Plantronics makes the Cadillacs of telephone headgear. The PLX-400 and the PLX-500, aimed at small businesses and work-at-home professionals, both weigh under two ounces. The reversible boom lets you wear the set over either ear while the microphone picks up your every word. While not CD- quality, the sound is still pretty good: Gone are the echo and wind-tunnel effects that have plagued consumer headsets for years.
The PLX-400 has a built-in telephone keypad, complete with redial and "flash" buttons. The PLX-500 plugs into a conventional telephone through the headset jack, making it ideal for multi-line phones and digital PBX systems. Both units feature a volume control and a mute button.
Best of all, these headsets let me talk on the phone while using both hands to type, straighten my desk, or cook dinner - all without having to hold the telephone cocked between my ear and shoulder. That, plus a few trips to a massage therapist, should cure the neck and shoulder problems I've been having for the past few years.
PLX-500: US$69.95, PLX-400: US$79.95 Plantronics: (800) 544 4660, +1 (408) 426 5858.
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