Blue Moon Blog

Being a social creature with a job which requires an abundance of time spent solo, I need to make sure I find ways to keep in touch with the world beyond while staying productive. Listening to music, the radio, podcasts or audio books while working can help pass the time and keep one company. And the internet can certainly serve this function, too, but can obviously be a danger. For years, I’d have to avoid getting on the phone with friends and family, as holding the handset would keep me from work or hurt my neck. Given that, a wireless headset for your phone can really come in handy.

I tried a headset in the mid-90s, but the cost was high ($450), the sound quality low, and it wasn’t wireless, so I returned it. After researching last year a good deal, I settled on the Plantronics CS-55, and highly recommend it. It’s comfy, easy to set up and use, with high sound quality. It’s changed and improved how I work, allowing me to draw while talking, or make notes or sketches during phone meetings or conference calls.

The headset unit sits on the base to charge when not in use. A single charge should get you ten hours of phone time. Though other options exist, I’ve found the band over the head works well; I’m afraid the piece that wraps around the ear would eventually hurt. The CS-55 requires a phone set-up as pictured above on the right. It may seem cumbersome, but is preferable to carrying a unit with you on your belt or some such. You can use an existing desktop phone or pick one up cheap on ebay as I did, for only $10 (the Plantronics site offers a list of models with which the headset will work). I’d suggest also getting the HL-10 phone lifter. Rather than lifting the phone off the hook manually, the lifter is attached beneath the handset, and lifts the phone for you make a call, with but a single touch of your finger on the side of the headset. The headset also features a mute button on top, which can come in real handy with interruptions that tend to pop up in the home office, like kids, etc.

Amazon.com offers the Plantronics CS-55 and HL-10 in a bundle, for under $200. Purchase it through our Blue Moon Boutique and you’ll help support this blog. Many more models can be viewed at the Plantronics site, where you can find the CS-55 or one more to your liking or needs.

Happy chatting!