With the advent of IP or VOiP telephony ever increasing across the UK business market, it is no big surprise that headset manufacturers have increased their range of USB headsets. More and more businesses are opting for PC based phones or “Soft Phones” with screen dialling and often backed up by the ever increasing Unified Communications platforms that are prevalent in larger businesses. USB headsets are changing the way we do business and like the traditional “plug in phone” headsets, they are very well made. The technology has had to be adapted and even re-invented to a degree, to make up for the voice clarity and call strength. The headset giants Jabra GN Netcom and Plantronics, along with others like Sennheiser and Altesys have embraced the opportunity to increase their USB headset ranges and tap into this lucrative market.
So which headset connected by USB is the best choice for you?
Well, there are so many quality and cost effective headsets out there that it’s a difficult choice to make. The new Jabra Biz 2400 USB headset has caused quite a stir amongst its rivals by replacing the existing GN2000 and GN2100 range which was so well made and trouble free. The new Biz is far superior due to the advance in technology increasing the call quality, decreasing noise reduction and designing a very comfortable modern headset.
Plantronics are fighting back with the ever popular Supraplus USB headset but have also introduced the new Plantronics Savi business 100 200 range that is stylish and quite a trend setter offering a high end price but with quality to match.
Watch this space though as other manufacturers realise the market is huge and is growing all the time, we have already seen the first quality sub £100 wireless headset from Doro make its mark and USB headset prices will be the ones to watch as we move closer to Unified Communications and IP telephony.
Plantronics versus Jabra GN Netcom
Have you ever wondered how Headset giant Plantronics stacks up against their main rival in the headset market “Jabra” owned by GN Netcom? Well quite well really. Its no secret that the vast percentage of UK Call centres use and have always used Plantronics H251 and H251N (the ‘N’ is noise cancelling) headsets as they are robust and well priced for such a big market but Jabra have the GN2000 and GN2100 which are extremely well made and well priced.
As a supplier of many brands of both wireless and wired headsets, it has always surprised us that people nearly always stick to what they know without trying new models or even new brands like Sennheiser or Altesys. The plain truth of the matter is that Jabra create very well made, well designed and cost effective headsets that are arguably much better in sound quality than some of the Plantronics range.
The wireless headset revolution has set the “cat amongst the pigeons” and the “gloves are off” in the wireless war, as all the headset manufacturers race to get the best and most cost effective DECT cordless headsets out to market. Plantronics have always done well with the CS60, arguably the most popular Plantronics wireless headset but Jabra also have the GN9120 to match it; and match it, it does, in both quality and price.
Both Plantronics and Jabra have recently brought out a whole series of high end office headsets targeting the business managers and office executives that are looking for headsets that set them apart and have an aesthetic charm. Plantronics with the wireless and super trendy Savi range and Jabra with its Go range going for looks and quirky every time hoping to corner that market.
So what happens to every day, robust, well made and still wired varieties of headset? Well, Jabra have released the Jabra Biz 2400 to eventually replace the GN2000 and even the GN2100 which are excellent headsets but you cannot argue with the new technology in the Jabra Biz range with even better sound clarity and wait for it! Kevlar coated headbands for extra strength.
Who is best, Plantronics or Jabra Gn Netcom? The decision is as always, Yours!
