset you can buy, period. Its ability to register with both your PC's audio software applications (including VoIP) and your Bluetooth-enabled phone is a key differentiating factor. The audio quality was very good and the headset itself is very flexible making it very comfortable to wear. I didn't have any issues with the headset losing the Bluetooth connection (cutting out) at all and the range is very good. I highly recommend the Voyager 510-USB.

The Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset is available on Amazon for just $47.99.

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Tags: bluetooth, headset, hs850, motorola , plantronics, usb, voyager 510

Written by VoIP & Gadgets Blog on May 25th, 2006 with no comments.
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Review: Plantronics 510S w/ HL10

The Plantronics 510s w/HL10 is a Bluetooth capable headset (510s) that comes complete with a handset lifter (HL10) for remote answering and disconnet of calls. The product has 6 hours of talk time, 100 hours of standby, and up to 30 feet of range.

I recieved the unit yesterday as part of a demo program offer through the Plantronics Connect Partner Program.

Review

Installation

First off I would like to thank Plantronics for supplying me with the free gear. Overall, the installation process is pretty standard. This definitely is not a gadget that needs professional installation. You start by attaching the handset lifter (HL10) to your phone using the stick adhesives on the back of the HL10, connect a few cords, and plug in the power unit. Again, very easy.

Configuration

This is where this device is a bit tricky. Once you have connected power to the device, you need to dial in the Bluetooth signal using the dial on the side of the 510s base station. This is the first thing you must do otherwise you will not be able to make anymore audio quality adjustments. The dialing in of the call quality is a tedious and time consuming affair. First off their are two different audio settings. One for listening volume, and one for speak volume. The listening volume has a fine and coarse adjustments. Located on the back and bottom of the base station. My suggestion is to get someone on the other end and spend the time to nail the quality down to perfection, especially if you are using this device in a professional setting.

Performance

This by far one of the best “tools” I have obtained. The ability to walk around my office, hands-free is outstanding. The range is at least as good as stated, and after the initial configuration, the sound is better then on any other headset I have used. One caveat I do have, though, is with the handset lifter. Due to the angle of my Polycom phone, I was forced to rubber band the handset to the handset lifter to prevent the handset from falling onto the desk. While the set-up is less then stylish, it does the job. This little tweak, though, is not enough to waiver my high opinion of the device.

Another great performance feature is the ability to use the headset with my Motorola cell phone and in conjunction with a laptop softphone. It is a painless process that involves holding down two buttons simultenously, then searching for the device on your phone or laptop.

Summary

With a street price of over $200 USD, the Platronics 510s w/ HL10 will be a hard pill to swallow for some non-tech consumers. They device though, from a quality and performance standpoint is worth every penny. The ability to work hands free with a decent range away from your desk, as welll as my ability to use this with my Motorola cell phone will make this device a permenent ear fixture. To pick up your own Platronics 510s w/ HL10 stop by VoIPSupply.com

Garrett Smith

Written by Garrett Smith on January 13th, 2006 with no comments.
Read more articles on Hardware and Reviews and Plantronics.