Plantronics Introduces 'Pocket-Sized' Cordless Headset Telephone

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CES 2000

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 2000

New 900 MHz CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone Delivers Hands-Free

Mobility and Convenience for Home and Office

Plantronics, Inc. (NYSE:PLT), the world leader in communications headsets, today announced the CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV.

The new 900 MHz CT10 headset telephone offers freedom to communicate more naturally and comfortably: freedom to move around while carrying on a conversation, freedom to use both hands while talking on the phone, and freedom from the ergonomic stresses that telephone handsets can cause.

The CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone includes a stylish, lightweight headset and a pocket-sized remote unit with a full telephone keypad. "Users can simply slip on the headset, clip the remote unit to a belt or pocket, and they're ready to roam," said Joe Fry, senior product manager. "They can take calls or make calls within a 150-foot range, and can comfortably carry on a conversation without having a telephone handset crunched between their neck and shoulder."

The compact remote unit of the CT10 is the key to its lightweight mobility. Measuring only 3 inches high by 1.75 inches wide by 1.75 inches deep, the remote unit has a full telephone keypad with flash, redial and 10-number memory. The ergonomically designed remote unit includes a "Talk" button to let users answer or initiate a call, plus controls for mute, channel selection and incoming volume adjustment. There are also in-use indicator lights for both talk and mute, and when mute is engaged, the user hears a "beep" as an audible reminder.

Around the home, the CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone is the natural answer for anyone who wants their hands free while they talk. The remote unit is so small, that when it's clipped to a belt or slipped into a pocket, users will hardly know it's there, making it easy to carry on a conversation as they fix a meal, walk around the house, or give the kids a hand.

In an office, the CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone can be a constant companion. The compact, lightweight design of the remote unit lets users take or make calls, while leaving their hands free to type on a computer, retrieve a file or grab a document from a printer or fax.

The CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone plugs directly into a standard telephone outlet through a base that cradles the remote unit for recharging and for "desktop" use. The Plantronics CT10 headset telephone is fully functional when the remote unit is in the cradle, allowing users to take or make calls while the battery is charging.

The remote unit has a range up to 150 feet, 6 hours of talk time and 80 hours of standby time. The base also includes a handy headset stand and indicator lights for talk, charge and power. A convenient pager is also provided to locate the remote unit if it's misplaced.

The CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone includes an over-the-head style Plantronics headset with stylish color and design. The headset is adjustable for a comfortable, secure fit and has a noise-canceling microphone so conversations remain clear of background noise. It also has superior frequency response to provide richer incoming voice quality.

Many cordless headset telephone designs have the headset "hard-wired" into the remote unit so there's no opportunity for changing headsets; if the headset should fail, the entire product must be repaired or replaced. The remote unit for the CT10, however, has an industry-standard 2.5mm headset jack, so users can purchase other Plantronics mobile and cordless headset models with a variety of styles and features.

"The CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone is a great ergonomic addition to any home or office," said Anne Friscia, Plantronics ergonomics marketing manager. "Many people overlook the importance of ergonomics in the home or office, where they may spend several hours a day on the phone while juggling other tasks. Over time, this can contribute to significant discomfort. Headsets are one of the simplest and most cost-effective ergonomic tools available."

The CT10 Cordless Headset Telephone is priced at $129.95 and will be available in early March through Plantronics online store at www.plantronics.com, and in early summer through Plantronics retail partners. The CT10 headset telephone is backed by a one-year warranty and Plantronics industry-leading customer service and support.

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 1,800 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.