WFH Folks - good speakerphone?

[matthew-s]

Well, this may be the thread that drives Dennis over the edge, but I've got to ask.

I have recently started working from home, which means I'm on a lot of conference calls.

I took a small Polycom speaker phone with me, and its terrible. The speaker is perfectly fine for listening, but I'm told I sound like I'm in a tin can when I speak. When I use a cordless phone on the same line, people say I sound fine - so I don't think it is the line.

Anyone have a phone they really like? One that also includes a handset is preferred.

[Paul_Heery]

I have an older Uniden setup that has a desk phone and also a cordless handset. Here is the comparable model from their current line, but mine does not have an answering machine as I don't need it.
Uniden | A World Without Wires - TRU9488

Now, here is the main reason why I like this setup. The cordless handset has a 3.5mm jack for a headset. I bought a Plantronics headset that plugs right in for about $40. This allows me to move throughout the house when I am on calls. When I know that I am going to be at my desk just listening on calls, I use the speakerphone that is in the base unit. If I know I am going to be actively participating, I always use the cordless with the headset.

Also, the cordless allows me to venture outside the house on nice days. With a mute button, no one needs to know where you are.

I have never had anyone complain about the sound quality.

[mikester]

Depends on your environment. If your IT and Phones are based on Cisco I would suggest a Cisco 7975. I have one at home and it is FANTASTIC. Seriously.

[AirKuhl]

I use a bluetooth headset and my Android phone. I leave the phone plugged in to power because some of my concalls can go for hours. The headset allows me to move around, use both hands on the computer, go to another room if it's noisy, go to the bathroom (make sure you mute!) and so on.

I use the cell phone because I have a toll-free conference bridge so the it's unlimited minutes and I don't have to track or expense my costs. The trick is to find a BT headset that works with your phone, one that works with an iPhone might suck with a Motorola and vice versa.

[matthew-s]

Thanks -

Mike - for the Cisco recommendation - I take it you have a VoIP solution you can access remotely? That is not my case: I'm using a POTS line (well, FIOS line . . ). Sound like a good setup though.

I did not consider getting a headset for my cordless phone - I might try that.

I could put a headset on my iPhone, but my service SUCKS from my basement home office. I am loathe to pay AT&T for the MicroCell . . . . but I'll probably break down at some point.

[mikester]

Originally Posted by matthew-s

Thanks -

Mike - for the Cisco recommendation - I take it you have a VoIP solution you can access remotely? That is not my case: I'm using a POTS line (well, FIOS line . . ). Sound like a good setup though.

I did not consider getting a headset for my cordless phone - I might try that.

I could put a headset on my iPhone, but my service SUCKS from my basement home office. I am loathe to pay AT&T for the MicroCell . . . . but I'll probably break down at some point.

Yes, I do have a VoIP setup through my employer which provided me the phone (and manufactured it incidentally...)

AT&T at this point is my nemesis.