I'm almost always learning to use some new gadget. Occasionally one comes along that works so well and is so helpful that it makes a huge contribution to my life. A gadget that I acquired last month is such a device, the Plantronics Calisto home phone with multi-function Bluetooth headset.
The device integrates a DECT 6.0 cordless landline/VoIP phone with a Bluetooth headset that both recharge using an integrated base station. The cordless phone works great with either a normal landline or VoIP system--I have tested it with both. The Bluetooth headset can be used to take landline or VoIP calls and/or cell phone calls. That's right, I can be on a call that came in or was placed on our VoIP system when my cell phone rings and then seamlessly switch between each call using the Bluetooth headset!
The cordless phone is small, easy to use and feature rich. It is the host for the landline or VoIP Bluetooth connection to the headset, so I can put the cordless phone on my belt or in my pocket and walk all around the office, roam throughout the house, even move to the elevator and down to the Social Room without dropping the call.
Because the headset also pairs with my G1 Android cell phone, I can put the G1 in my other pocket or on my belt and can make or receive mobile phone calls with the headset.
The Plantronics headset is large, but it is, by far, the most comfortable Bluetooth headset I have ever used--and I have tried many.
I highly recommend the Calisto for anyone that spends much of the day taking and receiving calls from multiple sources.
Here is an image of the entire setup so you can see what I've been describing:
