Last week we had a trial run of our EOC (Emergency Operations Center) and one of the things we learned is that it was very hard to hear and be heard in that situation. Obviously we hope that we never have to use them but if we do it is imperative that they are 100% reliable. Ideally they would be wireless but I'm guessing that the wired ones have a better track record especially when there will be a bunch of them in the same room. Also, the ability to answer multiple lines is important. Please note that the people wearing these will not normally wear them so ease of use is also important.

Initially these are for an IP Office 8.1 and will be plugged into 1603 phones. However, and the reason I'm posting this in the general category and not Avaya, is that if these work out we'll use them in other buildings with other systems (Shoretel, digital IP Office, Iwatsu and NEC) where they will be used on a daily basis.

Thanks,
Terry

Have you tried the Plantronics headsets

We tried one a few years ago. The secretary found it quite uncomfortable and difficult to use. I gave it to another secretary in another building and she had the same observations. Neither were pleased with the call quality either. It was one of the expensive ones too.

Plantronics and GN Netcom are the two big guns. I have sold tons of both with no complaints.

Headsets.com takes returns ..... contact them and see what they recommend.

Thanks Jules & John.

The wireless headsets are nice, but with what you describe in your original post, I think I would choose wired. If you don't use them until there is an emergency, then you may find the wireless ones are not charged and will do you no good.

Current model Plantronics headsets are nothing like the ones from a few years ago. The CS-540 is so comfortable, we have folks walk out of the building wearing their headset. They actually forget that they're wearing a headset.

I agree that a wired headset would be better in the EOC, and less expensive. The two environments mentioned are kind of apples and oranges. It's probably a mistake to establish criteria for daily use based on requirements of something rarely used.

Thanks nfcphoneman and DND ON. You helped me decide that I was right about the wired ones.