Gadgetell Review: Plantronics Calisto Pro Series

I have used my share of VoIP phones out there, so when Plantronics sent me the newish Calisto Pro Series, I didn’t have too high of expectations. However I became impressed quickly with the great Bluetooth integration, among other features. There are three ways you can talk on the phone (or Skype): speakerphone, on the handset, or on the included Bluetooth headset. This amount of flexibility is a great thing to have when you’re in an office — or even at home — since you have the choice to go anywhere in your house. So what if you want to sit in your living room, and the Bluetooth signal can’t make it that far? Don’t worry, the headset is paired with the handset, so just bring the handset with you!

Have I mentioned that the Calisto can also be used as your landline phone? Well, it sure can. The device has seemless integration with both Skype (and your computer) and your landline connection. So if you’re talking long distance to someone across the world, and hang up to make a local call, you don’t even have to switch anything… just hang up, dial the number, and press talk.

Design

Overall, the Calisto’s design is sleek, but not too fancy. The phone’s handset is a bit bulky, but it’s smaller than most traditional cordless phones, so we won’t dock them there. The Bluetooth headset is a big flimsy, and I had a hard time with it – but while you’re sitting at your desk, it’s really OK to have a flimsy headset on since you’re not making any sharp movements that will knock it off.