Installing Replacement Battery for Plantronics CS55, CS55H, and AWH55+

November 13, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2OK, so you purchased the new replacement battery ( 64399-01 ) for your Plantronics wireless headset – CS55,  CS55H,  or AWH55+ .  Now, how do you remove the old battery and get the new one installed without breaking anything? 

Here are some step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS with pictures to walk you through the entire process.  Now that was easy!

New Mobile Phone for Hearing Impaired and Special Needs Persons

November 9, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2Finally a mobile phone for hearing impaired and special needs persons with all of the bells and whistles that other phones have.  New from Clarity, the C900 Amplified Mobile Phone is a worldwide compatible GSM phone.

Some of the features are:

  • Twice as loud as an ordinary cell phone and offers large buttons for easy dialing up to 20dB.
  • An unlocked GSM phone that can be used with different GSM compatible carriers worldwide. To get the phone working, all that is needed to do is put the carrier’s SIM card into the phone. Unlocked phones can be used within the United States using T-Mobile and AT&T and with many other GSM service providers in the world.
  • After purchasing a C900, simply visit your preferred wireless carrier (T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) and they will provide you with the SIM card you need to get your C900 working. Installation is easy and most carriers can do this for you on-site. See the C900 on sale and available now at  Avante Hands Free  for more details.
Clarity_C900

Clarity C900 Amplified Mobile Phone

Is Free Shipping Really Free?

November 5, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2As the holiday season gets into full swing, you’ll see more and more websites offering FREE SHIPPING.  But is it really free?  Many businesses raise the prices of their products to absorb the cost of shipping so they can offer FREE SHIPPING to the customer, so you’re still paying for it but it’s hidden.

If you really want to know if you’re getting that ‘good deal’ that was advertised with free shipping, go to the comparison sites and do the math.  Quite often, a site where you still have to pay for the shipping is cheaper in the long run.  Shop around.

All businesses are not created equal, so it pays to do your homework.  Is the offer of no shipping costs your only determining factor when you make a purchase?  Here are some important questions you should ask before making a final decision.

  • Does the company post a phone number where you can find it without having to dig deep?
  • Can you talk to a person if you have a problem or do they only respond via email?  This is really important to most people.  Personally, I want to talk to someone right away who can help me and not have to wait for an email to come in 2 or 3 days.
  • Is their return policy posted somewhere on the site?
  • Do they have a restocking charge?  Does it always apply or only in certain conditions?
  • Are you getting new merchandise or refurbished products?  Some companies don’t tell you.
  • Do their products come with a manufacturer’s warranty?
  • Does the product ship out right away or will you have to wait weeks and months?
  • Will they be there for me after the sale?

At Avante Hands Free, we are available to speak with our customers in person and answer questions.  If our lines are busy, you can always leave a voice mail, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.  Our number is posted at the top of the site and is visible on every page.  352-613-3013

We offer a 30 day return policy on all of our products, and we only sell NEW products directly from the manufacturers with their warranties in tact.  Our orders ship out within 24-48 hours depending on the time the order was received.  Many times, our orders ship out the same day received if they come in before 3pm EST.

We pride ourselves in offering good customer service.  We are always adding new items on a weekly basis, so bookmark our site and visit often.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for – give us a call.  We may be able to find it for you and place your order manually.  If you haven’t visited us in a while, check out our store here.

Looking forward to hearing from you very soon!

Plantronics New UC Wireless Headset Systems

October 29, 2009 by avantehandsfree

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Plantronics is releasing a press announcement on November 2, 2009 regarding the availability of the new Plantronics Voyager® PRO UC headset system. In addition, we are announcing new product additions to the Savi™ Series with immediate availability. We now have a complete suite of office and mobile headset systems that will meet the needs of today’s changing (Unified Communications) market place. 

Stay tuned…

Panasonic KX-TG7434B Exp Digital Cordless Telephone with Choice Mail

October 25, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2Introducing the brand new KX-TG7400 series from Panasonic with some of the strongest features available in cordless phones to date.  Now, you not only get the digital encryption (DECT 6.0) technology which offers a higher state of security for your conversations, but you also get multiple talking features so you can hear who is calling you as well as see it on the caller ID screen.

As for the “Choice Mail” feature, it’s very similar to the iPhone’s visual voice mail, though not as jazzy. You can scroll through your voice mails on a menu (if you subscribe to Caller ID, the caller’s number will be displayed as long as it hasn’t been blocked by the caller) and select the one you want to listen to. You can then choose to delete it or continue saving it. Navigating your messages in this fashion is much more convenient than having to go through your messages consecutively, listening to them one by one which saves time, especially if you’re looking for a special message.

Overall, this new series beats its competitors with similar features.

Quick overview:

Features

  • DECT 6.0 Technology means less interference
  • Won’t Interfere with Other Wireless Items
  • Call Blocking Ability
  • Silent Mode
  • Choice Mail Selectable Voice Message
  • Large, 2.1″ Handset LCD
  • Talking Caller ID/Talking Alarm Clock/Talking Battery Alert
  • Large Text Display Mode (Multi items/Single item)
  • Expandable up to 6 Handsets
  • All-Digital Answering System
  • Up to 4-way Conference Capability
  • Ringer ID
  • Light-up Indicator with Ringer/Change Alert
  • Call Waiting Caller ID
  • Handset Locator
  • Handset Intercom

KX-TG7431B Expandable DECT 6.0 Digital Phone

Click here for PRICING

Attorney Explains New FTC Blogging Guidelines

October 22, 2009 by avantehandsfree

As posted from Practical eCommerce…

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has updated its rules concerning endorsements and testimonials in advertising. Beginning December 1st, the FTC will require bloggers and other reviewers to disclose any payments or free products they receive from advertisers. Julie O’Neill, with the Washington, D.C. office of the law firm Morrison & Foerster, tells us ways in which ecommerce merchants can adapt to the new regulations.

PeC: Can you explain what the new FTC endorsement guides are and, secondly, explain the changes that apply to bloggers and reviewers?

Julie O’Neill: Absolutely. It is a guide. It’s not a law. But folks shouldn’t be misled into thinking that the FTC isn’t serious about them. Basically, the FTC issues guides in various areas to let companies [and here, bloggers] know how it intends to enforce the Federal Trade Commission Act. The FTC Act prohibits deception and unfairness. So, in effect, the guides show or give examples of what the FTC thinks could be an unfair or deceptive practice. The big change with respect to bloggers is that the FTC has really made it clear that not only are advertisers on the hook for deception surrounding endorsements that they procure, but bloggers could also be on the hook in certain circumstances.

PeC: Is that a widespread problem?

O’Neill: There are services where bloggers are paid. They participate in sort of networks where companies can retain them to review their products and they are paid for their endorsements. The free product side is also pretty widespread.

PeC: The concern we’re hearing in reaction to this decision comes from ecommerce merchants who think, “I sent a product to a blogger for him or her to review and now I’m hearing about the potential for an $11,000 penalty.” What is the likelihood that a small ecommerce merchant would receive such a fine?

O’Neill: I think the likelihood is not great. That’s not to say companies shouldn’t comply regardless of their size or what they do. They should absolutely speak with counsel and take these guides into consideration. The most likely result is that the matter would end in a consent decree, which is a settlement, and the settlement would in my opinion be highly unlikely to include any sort of financial penalty if we’re just talking about a violation of the guides. The most likely scenario is that the order would require the company to comply with the law and the financial piece of it would kick in if the company then subsequently violated the order.

 

O’Neill: Sure. If the company is giving the blogger anything of value in exchange for the endorsement or the potential endorsement, get something in writing requiring the blogger to disclose the connection. Also, have the blogger agree that if the company found that the blogger said something that the company cannot back up or if the blogger failed to disclose the relationship, the company would have some recourse such as, ideally, requiring the blogger to remove the statement or add the disclosure.

Know where the blogger is publishing. The advertiser should follow up and check out what the blogger has written and make sure that he or she has done what the company asked for.

PeC: I guess the key piece of information here is that both the blogger and the advertiser are on the hook. So, it’s in both parties’ best interest.

O’Neill: That’s a great way to spin it. Instead of it being that the company’s imposing some sort of owner’s requirements on the blogger that turns the blogger off, it can be presented as, you know, “Here’s a way to help limit liability for both of us.”

PeC: Anything else our readers should keep in mind?

O’Neill: If a blogger says something purely subjective such as, “I like the color, the style,” then we’re in safe territory. The potential for trouble comes in if the blogger is making really broad performance claims that somebody could misunderstand as applying generally.

Practical eCommerce is one of my favorite eCommerce sources on line.

Plantronics Discovery 975 Coming October!

September 26, 2009 by avantehandsfree

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Plantronics Discovery 975 Bluetooth  Headset                                                    cnet_editors_choice_april09

Discovery 975 Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset

Discovery 975 Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset

The ingeniously simple Discovery 975 offers a custom blend of elegance and advanced technologies to keep you connected clearly, comfortably, and easily. A striking, minimalist design offers the simplicity of one-touch controls, while dual-mic AudioIQ² and WindSmart technologies keep your conversations clear, even in harsh conditions.

Features

  • Dual-mic AudioIQ² technology simultaneously captures your voice and cancels background noise for superb call clarity
  • WindSmart technology provides three layers of protection against wind noise
  • Carrying case recharges the earpiece and triples talk and standby time
  • Patented gel ear tips offer a secure and comfortable fit
  • Up to five hours of talk time and one week of standby, from a single charge
  • QuickPair technology for easy pairing with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled phone
  • One-year limited warranty

Rechargeable Carrying Case

  • For down times, the Discovery 975 includes an ingenious carrying case that doubles as a charger. Perfect for airplane travel or extended down-time while you’re on the road, the case features an internal battery that charges your earpiece while you store it, effectively tripling your call and standby time while you’re on the road. An easy-to-read LCD shows the battery and earpiece levels, and also displays a Bluetooth symbol if it is connected to a phone. A handy eject button makes it easy to pop the earpiece out of the case when it’s time to reconnect.
  • The Discovery 975 is backed by a one-year limited warranty and includes a carrying/charging case, case strap, AC Charger and three gel eartips (S, M and L).   
    Discovery 975 Carrying Case

    Discovery 975 Carrying Case

    For video demonstration, Click HERE 

Plantronics is the Sole Provider of Headsets with Avaya one-X® Call Control

September 19, 2009 by avantehandsfree

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Plantronics is the Sole Provider of Headsets with Avaya one-X® Call Control

Plantronics announced Electronic Hookswitch (EHS) and ring detection capability for Avaya’s suite of one-X products with the release of Persono® Suite 1.1 Call Control software. The Persono Suite 1.1 release makes Plantronics the only headset manufacturer to add Call Control functionality to one-X® Communicator and one-X® Agent.  

Plantronics line of contact center and enterprise headsets benefit from this tighter engineering integration with Avaya’s leading Unified Communications offering. The combination of a Plantronics headset with Persono Suite 1.1 gives employees an optimal end user UC experience with easy access to controls for call answer, call release and call end, volume control and mute right from the headset - a clear advantage to end user adoption of UC telephony.

Plantronics APS-10 Siemens
Supported Phones: OpenStage 40, OpenStage 60, OpenStage 80, Optipoint 410 with acoustic adaptor, Optipoint 420 with acoustic adaptor,Optipoint 500 with acoustic adaptor, Optipoint 600 with acoustic adaptor

Plantronics APA-20 Alcatel
Supported Phones: IP Touch 4028, IP Touch 4038, IP Touch 4068, Touch 4029, Touch 4039

Plantronics APT-30 Avaya Tenovis
Supported Phones: T3 Classic with Interface Adapter, T3 Classic with Interface Adapter, TH13, TM13, Avaya 1608, 1616, 9620, 9630, 9640, 9650 Series Telephones

Plantronics APC-40 Cisco
Supported Phones: 7942G, 7945G, 7962G, 7965G, 7975G

Plantronics APP-50 Polycom
Supported Phones: SoundPoint® IP 320, SoundPoint® IP 330, SoundPoint® IP 430, SoundPoint® IP 450, SoundPoint® IP 550, SoundPoint® IP 560, SoundPoint® IP 650, SoundPoint® IP 670

Plantronics APV-60 Avaya
Supported Phones: Avaya 1608, 1616, 2410, 4630, 5410, 6416 D+M, 6424 D+M

Plantronics APV-65 Avaya (EU24)
Supported Phones: Avaya 2420, 4610SW, 4620, 4620SW, 46SW, 4622SW, 4625SW, 4630SW, 5420, 5610 and 5620

Introducing AT&T Push-To-Talk Corded/Cordless System Extended Range

September 15, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2Finally!  A telephone system that can be used in the office or at home without costing a fortune! 

AT&T has rolled out their SB67118 DECT 6.0 4-Line corded/corded system with a push-to-talk intercom feature between the handsets and base.  The system is ideal for use in multi-level buildings, warehouses, restaurants, distribution centers, farms, manufacturing plants and other similar facilities.

AT&T SB67118 Corded/Cordless DECT Phone System

AT&T SB67118 Corded/Cordless DECT Phone System

DECT 6.0 means that this system has the new digitial encryption technology for added safety for conversations and protecting your identity.

The push-t0-talk feature works from base to handset or from handset to handset which allows more flexibility.

The SB67118 can expand up to 10 handsets without any interference and has from 1-4 line capability with individual voice mail for each extension.

To extend the range of the system you can add optional repeaters which enable callers to roam up to 2,940 feet away from the base station. Each individual repeater (SB67128; sold separately) extends the range of the cordless handset by approximately 980 feet and does not require a wired connection to the base – only an AC outlet for power.

This phone system is also headset compatible with Plantronics 2.5mm headsets or Panasonic 2.5mm headsets.

Read more

Wireless Headsets for Skype Calling

September 12, 2009 by avantehandsfree

bonnie-avatar2Using the internet to make calls is growing by leaps and bounds every day, especially for those using Skype.  Because they offer free calling Skype-to-Skype any where in the world, video calling and low rates for calls to people who don’t have Skype, they are increasing in popularity.

Many of the internet phones have poor quality sound and voice with the exception of the new Plantronics Internet Phone that was just released – Mentioned in an earlier post.

Personally, I love my wireless headsets.  Wireless headsets that work with your PC for VoIP [Voice Over Internet Protocol] require  a USB connection.  Skype helps you configure your headset to work best with their software and calling is a breeze.

Plantronics .Audio 920 USB Wireless Headset

Plantronics .Audio 920 USB Wireless Headset

If you’re looking for a wireless headset that is Bluetooth enabled, there are several solutions:  check out the Plantronics .Audio 920 USB which can be used for the PC, your mobil phone and Skype.  This headset is small, comfortable and affordable.  With up to 33 ft of range, you can move around your office talking and still have your hands free to take an order, write, file or simply enjoy a cup of coffee.

Leave your office and take the .Audio 920USB with you for your mobile phone.  Wherever you are, this headset is available to you in the office or on the go.

For a high end solution at the office, the new Plantronics WG101B from the Savi Office Series may be best for you.  It offers a convertible wearing style of over-the-ear or over-the-head for phone intensive use and all day comfort.  The WG101B can be used for your PC, mobile phone and Skype as well.

Plantronics WG101B Savi Wireless Bluetooth Convertible NC Headset

Plantronics WG101B Savi Wireless Bluetooth Convertible NC Headset

Using Bluetooth enabled devices usually limits you to wander up to 33 ft from your base with the exception of the new WG101B which has up to 210 ft of range from the base and 33 ft of range when using with your mobile phone.

Now, if you’re like me, whether you’re in the commercial workplace or your home office, it’s nice to be able to wander away and get that cup of coffee, put the dogs out, feed the cat, put in a load of laundry, answer the door or any other activity you may have and still be talking over the headset while your hands are free to do other things.   And don’t forget laying out by the pool while talking to your BFF.  When you’re wireless, you have the freedom of being “Hands Free” and moving about without being tethered to the PC or phone or getting tangled up in a cable.  For complete details, click here.

Go forth and talk to your heart’s content – you are now free to move about the office!