Since 1962, Plantronics has been the world leader in headset telecommunications technology. Starting in March 2001 Plantronics will turn the headset industry upside down with the release of their Expression Session X Series. While the technical features of the X Series headsets are for the most part available in other Plantronics products, it's their unique styling that sets them apart. Pctyrant gives you a sneak peak at these office communication wonders.
Superior CX Cyborg Series
"I will destroy you!!," are the first words that may come out
of your mouth when you put on this menacing Cyborg headset. One of the
first things you'll notice is the mechanical glowing eyepiece that fits
snugly around the eye socket. While the glowing eyepiece is merely for
show, the Plantronics development team has assured me that by fall 2001
the
"just for looks" eyepiece will be replaced with a fully functional
infrared scope! The headset comes in both binaural and monaural configurations
and can be set for either straight voice or processor voice for a richer
listing experience. Possibly the coolest feature on the device is the
Cyber-Voice Modulator which can seamlessly distort your voice in one of
10 classic
sci-fi settings. My favorite was the Darth Vader modulator with the Freddie
Krueger coming in a close second.
These modulators are particularly effective when dealing with annoying
telemarketing people. Telling one telemarketer I would "strip the
flesh from her bones and damn her to the depths of Hell" using the
Satan Lord modulator, she literally screamed and hung up. For Sci-Fi fans
this is a must have.
Superior CX Cyborg Series
Company - Plantronics
Price - $89.99
Specs and Features - Cyborg Eye Piece, Cyber-Voice Modulator, 11
ft. cord, flexible boom microphone, optional amplifier adapter,monaural or
binaural models, Windows 9x,NT,2000
Bravo FX Face Shield Series
At first I was not that impressed with the face shield concept. Yes,
I suppose it could protect you from germs with the " say it, don't
spray it crowd" and it did look cool, but when I installed the Via-View
software and connected the headset to my computer via the USB connector
provided, I could see the product's genius. The shield is actually a semitransparent
LCD display that provides a rich multimedia experience. Combined with
their patented Via-View hardware, text, image and movie files magically
appear about three feet in front of your eyes.
This illusion creates a relaxed viewing environment yet still enables
the user to follow the real-time action that is occurring around them.
The headset comes in both binaural and monaural configurations but the
adventurous can invest in the SXX model, which features a Micro Dolby
Surround Sound headset speaker environment. How well does the Bravo FX
Face Shield headset work? Imagine talking with tech
support, making a sandwich
and watching your favorite lesbian porn
at the same time! Yes, it's that good. This device is a multi-tasker's
wet dream.
Buy it now.
Bravo FX Face Shield Series
Company - Plantronics
Price - $129.99
Specs and Features - LCD display, patented Via-View hardware,Micro
Dolby Surround Sound available, USB, 18 ft. cord, flexible boom microphone,
optional amplifier adapter,monaural or binaural models, Windows 9x, NT, 2000
Starz BX Bouquet Series
I don't get?.. Who would want to wear a big bouquet next to their head?
Sure, the flowers are incredibly realistic and with a wide variety of
interchangeable plants that cover both annuals and perennials I suppose
it's versitile. But still, who would want to wear a huge bouquet right
next to their head. For further insight into the conceptual development
of the Starz BX Bouquet Headset I talked to Rich Fartherwood, head of
the Plantronics Millennium Design Team. "Well, uh, we were getting
a lot of flack from the PR and Marketing departments... 'All the stuff
you're making is for guys, what about the women?' they would say.
I don't know, maybe we were a little reactionary when we designed the
BX Series, but what the hell, the Marking department loved it and our
test marketing indicates it will be a huge success."
"Does it do anything?" I asked?
"Uh...no...But it does look pretty!" said Rich. "Besides,
the idea that a product has to 'do something' or be functional in some
way is really just a phallocentric worldview of a male dominated culture...
at least that's what Beth in Marketing told me."
Starz BX Bouquet Series
Company - Plantronics
Price - $49.99
Specs and Features - interchangeable flowers, annual and perennial
compatible, 16 ft. cord, flexible boom microphone, monaural , Windows 9x,
NT, 2000
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