Just a few days ago I told you about the Plantronics Voyager 510-USB VoIP Headset and this morning, while perusing the SkypeGear Blog, I find mention of the Plantronics .Audio 910 Bluetooth VoIP Headset. So I wander over to the Plantronics web site and I'm looking at this thing and I'm thinking that it sure looks a lot like the Voyager 510-USB. As a matter of fact, it looks exactly like the Voyager. So I read all about the .Audio 910 and I'll be darned if I can see a difference; other than the price. The .Audio 910 is quite a bit cheaper than the Voyager 510-USB.
Then it dawns on me. The Voyager 510-USB is categorized under "Medium & Large Business" on the Plantronics web site while the .Audio 910 is categorized under "Computers". Obviously there's something about the Voyager 510-USB that targets it toward business customers while the .Audio 910 is targeted at home users. After a bit more research my suspicions are confirmed. There's a difference in the software; called Persono. The Persono software, which launches the soft-phone, that's installed in the Voyager 510-USB supports business VoIP platforms like Cisco, Avaya and Nortel. You and I aren't likely to need this so the Persono software installed on the .Audio 910 doesn't include support for them.
According to the Plantronics web site: "The Plantronics® .Audio 910 Bluetooth® Headset offers true plug-and-play wireless connectivity for Internet calling. Skype users receive the additional benefit of remote ring detection and call answer/end from the headset. Ideal for the multi-device user, the .Audio 910 headset offers multi-point technology to let you seamlessly switch between Bluetooth enabled Internet calls and mobile phones." In light of all this I think I can safely say there's no reason for the average trucker to purchase the more expensive Voyager 510-USB when the .Audio 910 will do everything you and I need it to do; for a whole lot less money!
In case you're interested you can buy the .Audio 910 from Amazon.com for a pretty decent discounted price.
I have a voyager 510 without the usb bluetooth dongle. Can I just downloand the personocall and use it with my skype, or is the bluetooth dongle a must?
Posted by: Brian | April 12, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I've just bought the 910, but installing the software is a bugger. I've had several goes at it, and it just won't work. Do you have any tips? Thanks,
Posted by: Brenda | August 03, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Brenda, I wish I had some advice for you but, unfortunately, I do not. The Persono software seems to be something that works without issue for some and, at the same time, is atrocious for others.
A lot of the visits I get to this blog come from folks searching for "Persono fix".
Posted by: E. Phil Haley | August 03, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I am looking for information on how well the silverado bluetooth headset works.
Posted by: Ruth Ferris | May 03, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Its really good to see this blog, u have nice information about audio devices. Images here are also good. I will like too see this blog again.
Posted by: Mobile Workstation Cart | December 02, 2009 at 12:32 AM