Plantronics/Poly Savi 8210-M Office Wireless Headset

Plantronics/Poly Savi 8210-M Office Wireless Headset

The Poly Savi 8200 Office series are designed to work with desk phone, computer and mobile phone and it's simple to switch between devices. This model is a headband style with one earcup. The 8210-M is certified for use with Skype for Business and Teams (but works the same with all other applications as well). Do note however that the 'mobile phone' aspect is only in the office as the Bluetooth connection is from the base unit of the headset to your mobile. This means you'll just leave your mobile on the desk so it remains paired to the base.

The 8210 Office is an update on the very popular Savi W710. The 2 eared version 8220 Office has active noise in the earcups to help counter background noise but as this 8210 only has one earcup, it doesn't have this feature (not much point cancelling out background noise if only 1 ear is covered!!)

This version of the 8210 is optimised and certified for use with Microsoft Lync and Skype for Business software. If you are not using either of these on your computer check out the standard Savi 8210

As with all wireless headsets you will need an accessory to answer calls from the desk phone when out of reach. We know, it seems crazy that even such a sophisticated headset as this can't perform this apparently simple task but there are so many different phones all with different requirements that this functionality just can't be built into the headset. We call it a RAD (remote answering device). It could be a standard handset lifter or a special 'electronic hook switch' (EHS) cable that runs from the base unit to the telephone - it all depends on which make and model phone you have. If your phone has a USB headset port you may not need this but at time of writing, those phones are as rare as hens' teeth and you could have a different ANC headset for that anyway.

So let’s start by reviewing…

The Good

The Plantronics/Poly Savi 8200s offer excellent talk time for even the most dedicated workaholic - up to 13 hours. Do bear in mind that this will diminish according to several factors eg distance from the base, level of sound quality selected etc. You can set the headset to automatically use less power when it's close to the base unit. The standby time is estimated at a whopping 50 hours

Range is a magnificent 180m, but please note that's a line of sight range. As with all headsets, this is diminished by interference from other devices, walls, and other objects between your headset and its base unit. In a typical office, Plantronics/Poly estimate 55m as the average range.

As with all modern wireless headsets, this Savi has a noise cancelling microphone so your caller doesn't hear noisy colleagues. Whilst it doesn't advertise itself as ULTRA noise cancelling like the Sennheiser DW Pro and SDW series, the noise cancelling in the mic can be customers for 'close conversation limiting' to block our that loud conversation near you. Of course for YOUR protection Plantronics' Soundguard Digital ensures protects against sound levels above 118dBA; has Australian standard G616 anti-startle (during calls) detects and eliminates any large sudden increase in signal level; Time-weighted average prevents average daily noise exposure from exceeding 85dBA* *Requires Plantronics/Poly Hub software to enable SoundGuard DIGITAL features.

Strong DECT security and stronger connections: The new 8200s use DECT 6.0 with the latest standards in security. Also Bluetooth 4.2 for the best current (as at September 2018) BT quality and range. If your phone has an earlier Bluetooth version it will still work with this headset.

The one touch controls for call answer/end, vol +/-, mute are the same no matter whether you’re on your desk phone, your computer or your mobile phone. This is easy and makes switching between different applications a breeze. Just a note here on RADs (remember we spoke about answering calls away from your desk earlier on?) Having a RAD means you don't have to think where the call is coming from, then turn on the headset, then locate that device then answer it, no matter what channel a call is coming from , you just have to press a button on the headset to answer. Please, trust us - we've been doing this for ages - the people who are happiest with their headsets are those that have a remote answering device.

You'll want to download the Plantronics/Poly Hub software for this Savi to get the most out of it. Additionally, when used with Plantronics/Poly Manager Pro, your IT manager can control mass software updates, track usage of the headset and much more.

The techie stuff for our beloved headset nerds: Audio Profile: Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP); AVRCP; Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP); Bluetooth Headset Profile. (HSP). Codecs: G726, G722, Broadvoice32, OPUS/CELT 16kS, OPUS/CELT 48kS. Receive frequecy response: Fullband stereo media audio 20 Hz-20 kHz; Wideband stereo telephony 100 Hz-6.8 kHz. Microphone frequency response: Wideband: 100 Hz–6.8 kHz. Phew! thank goodness that's all done with!

Other stuff we thought was nifty:

• You can conference up to 3 additional Savi headsets onto one base unit. Great for conference calls or training.
• Conference two of your three devices together— PC to desk phone or mobile to PC.
• The base unit rings - very useful for calls via your PC. 3 volume settings low, medium or loud.
• Mute status notification - The headset senses if you're speaking when you've muted the headset & reminds you.

The Not-So-Good

Whilst there's an improvement in battery life. There are no specs on this headset that have a significant impact for most users. At time of publishing this headset is $150 more and we at Simply are very excited about the 8220 with the active noise cancelling but are struggling to see what this 8210 offers that the W710 doesn't. If you only want to use this headset with a desk phone you're paying more for connections to devices you don't need. That said you are at least future-proofed and ready for anything the next wave of technology throws at you.

The Verdict

For the die hard Plantronics' fan who wants the latest model, at any price. Or someone who wants great battery life or increased noise cancelling microphone option and a nice comfortable padded headband . If you already have a W710 which is going OK the office isn't too noisy we'd say just pick up an extended life battery.

Other Headsets You Should Consider Before Buying

Other headsets such as the Jabra Engage 75 Series has more features than the 8200s and the Sennheiser SDW 5036 offers an Ultra Noise cancelling microphone if you want to protect your callers from the background noise rather than yourself!