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Post tags: aastra phones, handset lifter, headset jack, headset solutions, jabra, plantronics, sennheiser, VoIP Hardware, VoIP News, VoIP Phones

Cisco 525G IP Phone

Although the Cisco 525G has been out for a little while, I haven’t really been able to set one up and put it through it’s paces until just recently. With a recent move into a new house I figured this was a good time to try out some wireless phones and see if I could get away with not running any network wiring and the Cisco 525G was just sitting here begging to get used.

As you can see from the picture, the Cisco 525G looks like a cross between the Linksys (by Cisco) SPA-9xx series phones and the Cisco 79xx series phones. This look is quite intentional as Cisco is trying to use all of the marketing they spend on TV and movies to feature their 79xx phones that many people will want the 5×5 series phones just because they look like what they see on their favorite shows.

What really sets the 525G apart from not only the existing Cisco/Linksys products, and actually all other IP phones currently available, is that the 525G comes with built-in WiFi as well as internal Bluetooth.

Being a Cisco product, the fit and finish is top-notch. The 525G is the flasgship model of the 5×5 series phones which will have more phones announced in the series later this year.

525G Rear Panels

With all of the cool features of the 525G, it is actually a shame they didn’t put in a “real” headphone jack and electronic switch hook capability. While using wired headsets, like the ones that come with cell phones, may be a convenience and a cost savings, it sure doesn’t have the same feel as a nice Plantronics or Jabra. However, with the built in Bluetooth, you can use a Bluetooth headset instead of the 1/8″ headset jack. This should certainly appease many people.

Getting the phone setup was pretty simple, I was able to connect to my WEP-enabled router by configuring the wireless network settings from the 525G’s keypads. Once the wireless connection was established I could browse to the IP address of the phone and configure it through it’s web interface which is practically identical to the web interface of the SPA9xx series phones, making it a breeze to connect to my IP PBX system.

The Cisco 525G works quite well in the different locations around the house I have tried it in, including areas that it was showing very little WiFi signal. With a familair look and feel, along with WiFi and Bluetooth, it looks like Cisco may have a winner on its plate with the 525G.

The Cisco 525G is now available through 888VoipStore for $329.95

Related Products:
888VoipStore Product Page: Cisco SPA501G, Cisco SPA502G, Cisco SPA504G, Cisco SPA508G, Cisco SPA509G.

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Post tags: Cisco, IP Phone, jabra, Linksys, SIP, VoIP Education, VoIP Hardware, VoIP Phones, VoIP Systems

Jabra Dialpad

The Jabra Dialpad is a USB device for softphone users that allows you to have the feel of a handset for dialing and communication when on the road. While it may seem a little weird to have a handset like this for a softphone, its far better than using your computer’s speakers if you don’t want the other end of the conversation heard by everyone. The device should be available near the end of April.

Polycom VVX 1500

To say that the Polycom VVX 1500 is an impressive phone is a major understatement. The phone, announced last week,is a huge leap forward in multimedia desktop telephony. At close to $900, it had better be right? The conferencing ability and video features where just amazing, they even had movies streaming to it somehow. It may not be for everyone, but the Polycom VVX 1500 may be a trend setter for things to come.

Polycom CX5000 (otherwise known as “that UFO looking thing”)

Although around for a while as the Microsoft Roundtable, the Polycom CX5000 takes video conferencing to all new (and bizarre) levels. The USB devices connects to a computer and interfaces with Microsoft Live Meeting 2007 to provide a seamless stitched panorama view of the room it is in to the remote viewers. As someone in the room is speaking, the video will center on that person as well. While seriously weird looking, it did work remarkably well.

Polycom CX5000 Base Unit

Live Meeting Display

While there was quite a bit to see here, we tried to pick out the things that were new, unusual, or really innovative. We hope you have enjoyed our little sneak peaks into VoiceCon 2009.

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Post tags: jabra, Polycom, voicecon