Customer Reviews

Plantronics UPCALISTO Bluetooth Headset

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(43)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

I guess I'm the first reviewer on this as I could not find anything on this myself before purchasing. My needs are a home-based business and I'm constantly on a headset taking orders and dictation. My wired headset got very staticky and annoying as each time I went to answer my phone and reach for the headset, the wires would pull at everything in its path! I'd answer my phone with half my desk stuff on the floor!

I received the unit today and the packaging was the first thing that caught my attention. It's in a trifold type package...the actual handset on one side, the base and handset on the other and underneath are the connections and an installation CD for Outlook. In the middle of the packaging is a slot on the side which contains the instructions.

It was a no-brainer to set everything up: install the supplied battery into the back of the handset, plug in the telephone wire to the base and the jack, plug in the power, charge the unit and also next to the handset on the same base is the charger/holder for the headset, a nice all-in-one unit.

The handset started to charge immediately, even though it came half-juiced for use already. The headset was another story: I kept having to reseat the unit on the little plug, where the light on the headset was supposed to be red for charging, and then blue when completed. I had no lights and obviously the unit was not seating properly. I had to fiddle with it until it was firmly attached to the connector and then the light turned red, indicating it was charging. It was supposed to take 16 hours for a full charge but it took barely 3 hours. Both the handset and headset charged very quickly.

The headset can be worn on either ear and it takes a little adjusting to get it to fit nice and snug. Once it's in place, it's very comfortable, so much so, you forget it's there.

Answering the handset and transferring to the headset was very easy. It's very very different, more like a cell phone than a home phone. There's caller ID/call waiting, a halfway decent speakerphone. You can use the handset in the base to answer and dial using the speaker button..very convenient. However, I had to make the volume at almost full volume...maybe it's me. The headset is very clear but I absolutely hear some fuzzing and a slight buzzing in the background as does the receiving party. The first few calls I made were very annoying because I was very aware of the background noise. Again, it's not like house phone quality but more like cell phone.

I then decided to try installing the recommended DSL line filter, something I never had to do with any other phone on this line. It has definitely improved the call quality and lessened the background noise, although it's mildly there. I'm glad my hearing is not as sharp as it was 25 years ago!

The only thing I miss is what I had on my Panasonic cordless before this: name announce ID. I guess you can't have everything. So I left my annoying Panasonic hooked up so I can hear who's calling.

Also, since this unit is next to my monitor on my desk, I need to glance at the incoming number, even though I now hear who's calling, but the base rests slightly angled, too low for me to see very brightly, even with adjusting the contrast to the highest. It's fine when I pick up the handset which clips upside down on a belt or waistband and flips up so you can see who's calling while walking around. But I put one of those elevated foam phone rests to raise the base angle for better viewing.

There are 10 different ringers also.

Other than the small inconveniences, so far it's working out for me. The headset is supposed to stay charged for 8 hours before recharging it. I can't say yet how long it has lasted. I will know more in a few days and I'll post back if it's anything less or way unsatisfactory.

Neat unit, great to be wireless, I can get by with the minor things. Price is steep and I guess I expected just a bit more volume and less fuzziness but I love the convenience.

Why did Forbes list this in the top 7 cool bluetooth gadgets? Probably because they never tested it.

Phone design is good in terms of ergonomics.
DECT range is good... this is the handset to base connection... but this is inherent with any DECT 6.0 system.
Bluetooth headset works ok.
Voice Quality seems to be acceptable even despite the fact that your voice is being transmitted through bluetooth, then DECT.
Handset OS is outdated, even a cheap cell phone is better.

Biggest problem, DTMF doesn't work. This means when I check voicemail and punch in my passcode, the voicemail system does not recognize the digits. Why? Because the phone does not meet the standard DTMF specification, which means any tone detector on the receiving side cannot detect the digits. I believe this is primarily because the tone length produced by the Calisto Pro is not long enough. I use this phone for conferences all the time, and because of this DTMF problem, I have to dial into the conference bridge with another phone, then transfer to the Calisto Pro. I asked tech support if they are planning to do a SW upgrade because obviously this issue makes this phone unusable for most people, there was no response from Plantronics.

I bought this for my Mom since she's going to be working from home and on the phone a lot. I started out looking for just a headset but eventually ended up buying this after weighing all the options. Basically, I wanted to find something that had long-range wireless headset, a speakerphone and wouldn't interfere with the home Wifi. A bluetooth headset that could be used with a cellphone was a bonus.

The Calisto seemed to have it all, and on top of it all it was all neatly integrated. I considered cobbling together cordless phones, wireless headsets, etc, but I know from experience this usually results in headaches from all the minor interoperability problems. Initially I balked at the price; however, after looking at all the options the price actually seemed pretty reasonable. It costs about as much as a nice Plantronics wireless headset plus a good phone, so it seemed worth it since it shouldn't have any problems "working together".

What impressed me most is that it just works. Normally I have to set up tech stuff for my Mom, however she had the phone all set up and working before I could even ask if she needed help. You just plug it in and it works. Headset sound quality was good- nothing I could find to complain about. The range is also decent- using the headset only (not carrying the handset) it's possible to walk around most of the house without losing signal. Of course, with the handset I would expect one could be doing yard work and still get great call quality. We also tested pairing the headset to both the Calisto and a cell phone. It took some time to work out the specifics of what buttons to press on what device for various situations, but in the end it worked as expected.

The only complaint I have is that the headset charger connection is very finicky. After replacing it on the charger base, the charging light will initially go on only to go off a few seconds later. It's usually necessary to lightly tap the headset to seat the charging connection properly, after which the light should remain on.

Finally, in addition to the requisite functionality, it has nice bonuses like DECT cordless, works with VOIP, uses a Bluetooth headset so you can handle calls from both landline and mobile calls, and looks nice. All in all, this product works well and was worth the cost.

I had just ordered a GN Netcom 9350 DECT wireless headset when I saw this phone. It sounded exactly what I was looking for in a wireless phone/headset combo (vs. using the 9350 with my existing corded phone), so I ordered this as well. Short answer is that the GN Netcom headset is going back and I'm keeping the Plantronics.

The range on this DECT phone is great - much better than the 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz cordless phones I've had before. I can walk all over my yard (1/2 acre lot) and still get a good connection. Headset range is also good. I can get about 20 feet away from the cordless unit before callers start to hear some sound breakup (but can still hear me fine).

The headset is very good - nice and light on my ear. Sound volume (both incoming and outgoing) was fine. Many people complain that BT headsets are too quiet, but I am always able to get an acceptable sound level out of this headset.

The cordless phone interface is decent, I'm probably the least enamored with this. It was easy to set up and has good features. However, as the reviewer above noted, it's hard to see the display given the angle it's at on the desk. The display is also not very big, so you have to crane your neck over to see who's calling. It would be nice if Plantronics changed the design to angle the phone up more (many of the other cordless phones you see stand vertically in the base, which would give a better view, but also make it impossible to dial with the phone in the base).

Another thing I don't like is that the buttons on the phone are TINY (and hard to read, though they are backlit). This makes it hard to dial (harder than most cell phones). Plantronics, couldn't you have made the phone a little bigger and put bigger keys on there? I think these are the smallest keys I've seen on any cordless phone.

Finally, it would be nice if this phone would work with Mac OS X Sync Services so you could sync contacts over to it like a cell phone. Instead, you have to use a separate Windows program to move contacts over from Outlook. If you don't use Outlook, you're out of luck and have to set up your address book with yes, those tiny keys.

You also have to use another program to use the headset with Skype or other PC-based VOIP programs, but my computer has Bluetooth built in, so I just paired up the headset with my computer as well as the cordless phone, so I can switch back and forth with no problem (and no lame Windows program needed).

If Plantronics addressed these points with a follow-on product, it would get 5 stars from me.

I've been searching for years for a phone for my home office that has a speakerphone, cordless handset, cordless headset and supports my phone company caller ID. The professional phone systems I've seen have a clunky handset lifter that is outdated in our high-tech age. Finally, this phone delivers exactly what I'm looking for (well, almost - I would also like the option to have a over-the-head headset, but I quibble). But the best part is that it is thoroughly well-designed. Every other phone that I've had, I needed to keep referring to the user guide to do the simplest of things. But this phone is not only simple and elegant - it's extremely intuitive. Once you open up the Apple-like packaging, you plug it in and it works. When I set up my voicemail and used the included software to transfer Outlook contacts, I didn't need the manual. The ability to use the headset with my mobile phone, as well as answer VOIP calls, make me that much more glad that I finally found the phone that I was looking for. Thanks, Plantronics, for designing a phone that a real person really loves!

I researched myself to death weighing the options between a new wireless headset for a perfectly good home office landline phone (between $225 & $270) or a whole new phone with Bluetooth syncing. Loved the idea of getting one that would merge the iPhone (half of my calls come in on) and the land line (other half come in on). Seven grey hairs later I decided on Plantronics Calisto Pro.

Every review on Amazon and elsewhere were read, condsidered, manufacturer websites researched and Big Box stores visited. In the end I opted to for the Calisto Pro.

First to Mac users, go to the website. The software updates are there so the anti-Mac reviews are outdated or under researched.

For those who wrote it's difficult to put the headset into the charger...you need to gently push the headset in making sure the ear loop rests in the indentation until you hear a click. It sets in securely. No tapping needed.

Now if you remove the handset or headset and put them back in both will start to charge again. Initial appearances (charge battery icon on the handset and red light on the headset) make it look as if neither has fully charged. They have. 3 hours for the headset and just over 15 hours until the handset said it was charged.

Handset is light. Some have called it 'cheap' feeling. My only 'cheap' feel is the light tension spring on the belt clip. Then again it's not designed for sweat pants...

It's very nice to be able to sync my Outlook contacts. Make sure they are nice and neat killing duplicates or seperate entries for the same person. You have 200 contacts and each contact can have up to 3 numbers. The program allows you to check off which ones you want to sync with the phone which is a nice option. I didn't need the pet sitter on the Calisto for example.

I agree the buttons are on the small side and I have small hands. Not as much of importance to me as is extremely clear speaker phone, mobility (no longer teathered to the phone!!) and a comfortable headset all of which syncs with the iPhone 3G seamlessly.

Regarding the speakerphone on hand and head set...I hear with perfect clarity on both with volume adjustment being independent. Callers state they can hear me perfectly either source but state the headset sounds as if I were in the same room.

My home is a Wi-Fi zoo. There are more waves bouncing off of walls than Carters makes liver pills! That being said the majority of signals on all devices are 'very good' unless you're sitting on a router. My microwave killed calls on a different cordless before. There were no interruptions on any calls. I noted a hum on my end but callers heard nothing and if I weren't in 'test mode' and searching for things wrong with the performance I probably wouldn't have noticed. Note: this is with the volume up high. My personal preference is to set on high & I'll probably pay for in later years, but I like my phone calls up high to not miss a word.

Note on the syncing of the headset...turn off the headset, then turn on when the phone is in search mode. Instructions give the impression you should wait for the cell to find the headset but move to the next step and you'll sync ASAP.

The unit comes with a very limited quick start guide. This phone can do MUCH more than it first looks like. PRINT THE 61 PAGE GUIDE FROM PLANTRONICS WEBSITE!! Tons of helpful info and Plantronics does have a great support site and help system.

Easy screen menu...perhaps a little antiquated in apperance but clear and functional. I like the calls answered//missed/dialed feature. How many times have you made a call and need to re-dial that number 5 calls later but can't? This unit lets you see them all. The phone book search has shortcuts...again print the guide off of the website.

Agreed no phone is perfect. Like building your own home even if you think you thought of everyting you'll find something missing eventually.

This phone could benefit from either larger or rubberized buttons for folks with larger fingers or long nails, but if you want ONE home/home office unit with complete mobility (no 4' wired cord) which syncs seamlessly with your cell on one bluetooth headset this is it.

To put it simply...

It works as a regular phone
It works as a bluetooth headset to my cell phone
It works with my Avaya Softphone VOIP on my laptop (they dont mention this in the manual or on the website)

To use it on a call, you can:

Use it as a speakerphone
Use it as a wireless headset
Use the piece that clips onto your belt as a handset/phone on its own

Quality is really good, somewhere between a high end cordless and wired phone.

This is a really nice piece of equipment that would really compliment the home office user.

No worries of any regrets in buying this unit so far.

I love the unit, my clients say the clarity of my voice has improved 100% over my old headset, it was easy to set up, the head set fits good (most that I try that do not fit over my head fall off), it works great with a land line and great with my cell phone.

BUT they advertise that it works with SKYPE and I've been trying to use it for several weeks without luck. The calls get cut off as soon as the other party answers the phone. I think it may work with Windows XP, but I'm using Vista and it does not work. There are a couple of posts at Skype forums from people with the same problem.

I'm not sure if it is a Plantronics software working with Vista problem or a Skype working with the Plantronics software problem. Of course, everyone is pointing to the other guy as the problem.

So if you are wanting to use it with Skype - get another headset.

For years I have tried various headsets to use with my home telephone service that leaves my hands free. The wired headsets are inexpensive but those I tried always crackled when I moved due to loose connections at the headset jack. The previous bluetooth units I tried (including Plantronics) either exhibited poor audio or they were a hassle to use. I had to go through multiple steps to engage the bluetooth connection each time I made or received a call. The Calistro Pro solves all of these problems. Installation was a snap. The bluetooth headset automatically engages by just touching the button on the headset for one second and there is an icon on the handset screen indicating connection. In addition, the handset can function as a wireless speakerphone. Calls are clear and crisp. I have a feeling that unlike all of the previous units I have purchased, this one will be around for a long time. Now, if I could only sell all of the poorly functioning predecessors for half of what I paid, I could probably retire early.

I work in sales from my home so I'm on the phone quite a bit. I was using a GE cordless phone with a corded headset for a number of years and that worked well but, was limited. I decided that it was time to take the plunge and get some new technology.

With a price tag over $200 I was expecting a lot more from Plantronics. The sound quality is good but, there is constant crackling and pops in the background, just loud enough to be distracting. I thought this might be my WiFi system but when that is turned off the subtle background noise is still there.

Plantronics could have done a much better job on the display. I've seen better ones on toys. With the ability to store 200 names and phone numbers you should have an easy way of accessing them. In my phone with only about 75 names there's plenty of button presses to find the correct one.

The headset is very light weight comfortable and easy to grab and put on your ear. Unfortunately this doesn't make up for the shortcomings so, I gave it only three stars.