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The world is moving further into the digital space, and online interactions are becoming more common. While your laptop or computer’s internal microphone and speakers allow for a low-level quality of interaction, for more serious communication, it’s important to use a headset so that you can hear clearly and that your voice is projected perfectly to your audience.
Whether you’re teaching via live or recorded sessions, holding online meetings with colleagues, or just having regular conversations via Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, or other platforms, a good headset is essential.
Factors to consider when choosing a headset
Before purchasing a headset, you should consider various factors, including:
- the privacy of your office environment,
- the noise factor in your office,
- the number of calls you make and receive, and
- whether you're office-bound or travel regularly.
After taking these factors into account, decide which features you need in a headset:
Headset feature | Description |
---|---|
Noise-cancellation mic | This feature cancels out any noises that may otherwise disturb your calls. It’s ideal for open plan offices and noisy areas. |
Bluetooth or wireless |
This headset is ideal if you’re often away from your desk but need still to make and receive calls. Bear in mind that the headset operates on battery power, so it’s best to choose a model that offers at least 10 hours of talk time. For Bluetooth headsets, if you’ll be using the headset outside, the headset should be rated for outdoor use. This will cancel out wind, traffic and any other outdoor noises. |
Wired or USB | This headset is ideal if you’re desk-bound and make or receive a lot of calls. It’s generally more comfortable than a Bluetooth headset – especially when using it for extended periods of time. |
Mono or single speaker headset | This headset contains just one speaker, so you can keep it on even when having a face-to-face conversation with someone in your office. |
Which models are available?
You can purchase the following headset models from ICTS
Model |
Recommended |
Channels | Wireless? | Noise cancellation? | Outdoor use? | Talk time | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Poly headsets | |||||||
Blackwire 3320 |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | No | Yes | No | N/A – operates via laptop / computer power | |
Blackwire 3310 |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | No | Yes | No | N/A – operates via laptop / computer power | |
Voyager 4200 UC |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 12 hours talk time and 15 hours listening time. | Full-length Microphone boom. MS Teams and Open Office Certified. |
Voyager 4320 UC |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 12 hours talk time and 15 hours listening time. | |
Voyager 5200 UC |
|
1 (Mono) | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 7 hours, with up to 9 days standby time. | |
Voyager 3200 UC |
|
1 (Mono) | Yes | Yes | No | Up to six hours talk time. | |
Voyager Focus 2 | Executive and management | 2 (Stereo) | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 12 hours talk time. | Immersive experience |
Jabra headsets | |||||||
Evolve 20 |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | No | Yes | No | ||
Evolve 40 |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | No | Yes | No | ||
Evolve2 75 |
|
1 (Mono) or 2 (Stereo) | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||
Stealth UC |
|
1 (Mono) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How much do the headsets cost?
Due to fluctuating exchange rates and other factors, prices change regularly – but UCT does receive preferential pricing on these items. To check the current price of a specific model, please use the process outlined below.
How to request a quote or order
To request a quote or make a purchase, log a call via the Service Catalogue. In your request, provide the following information:
- The cost centre and fund number to be used for the purchase. (You'll need permission from your fund holder to use the fund.)
- Whether or not you'll require delivery and installation.