VoIP Q & A: Plantronics Voyager, Cisco SPA112, Grandstream GXV3140 Skype Phone

Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.

Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people  just like you.

Q:  I want to use this Wireless headset [Plantronics Voyager PRO HD] with a VOIP system that I plan to install on my iMac… does it only function with a mobile device (phone), or will it work with any desktop/laptop computer as well? Thanks!

The Plantronics Voyager PRO HD is a monaural Bluetooth headset designed to connect to iPhones and Android phones.

However the Voyager PRO HD user guide does say:

If your phone, laptop or tablet PC supports Bluetooth A2DP stereo streaming, you can listen to streaming audio

Technically that sounds like it could work with your Bluetooth enabled laptop or, you might want to pair the headset with the optional Plantronics Voyager PRO HD USB adapter with your laptop or desktop.

Personally I haven’t had the best luck pairing Bluetooth headsets with my Windows 7 laptop – it can never seem to install the correct drivers. My desktop computer at work, on the other hand, has no problems working with Bluetooth and wireless headsets that are connected via the USB adapter.

Then again, you’ll probably have no problems with your iMac. And the USB adapter is a good backup plan if the Bluetooth won’t sync.

Another option to consider for connecting to laptops and desktops is the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC B235 which is an advanced Bluetooth headset that comes with a USB Bluetooth dongle – it’s multi-device connectivity lets you manage PC and mobile/tablet phone calls from a single headset.

Q: Is the Lynksys PAT2T being phased out, and the Cisco SPA112 will be the new product to replace it? I want to make a purchase, but will be reluctant to do so if the Lynksys PAP2T is being replaced.

A:  You’re correct. The Lynksys PAP2T is End of Life – it has been replaced by the Cisco SPA112 VoIP Adapter.

The Lynsys PAP2T, if you can find one, might still work for what you need. But since it is no longer being sold and is no longer supported by Cisco, we recommend going with the SPA112 replacement.

Q:  I am traveling to the US and my parents will remain in Puerto Rico. I want to know if this equipment [Grandstream GXV3140] is recommended for daily contacts with them via SKYPE. They are at a elderly home facility which has internet connection, but i am not sure what i need for this. Please let me know if you recommend this or something else. 

A:  The Grandstream GXV3140 is a Skype certified IP Video that makes it easy to make Skype video calls with its integrated web browser and 4.3in Color LCD screen.

You can make free voice and video calls via Skype on the GXV3140 just by plugging the phone into your network or, internet connection.

Since this phone is Skype certified, Skype comes pre-installed. With this phone you can call any other Skype users whether they’re using a GXV3140 of their own or a webcam, laptop, cell phone, or tablet. You just need the internet or, network connection to make this happen.

The Grandstream GXV3140 is currently in stock but it’s going end of life so you may want to consider its replacement, the Grandstream GXV3240.

Stay Tuned

Check back next time  for more VoIP Q & A.

Thanks for your questions!