Friday, March 29, 2024
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Plantronics Savi W740 Multi-Device Wireless Headset System

We all talk about the fact that with the plethora of mobile device capabilities and communications options available, we are finally untethered from our desks. Well, call me cynical, but that's a crock. I actually find myself more tethered than ever because there's almost no place or time I can't be reached by somebody I don't want to talk to.

It can be particularly irksome if I am sitting at my desk and have to deal with incoming communication from my desk phone, my cell phone or a computer generated call. I can't tell you how much fun it is juggling headsets and earpieces. There are some creative solutions becoming available for this dilemma and one of the nice ones we found is the Plantronics Savi W740.


So what does it do?

The Plantronics Savi W740 is billed as a 'multi-device wireless headset system'.Savi-W740Oddly, it is and does just that. First off, the Savi W740 is a wireless DECT™ 6.0 headset for your desk phone. When combined with the HL10 lifter, which is a separate device ($79.95 MSRP), you have a wireless headset that can answer a single or multi line phone with the press of a button. When a call comes in and you press the headset button to answer, the HL10 lifter automatically raises the handset off its cradle and the call is wirelessly sent to the headset. This is particularly valuable on multiline phones,because no matter which line rings it will be answered automatically in the samehl10_lifterway you would lift the handset manually. When you finish your call, simply press the headset button again and the lifter returns the handset to the cradle.

Secondly, the Savi W740 has Bluetooth capability. This means you can pair it with your cell phone or other Bluetooth devices with which you might want to use its capabilities. This is very convenient if while you're sitting at your desk using the headset your cell phone rings. At the push of a button, you can now answer your cell phone. This means no more fumbling for a different Bluetooth headset or having to put one piece of equipment down to pick another up.

Finally, by means of the supplied USB cable, the Savi W740 connects directly to your PC or laptop. This is one of the features that make this device so versatile. This article is being dictated on Dragon Naturally Speaking 11.5 using the Savi W740 wireless headset as I walk around the office. Now that's untethered! Also, if I happen to get a Skype call or similar, I can answer that using this same device.


What do you get?

The Savi W740, comes with a multifunction base that allows you to switch between headset-mounting-optionsdevices at the push of a button, the rechargeable battery and headset, which comes with a myriad of earpieces and headband attachments. These options allow even finicky users like myself the ability to find a comfortable solution for mounting the device over your ear, in your ear, with headband over the head or behind, or just a simple earhook. Something in this box will be comfortable for just about everybody. You also get the necessary power supply and USB cables. I would strongly recommend purchasing the HL10 lifter and related pieces as this is a tremendous convenience.


What about setup?

Setup will take you about 10 minutes. We installed the HL10 lifter, the adapter cable, the base device with headset, attached the cables and paired the Bluetooth in about that much time. The only thing that doesn't come in the box is some utility software (Plantronics Spokes™) that you need to download, which Plantronics makes available (and points out in their installation instructions) from their website.


How well does it do all that stuff?

The Plantronics Savi W740 does an excellent job with all the functions it is designed to perform. Range on the wireless DECT 6.0 headset is excellent and I have yet to have the battery run out of power during the day. Moving between functions only requires a simple push of a button on the base unit and the software is courteous enough to tell Skype not to disturb you if you are on the phone. The noise cancelling microphone does a fine job of eliminating background noise and delivering a faithful reproduction of the speakers voice. 


Summing up

Whether you are in a large office or home office, if your day is spent moving between devices such as your phone, your computer or your cell phone, the Savi W740 is an indispensable tool. The components are well designed and it has an excellent range. I have walked several rooms away while speaking on the phone with no interruption. We heartily recommend this product.

The Plantronics Savi W740 retails for $399.95 and is available in stores and online for under $300.

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