Plantronics PC Headsets Now Available at More Than 200 CompUSA Stores in 84 Major Metropolitan Markets Nationwide

Business Wire, Dec 21, 1999

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SANTA CRUZ, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 21, 1999

Plantronics Inc., (NYSE:PLT), a world leader in communications headsets, today announced that Plantronics PC headsets are now available at CompUSA Computer Superstores, America's Largest Computer Superstore(R) retailer (NYSE:CPU).

"Our customers are buying more speech recognition software, playing MP3 files, using voice chat and Internet telephony and playing games online," said John Lostroscio, vice president - merchandising/hardware for CompUSA. "Consumers who want these applications to work at their optimum need high-quality headsets. Plantronics PC products deliver superior performance and comfort combined with durability and style. We view them as an important addition to our product selection."

The Plantronics PC headset product line includes a speech recognition headset for office use, a speech recognition/stereo headset for both office and home entertainment, and a multimedia/gaming headset for the multimedia enthusiast.

"We're extremely pleased that CompUSA is putting Plantronics PC headsets on their shelves," said Neil Snyder, president of Plantronics Computer Audio System Division. "CompUSA is a trusted name with a major presence throughout the country. With this partnership, we are expanding our market reach into the computer retail market, while providing our customers with a convenient place to buy our products."

Computer applications that require PC headsets include gaming, listening to music CDs or MP3 files, VoIP (Internet chat, Internet telephony, multi-player games) and speech recognition. Clarity and quality are especially critical for voice recognition. Plantronics headsets are now available at CompUSA to meet each of these needs. The models are:

--   Plantronics SR1, a high-quality monaural headset designed
     especially for speech-recognition applications.

--   Plantronics LS1, a lightweight, high-quality stereo headset
     designed for use with business and entertainment applications,
     including speech recognition, Internet telephony and audio, and
     listening to CDs or MP3s.

--   Plantronics HS1, provides the ultimate experience for gaming and
     multimedia enthusiasts. Its design includes 40 millimeter
     neo-dymium magnet speakers for maximum bass response, and
     circumaural earmuffs for complete immersion in the multimedia
     experience

About Plantronics

Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with more than 1,700 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide.

Plantronics headsets are also used widely in many Fortune 500 corporations and have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong's historic "One small step for man" transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics launched the Computer Audio Systems Division to the public in April 1999. The division is chartered with elevating awareness and driving the direction of the PC headset industry, including research and development of new technologies for voice applications.

Plantronics, Inc. headquartered in Santa Cruz, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 18 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the Company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling 800/544-4660.