MAKING PHONE CALLS EFFICIENT,
COMFORTABLE, AND MORE….
©
2018 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
I know landlines are thought
of as old technology in bygone years, however there are still practical uses
for them. Examples would be in home/off-site offices, fax machines and data
transmissions. For purposes of this article we’ll be looking at the
home/off-site office application.
There is nothing clumsier as
holding a phone up to your ear on a lengthy call, or while trying to take notes,
or even operate a computer and still communicate with the other party. Yes,
there is always the speakerphone feature available on many telephonic devices,
but the hollow sound, or even lack of stable communications caused by
extraneous sounds that temporally mute the call, can become an annoyance. The HT-500 is what’s commonly known as a
call center phone, an application where hands-free operation is a must. The HT-500 is manufactured in China for
multiple telephonic device suppliers, such as AGPTEK, WIKOO, LAZADA and CALLANY, just to mention a few. It’s readily
available at retail outlets as well as on-line shops.
The HT-500 has a number of features that make this a great solution:
FSK/DTMF caller ID display; Automatic checking; 30 incoming and 5 outgoing
number memories; 2 digits PABX code setup; 32 digit pre-dial and edit; Green
backlight status display when off-hook; LED indication; Flash and Mute
function; Headset volume selector 2-step switch; 2-step ringer volume and
ringer off position selection; Flash time 100ms or 600ms choice; Power save
function and noise cancellation. The HT-500
is made of a black ABS plastic material and is 5.5x3.9x3.1 inches in size and
weighs 13.1 ounces, a weight that can possibly cause unwanted desktop movement.
The weight and compact size do, however, make it practical to transport to
various locations where it might also be needed. The display screen requires a direct
square-on view to be legible, otherwise the characters are not visible. The
VH-500 headset is extremely comfortable while still maintaining a good grip on
your head. It features a most flexible high quality microphone, something
usually found only on much more expensive models. It has excellent sound
quality too.
One of the handiest features
of this phone is a record-out, monaural, mini jack. Note, a recorder is not
included! This is ideal for documenting instructions given to you by a tech
support person. It’s also perfect for interviewing someone for a broadcast or
podcast, a use I will soon have when I introduce my own podcast, A
CONVERSATION WITH THE GADGETEER. Watch for an announcement coming
soon on this exciting program.
(TIP: The legality of recording
phone conversations varies from state-to-state. Check to see how the law may
apply in your area for your specific application.)
Overall, I found the HT-500 call center phone to be flawless
in function and operation, and it’s space saving too. Since this is not a
cordless phone, it comes with a 3’ cord having a standard RJ11 plug that easily
connects with the commonly used RJ12 phone jack supplied by your phone company
and/or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) provider’s modem. It’s feature
packed, has a very comfortable headset and is modestly priced, making it
practical, even for just occasional use. The owner’s manual is very basic, but you’ll
quickly learn the operation with its use. A great value!
RJ9 Coupler
(TIP: It’s possible to obtain an
RJ9 coupler that will allow you to extend the headset by coupling an RJ9
extension cable to it. This is great for people who like to walk around the room
while talking. Note, RJ9 signifies the type of connector used at each end of
the cable. The cable ends are considered to be male while the coupler has two
female RJ9 jacks thus allowing the coupling of the handset and the extension.
Such cables are available in lengths of up to 25’. Check Amazon for these
accessories.)
MSRP: Around $39.00 Available at
retail & on-line.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
For more information go to: https://amzn.to/2O0YScM
Graphic credits: Manufacturer
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or
followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the
latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the
products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not
those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally
supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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THE GADGETEER'S first podcast is now available. Double click on the link below for immediate access:
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Enjoy!
