I’d like to thank William for pointing out the relatively new Plantronics MDA200 interface device. Introduced in October of this year the MDA200
is a device intended to “UC enable” existing USB connected Plantronics headsets.
In the case of a wired headset, like the .Audio or Blackwire series, it allows a headset to be easily switched between use with a desk phone and a soft phone on a computer.
In the case of a Bluetooth headset with a USB interface it allows three-way connectivity between a desk phone, computer and cell phone. That’s very interesting indeed.
For over a year the Voyager Pro UC has been my favorite Bluetooth headset, earning its place in my laptop bag. With the addition of the MDA200 and an EHS cable the Voyager Pro UC can be used with my Polycom desk phones, including the VVX series.
When I found the MDA200 available online for around $90 I couldn’t help myself, I simply had to order one and give it a try. I’ll have to source the proper EHS cable for our Polycom phones as well.
There are a number of Voyager Pro headsets amongst my coworkers. If the MDA200 works well I can gift it to one of our staff who will doubtless find it a treat. In fact, we might eventually need a few.
To be able to use one cordless headset seamlessly with a company issued SIP hard phone, Skype and a cell phone is profoundly convenient. Who wouldn’t appreciate that flexibility?
The one down side to this combination is cordless range. The Class 2 radios in the Voyager Pro series provide only around 16 feet of wireless range.
If the MDA200 were paired with a class 1 Bluetooth headset like the Savi Go then we might enjoy as much as 100 feet of cordless freedom. Or perhaps use it with the Savi W430 USB connected DECT headset and go ever further. In that case the DECT radio gives up the ability to connect to a cell phone.
Yes, the MDA200 is a very interesting device. I’ll certainly have more to say about it once I’ve actually had it on my desk for a few days. That presumes that I also get a few days to spend at my desk, which hasn’t been the case in recent weeks.
Disclosure: Sometimes manufacturers provide me with samples of their products for evaluation. Plantronics has occasionally done this in the past. In other cases, like the MDA200, I purchase the device outright acting wholly without the manufacturers knowledge. However the hardware is sourced, the manufacturer has no advance access to any post or review, nor the ability to alter its content.
