Choosing A VoIP Handset

Introduction

Having solved your broadband access issues (see (1) above, and having spoken to your key customers and suppliers, it’s time to make the change. Our section on Small Business VoIP – Getting Started will get you under way.

So, you’ve made the decision to switch to Voice Over IP, you’ve chosen a VoIP service package, and the main decision left is choosing a VoIP handset or headset to buy for those in your business.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) represents the latest in phone system technology, and VoIP phones take the form of either a ‘Soft Phone’ (so called as it is basically software that appears on your PC screen) or the more traditional form of hardware, namely a PC Phone or Headset.

Before choosing a VoIP handset, it’s important to know both what you require from the kit you are buying, and what the kit itself can actually deliver to you. We’ve therefore compiled a list of some of the features of a VoIP handset or headset, in order to make this easier for you. In fact, we’ll also be providing the resources not only for choosing a VoIP handset, but also buying the kit itself here online.

However, firstly – below are some of the considerations about features you may wish to consider before you purchase VoIP hardware. Many of the features come as standard on new VoIP phones, but some won’t be available on some of the cheaper models :

VoIP Phone Features

a. Whether it is possible to carry out videoconferencing on the phone?

b. Is the handset in question cordless or not? Corded handsets can be more inconvenient, particularly if you have a lot of other hardware

c. Does the phone have a handset or a headset? Each has its own set of considerations. A headset is generally used in conjunction with a soft-phone.

d. Does the phone have a speakerphone? This is a standard feature on upper-end phones

e. Does the phone have an LCD display, and is this display backlit? Does the display show caller identity, and can this be customised?

f. How does the phone look and feel? Does it suit your way of working? How portable is the phone – if you are travelling and will be taking the handset/headset with you, this is an important consideration

g. Does the phone work to a standard ringtone, or is there the option to customise, either with a standard list or a downloadable one?

h. Does the phone support the Do-Not-Disturb (DND) feature? Click here for more information.

i. Does the phone support encryption, and what other additional security features does it have?

j. What protocols does the phone support? The main ones are SIP and H.323.

k. Does the phone support Quality of Service, if this is applicable to your network set-up?

If, in choosing a VoIP handset, you have been considering operating a soft-phone, with either a headset or through your PC/Laptop’s own microphone/sound systems, you may wish to consider the following points :

Soft-Phone Considerations

1. Check your PC or laptop’s operating system, to ensure it is compliant with the software. For example, Skype software no longer works with Windows 98 or older.

2. As above, is it feasible to use the soft-phone for video-conferencing and three-way calling?

3. Is the soft-phone user-friendly, and is it easy to list, name and find your personal contacts. How many added features does the soft-phone offer you?

4. Can the soft-phone support other business applications, such as sharing of presentations?



Now you’ve considered what features are important to you in choosing your VoIP handset or headset, obviously the most important factor in your decision will be the COST. Prices range from the very cheap up to the relatively expensive, depending on the model you go for. The online shop below is a great place to start – you can get all the latest models at the most competitive prices.

Good luck in choosing your VoIP handset!

Return from Choosing A VoIP Handset to Small Business VoIP