Telephone Headsets – Wireless: DECT Vs Bluetooth
Until very recently, the only wireless telephone headset that you could buy was based upon DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology. The products have slowly evolved over two or three ‘generations’ – to eventually be quite usable.
Ericsson developed the Bluetooth technology that sprang up in the early 1990’s and was mooted to be the ‘next best thing’. This promise was repeated every now and then in the years that followed, as one product was launched, then flopped or didn’t even get to the ‘flop’ stage. The technology was proving to be a continual disappointment to end-users.
With the requirement of headset solutions for cell phones growing in importance, Bluetooth still seemed like the best solution. Development continued, gradually getting better and better. Finally now 15 years or so later, we have some workable products, still flawed, but definitely workable.
As a result, the spin off from cell phone applications has propelled Bluetooth into the office headset market, but to date, there have been issues that still need to be addressed if Bluetooth is to finally be the answer to our wireless needs.
It seems though, that the effort is beginning to pay off.
I’ve tested many Bluetooth headsets, and found them all to wanting, either in a basic sense; they didn’t work or they worked, but carried too many lesser faults to be of any real use. The latest series of Bluetooth headsets released by Plantronics, do I believe, represent a turning point. There have been others that performed well on cell phones, like the Bluespoon headset, but none that were capable of crossing the divide into office telephony except the GN Netcom 6110/6210, but I found these products to be wanting in many respects; worked better on some phones than others, worn overear / earbud etc.
When choosing between the two types – obviously, you must look at what and how you intend using the device – what are your expectations? Look for and compare:
Range – Bluetooth only has 10 metres, DECT has 100 metres.
Incredibly important. If you plan on long strolls around and away from your desk, then only DECT will deliver. Bluetooth is only good in the immediate vicinity of the base.
Connectivity – do you want to operate on both your cell phone and your desk phone?
Some users will only want to connect to their desk phone and have no intention of using it with any other devices. Bluetooth is the only option for those that want to connect multiple devices.
Talk time – For both types, getting better all the time, now up to 8 hours with some units.
There is nothing worse than trying to use a wireless headset, only to discover that you have run out if talk time. All the new models DECT and Bluetooth have rapidly lengthening talk times, and all will charge, at least enough to get you going after only a few minutes.
Form factor – how do you wear it? Headband is more accepted than overear, generally.
This is my favourite gripe about Bluetooth headsets. All are overear or earbud styles. Most people don’t like to wear this style all day. OK for the car or very mobile people though.
Reliability – does your choice of model work well, really? Find and read some reviews.
Even operating within the 10 metre range, there are many Bluetooth devices that simply don’t work well enough. DECT headsets still have an advantage in overall performance, especially at range and their signals aren’t as susceptible to interference.
Some multi-connectable Bluetooth headsets have trouble determining from which device – desk phone or cell phone, the user is wanting to take a call, resulting in lost calls.
Compatibility – not all headsets and phones ‘like each other’.
Despite the claims of manufacturers – many users will be disappointed when they try and connect their Bluetooth headset to other devices and find the performance is far less than what they expected. Some cell phones are very hard to get working properly and for no good reason, as the specifications tell otherwise and indicate compatibility.
I use both Bluetooth and DECT in my office. I use the DECT type as I feel it works better, but I’m still very attracted to Bluetooth, and really want it to work, because of the great convenience of having the one headset for all applications. It’s getting there, but its not there yet.
Scott McNair is the CEO of New Zealand-based , SureVox Headsets.He has spent over 15 years in the headset industry both in New Zealand and Australia, where he hails from originally.SureVox products are available internationally and potential distributors are welcome to make contact.
sales@surevox.com
http://www.surevox.com