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.
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.
The launch box I received was very cool. Included the headset, letter from Mike Ferguson (President & CEO), sell sheets, sticky note pad, a chrome-VXi-labeled yo-yo and I received a bottle of champagne which is a nice touch. You can never have enough champagne and reason to celebrate.
What’s In the Box: UC Proset 10V headset, Leatherette ear cushion on headset, spare foam ear cushion and mic screen, lapel clip and instructions.
First Impression: At first glance, I said “Wow!” This is completely different than any other VXi headset. It looks like a very cool headset. It’s very light weight. Also, the cable is different than most other corded headset cables. It appears to be a woven fabric of some sort. Like a nylon rope.
Wearing: Okay, I get a little critical here. I know it’s “new” so there is the “new” stiffness however it seems very “tight” on my head. Additionally, it doesn’t seem to be sitting comfortably on my head. I attribute that to there not being enough mobility in ear piece (speaker). I’ve worn for about an hour now and the tightness on my head is a bit uncomfortable. We use Microsoft Lync so I’m connected to my PC via the VXi X200 USB adapter. My PC tower is located under my desk. So I have to connect the X200 USB cable basically on the floor and the X200 seems to “pull” on the headset causing discomfort. I disconnected the X200 and that appears to be a major cause to the level of wearing discomfort I was feeling.
Possible breakpoint
Sound Quality: Received call via Lync. I was able to use the X200 inline control to answer call. It also changed my presence status when I was “in a call”. The sound quality was very good. I was also able to mute using the X200 inline control. My transmission level was good according to the caller. My receive volume was pretty good. So pretty good sound quality.
Additional Comments: I noticed a potential break point. It’s actually already breaking a little where the headband slides in and out. There seems to be an area of stress there. There is no give at ear piece. I’ll continue wearing for at least rest of day and report in later.
End of Day: The headset does lose its “stiffness” after a couple hours of use. The sound quality has remained steady and good so far.
Day 2: Again, the initial stiffness seems to have gone away. The mic is not like their traditional mics in terms of placement. It seems further away and I can’t seem to “move” it. It’s pretty fixed. However, I haven’t had any complaints in terms of my transmit quality and volume level.
Day 4: All is well. The sound quality is still good. The comfort level has improved (or I’ve just gotten use to it).
Day 6: After about a week of use the headset definitely feels more comfortable. I really like the woven fabric cable and wonder if they can make other cables using that same material. The headset continued to work well with our Microsoft Lync client. Because I have grown so accustomed to wireless, I’d reach up to the ear piece to answer whenever I would get a call. Even after a week of using, I still do that. Also, it was hard for me to get use to the cord and I realized quickly why I like being wireless so much more.
Closing Comments: The VXI UC Proset should be well received in contact centers who already use corded headsets. In the office space, if there are employees using corded headsets, this may be a nice option based on its appearance. It’s going to be critical to inform customers that headset will take a few days to “loosen up”. I utilized with Microsoft Lync and it worked well. No issues with sound (Receive or Transmit). I really like the material and feel of the cable. It is a “cool” looking headset. Pricing seems to be competitive. This product definitely needs to be sent out to customers to “try”.
