Need wireless headset/speakerphone solution for mom

[Slydude]

Not a Mac question so I'm placing this in the lounge.

My brother tends to call mom during the day when she is moving about the house doing other things. Needless to say sometimes the sound quality is not got as she tries to hold the handset on one shoulder and carry on a conversation. I think one of the house phones (cordless landline) has speakerphone capability but the sound quality isn't great.

I'm hoping to help him find something that fits the following criteria:
1. Good sound quality (current phone has a horrible mic in speakerphone mode).
2. We are looking at headset-based systems (as an alternative to using speakerphone system).
3. I'd rather avoid using a headset that connects via wire to a belt pack if possible.
4. We're OK with replacing existing phones needed.
5. Simplicity of operation is a good thing and it does not need to connect to other drives such as her cellphone or a computer (none in the house despite numerous calls offering virus protection for said device).

All help appreciated. I get this wrong and my status as tech guru is in serious jeopardy.

 

[chscag]

Sly:

I don't have a particular recommendation but suggest you drop in Staples or Office Depot. Both stores have a variety of what you're looking for. It's probably a good idea to buy from a brick and mortar store rather than order one from Amazon or other on line merchant. You can test the device yourself and it's much easier to return if need be.

 

[Cr00zng]

Sly,

In my experience with wireless telephone headsets, Plantronics has good quality products. So does Jabra for that matter. It's probaly going to cost you less on Amazon, than directly from these companies:

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers...s/zgbs/electronics/229193?tag=macforums0e4-20

Just be careful, if you get it there. There are quite a few of them are "Renewed"...

 

[RadDave]

Hi Sly - we have an older Plantronics monaural headset which is wireless but has a corded pack attached - I've been wanting to replace this device w/ another one that is basically wireless - so, was looking on Amazon - check this LINK which shows a list of Plantronics options (corded, non-corded, monaural & binaural) - below is the model that headed the top of the link given - I'm going to read up more on these and possibly replace our older one? Now, I'm sure that there are plenty of other brands/models - hopefully others will chime in w/ their suggestions. Good luck! Dave
.

 

[Slydude]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As usual helpful info in a timely fashion.

I've been looking at some of the options from Jabra and Plantronics. I remember those names coming up often when I've looked at voice recognition in the past. These names keep coming up as having good quality. Because some of the models I've seen have been directed toward call centers I was starting to get results that were ridiculous.

@RadDave I think I was reading a bit of info on that model earlier. I'll certainly put it on the short list. It's certainly well within the price range we were considering. Of course we never disclose how much Christmas/birthday presents cost with her. We're never overly extravagant but she'd probably swear we spent too much.

 

[RadDave]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. As usual helpful info in a timely fashion.

I've been looking at some of the options from Jabra and Plantronics...............

@RadDave I think I was reading a bit of info on that model earlier. I'll certainly put it on the short list. It's certainly well within the price range we were considering. Of course we never disclose how much Christmas/birthday presents cost with her. We're never overly extravagant but she'd probably swear we spent too much.

Hi again Sly - since posting above, I've been looking at the Plantronics models on Amazon (wife would like a new one, too!) and there are a LOT of 1* comments - guess that there are some 'lemons'? So, starting to google the 'best headless phones' and reading their suggestions - also found a LINK to a website that seems to specialize in these devices w/ a lot of brands/models - will do some more researching tomorrow. Dave

 

[Slydude]

Thanks Dave. I found that site earlier but have only explored the info on one or two models so I hadn't looked at the site in detail though.

I saw another site earlier tonight that seems to have decent info on some models. If can find it in my history tomorrow I'll post the link in case it is helpful to you.

With respect to device reviews in general, I'm almost at the point of ignoring reviews on sites like Amazon. Sometimes, I look at the positive reviews, then look at the negatives, and wonder if the people in question are reviewing the same gizmo. I realize there will be differences of opinions/needs but sometimes the factual advice is incorrect.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I have a pair of Plantronics sport headphones I use for the gym and have been very satisfied with the sound quality. I can't vouch for the headsets, but I'd certainly put them at the top of my list. The same goes for Plantronics... I used to have a bluetooth headset and it was very comfortable and sounded great. One other brand to consider is Sennheiser. They are well known for the audio quality of their headphones.

 

[Slydude]

Thanks LB. I'd forgotten about Sennheiser being involved in making that type of headset. I know their wired auto headset generally have a good reputation but I've never tried them personally. I've got some more reading to do later today.

 

[chscag]

One other brand to consider is Sennheiser. They are well known for the audio quality of their headphones.

And they are also well known for their price. LOL. But no problem, that young fella from Red River country can afford them.

 

[Slydude]

And they are also well known for their price. LOL. But no problem, that young fella from Red River country can afford them.

Ill tell my brother you said you were sure he could afford it. I'll let you know when he stops laughing. Might take a while.

 

[pm-r]

Need wireless headset/speakerphone solution for mom

Does Mum happen to wear hearing aids???

I just mentioned that because some of the newer models have hearing and microphone built-in integration that links into their iDevice.

At the other end of the range, I bought my wife a set of cheap Bluetooth earbuds with microphone that she has used with FaceTime and Skype as well as listening to her music and they were on sale for under $30. They work amazingly well and the controls are in the earpiece not in the lanyard that a lot of people don't like because it upsets the balance.


- Patrick
======

 

[RadDave]

And they are also well known for their price. LOL. But no problem, that young fella from Red River country can afford them.

Well, I've been using Sennheiser 'wireless' headphones for stereo listening for a while (pic below - an older model now cheaper on Amazon - believe that I paid about $160 or so a while back - had to replace the rechargeable batteries recently) - for me, great to be not cabled to my stereo, about 20 ft away; also run on the 2.4 GHz frequency band which has shown nearly no interference (unless Susan is running the Microwave 10 ft away - ) - has been a great solution for me to be non-tethered when playing music she does not want to hear, which is often!

BUT - I looked at their wireless phone offerings and about a hundred bucks more than Plantronics w/ similar ratings - believe that I'll be sticking w/ the latter brand and just buy a 3-4 year contract which is not that expensive on Amazon. Too many choices out there and the prices vary wildly! Dave
.

 

[Slydude]

@Patrick Thanks for the reminder about hearing aids. That's not an issue at the moment. Hearing aids don't enter into the equation at the moment but is always a possibility.

Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone/IOS device isn't an issue. She has one of the few semi-dumb phones left on the market and likes it that way. I've even up trying to convince her that smartphones/IOS gizmos are a necessity. The next text she sends on any device will be her first.