The review will again focus on a micro DECT headset, this is the Snom A150 model . The headset will provide the user with even more freedom than the model from the previous review, since the connection to this headset is not carried out through the base station. But first things first.
DECT standard
In the previous review, we talked about the DECT standard in general, about its advantages and disadvantages. Let's now see what leads to these very benefits.
Last time we referred to the advantages:
Large coverage radius.
This parameter, in turn, is influenced by 2 characteristics. This is the frequency range, since the attenuation of the electromagnetic signal in the atmosphere and the passage or around obstacles depend on frequencies. DECT technology uses the frequencies 1880-1900 MHz, which are in the high frequency range. Radio waves in this range do not bend around obstacles, but they have good penetrating ability, which is important for signal propagation indoors.
Also, the power of the signal transmitter affects the wave propagation distance. In the case of DECT in our country, this parameter is limited by legislation at a level of 10 mW, but this is also enough to propagate the signal in rooms at a distance of up to 50 m.Various materials of walls and ceilings have different effects on signal attenuation, below is a brief summary of the impact materials for radio waves of the DECT standard, in the format "Overlap Material" - "Signal Strength Reduction".
- Glass - 10%
- Plastered wall - from 27 to 41%
- Brick - 44 to 60%
- Aerated concrete - 78%
- Reinforced glass - 84%
- Reinforced concrete - from 75 to 87%
Number of channels.
The second important parameter is the number of channels, which affects the number of simultaneously operating devices. The DECT signal is transmitted over 10 frequency channels. It would seem a little, but in addition to this, the DECT standard uses time division multiplexing technology. It involves dividing each of the frequency channels into 24 time slots. There are 2 time slots for each call, one of them is used to transmit outgoing traffic from the device, the second is used to transmit incoming traffic. In total, three technologies are used to create channels:
- FDMA - Frequency division multiple access
- TDMA - Time division multiple access
- TDD - Time division duplex (time division duplex)
This provides a total of up to 120 data transmission channels.
Unpacking and packaging
But back to the main subject of our review, the A150 headset.
Included with the headset is the A230 DECT dongle, which allows you not to be tied to a base station and easily connect the headset with your devices. In addition, of course, the headset itself, as well as its charging cradle.
A150 has a single form factor, unlike the older model, but a lot of liners, providing ease of ease of use for any user. In addition to commonplace convenience, earbuds affect passive noise cancellation, which is important when using a headset in a place where there are a large number of people.
However, the shape of the rim and the loudness of the speaker allow you to simply "hang" the headset on your ear, thus ensuring good audibility with an average level of external noise. The headset is very light, weighing only 23g.
Design
The design of the headset is laconic, classic black color, an indicator built into the main button, which is used to receive and end a call, visible metal elements of the structure that fit very well into the overall image. Each element here not only plays on the appearance, but is also functional, be it a metal base rod, which, together with a movable microphone boom, allows you to place a headset on the right or left side of the head, or a metallized insert on the outside of the microphone, around the hole in the noise reduction system.
The charging cradle resembles the A170 base station in appearance , while being noticeably smaller. Since in the case of the A150The stand does not affect the signal transmission in any way; you can place it in any place convenient for you, only occasionally returning the headset to it for recharging.
At the same time, the appearance of the charging cradle will allow it to easily fit into the environment of a workplace in the office, as well as a personal account at home.
Functionality and operation
Speaking about operation, I would like to first of all note the process of connecting the headset to a device, be it a PC or a phone. All you have to do is insert the DECT dongle into the USB connector and wait for the drivers to be installed the first time you connect to a PC. This is where all the actions end! You can already select the headset as the audio playback and audio device on your computer, or switch to it using the corresponding key on your IP phone. What's more, this works not only with Snom IP phones, but some third party phones as well. Snom A150
Soundnot inferior to the sound of the older model. The noise canceling microphone provides more than good quality and very clear sound, your interlocutors will not notice the difference when switching from using the handset of any of our devices to the headset and vice versa. The speaker provides not only clean, but also very loud sound delivery for such a device size, while the sound stream is directed exclusively to the user's ear, colleagues will not hear your music or your conversations through this device.
The sound volume can be adjusted from the headset itself, the adjustment keys are located on the headset rim, as well as the “Mute” button, which provides mute. Together with the control key on the main unit, this allows you to be absolutely free from third-party devices, controlling the headset during work or rest solely using the keys built into it.
Summarize
As a result, we have a very convenient device with a maximum of possibilities and a minimum of troubles during operation. The Snom A150 will appeal to an employee of any level and will allow you to be in touch anywhere in the office, or to take a break from the usual business by turning on quiet classical music in the relaxation zone.