Plantronics UPCALISTO Bluetooth Headset by Plantronics
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List Price: Category: Wireless See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Plantronics UPCALISTO Bluetooth Headset
Digital camera Review: Disappointing coming off Plantronics Pro Bluetooth headset
Summary: 1 Stars
Well after having the Calisto out of the box and up and running for about an hour I am returning it.. I knew going in the reviews where not solid for this but I have been loving my PlantronicsPro bluetooth headset I figured I give the benefit of the doubt. Probably not the best idea.
First the overall quality is really poor for the cost. I really expected far better. It has a very "cheap" plastic feel to both the base, handset and headset. The headset itself I found a poor fit and sound quality not all that great. Interestingly I was able to pair my PlantronicsPro BT Headset (a product I think is simply amazing) to it which made the experience overall better but a cost that one should not have to be burdened with. The handset was surprisingly bulky.
In fairness it does work as advertised. I was able to get my landline, cell and skype working over it. The process to activate the headset is a little wonky. I also probably did not do my homework on the mobile side of this product but all it really does is act as a multipoint headset. You still need to carry around your mobile phone and the handset from the Calisto around the house if you want to take calls from either. You also need to initiate calls for Skype on your computer and then transfer to phone. Same for mobile. The big up sell was the idea on untethering you from the clutter but it really doesn't achieve that. You also can't switch between mobile and land/skype without having to disconnect. Again, it works and they probably don't make claims that it does anything other but I would suggest you have a clear picture on how you think you will use it and research fully.
The one other MAJOR issue for me was the current issue around the Software working on a Mac. They do not have a version that works with 10.6 and have made public statements that they have no plans to support the mac going forward. This really was troubling. I was able to get the software working just fine using Rosetta under 10.6 but in the end the idea that no further refinement is likely to occur for Mac users was troubling at best.
Given the Mac issue and the just overall poor fit and finish was enough to have me rethinking the high cost for this. I really think its a nice concept, PLantronics however would probably be better served if they made use of some of there really nice products, i.e. PlantronicsPro Headset.
Digital camera Review: Disappointing in every sense that matters to me
Summary: 1 Stars
First of all, it was at least functional, until we upgraded to Snow Leopard. Now you can't even use it with Skype on a Mac.
The utilities are cumbersome. Why does it only hold 200 phone numbers? Why that small limit? If you have more in your address book, which many folks will, it just cuts off. So it's only partly functional.
The product was so poorly constructed that I've already had to have a part replaced. This after only very mild usage.
You are really a third class citizen here on your Mac. They claim to support it, but that's a very hollow promise.
I just don't recommend this device. It's not a good value for your money, even with a PC. With a Mac, it's 100% useless. And their support is not too helpful either. Frustrating.
Digital camera Review: Everything about this phone is cheap, except the price
Summary: 1 Stars
I am very technically inclined and usually never write reviews. I bought this phone 6 months ago due to the good reviews here on Amazon. BIG mistake, are people here who give this 5 stars actually using it?. What is wrong with it you ask:
- poor battery life, better charge it every night or no phone for you tomorrow
- thick and bulky like an old flip phone from 10 years ago
- phone software and software you install on your PC is archaic
- screen on handset is such poor quality it is almost unusable
- static and hiss during calls is unbearable, worse than the cheapest wal-mart phone you can buy.
- usb connection to your pc causes severe noise an all phone extensions until you disconnect the calisto pro from your pc again
- headset quality is very bad, 2 hours max and your ear is killing
- headset button already cracked, I have never dropped it or rough handled it
- all functions are sloooowwww, push a button..wait, answer a call..wait, make a call..better wait, want to redial..wait some more
- ergonomics, not on this phone
- speakerphone is worse than my cell phone's
Unfortunately it is slim pickings out there if you need a bluetooth headset to work with your home phone line, keep looking as the calisto pro is a good idea done very very poorly.
Digital camera Review: Exactly what I was looking for
Summary: 5 Stars
I've only had the phone for a week, but so far it is exactly what I expected... I can confirm that you CAN use this with Ventrilo as long as you get the updated PersonoCall software from the Plantronics website, it allows you to "lock headset radio link on" and allows you to use non-Skype type VOIP services just by selecting the right device in your control panel.
I work from home and am on the phone anywhere from 2-10 hours a day... the most I have used this device so far in one day was about 7 hours without recharging, however it was not completely dead yet when I finished my calls, so that's a good thing! The handset takes 16 hours for a full charge initially and the bluetooth headset recharges in 3 hours. My phone service is AT&T Callvantage running over a Comcast cable modem to the internet.
I have not had the issue that others reported with my conference call passcodes not working and have called into at least 3 or 4 different company's teleconference systems so far.
My only disappointment was that neither the phone nor the base act as a hub for your mobile phone, as with some of the other bluetooth enabled cordless phones. However, I knew this before purchasing it due to the other reviews and purchased it anyway. I have been able to clear 3 different items off of my desk... my old cordless, old headset with a 2.5mm jack, and my usb headset for gaming.
One other bonus is that you can use the "Outlook Phonebook" software directly without actually using MS Outlook... I'm using the software to update the phone's internal phonebook without having to program the numbers directly into the phone.
Digital camera Review: Excellent Phone!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've worked from home for the past 9 years and have gone through multiple phones/headsets. I'm on conference calls from 6 to 10 hours a day so a good phone is key to my productivity (and sanity).
I'd been using the Plantronics CT10 for several years (3 phones in about 7 years). However, since the headset is corded, I'd frequently catch the cord while I was walking around which resulted in the handset hitting the floor. After breaking my latest phone I was forced to look for a new model. Unfortunately, the CT12 (2.4GHz) won't work for me as I have a wireless network in my office.
I then looked to the Calisto Pro. I was initially put off by the high price-tag, and some of the negative reviews, but was intrigued by all the functionality and the Bluetooth headset.
It's a good thing I listened to all the good reviews and bought the phone!!
I've used the phone daily for the past month and am extremely pleased with it. The call quality is very clear, the headset is easy to wear (even for 10 hours), the battery lasts for several hours (and I can still talk while the handset is charging in the base) and... with a Bluetooth headset, there's no headset cord to catch while I walk around. Also, this phone DOES work with digital phone service (a previous review mentioned that it didn't)
If you're on the phone for several hours a day, and want the freedom to walk around and do other tasks while talking, this phone is a great purchase. I'd definitely purchase it again.