Snom A190 – DECT headset for microcellular systems
Hello dear readers!
We continue the cycle of DECT equipment reviews and today we will introduce you to a product that has not so many analogs on the market, although it belongs to the class of DECT headsets you already know. This is a headset Snom A190, and what is its peculiarity we will tell further.
Integration of headsets into DECT systems
We are all used to using wireless headsets, at home and in the workplace, which, however, recently often means the same thing. The headset does not have the full functionality of a telephone, but it allows you to receive and even make a call, even if not by dialing a number. However, compared to a DECT handset in a microcellular system, the headset does not benefit that much in terms of degree of freedom, albeit freeing your hands, but limiting you in the space where you can move. This is especially noticeable when using Bluetoth headsets, but DECT headsets also help you stay connected only within relatively small limits with respect to their own signal source, as a rule, the base station of this headset. But there are exceptions …
How, in fact, can you get away from the “leash” that ties you to the only source of the signal? That’s right, bind to a large number of sources by creating a system of them. We have already considered the concept of a microcellular DECT system more than once, so we will not go into the details of its device, we will talk about the headset itself and its place in the system.
Design
The headset kit consists of a charging cradle (we will not confuse it with a base station, as, for example, it is implemented in Snom A170), power supply and itself A190… The charging stand will take up a minimum of space on your desk, being small in size, and securely fixed in place thanks to the rubberized feet. The grip of these legs is really phenomenal, the stand seems to stick to the table and move to the side very reluctantly, despite the lack of any resistance when trying to lift it up.
The surfaces of the stand are matte, and the stand itself is quite weighty, which is not expected from a device with such dimensions, which only adds stability to the stand. Glossy is only the recess where the headset is placed for charging.
The headset itself is practically not felt in the hands. Weighing only 45 g the headset has one speaker with an ear pad, being monaural, but thanks to the 360˚ rotation of the microphone, the headset can be positioned on the side of your head that suits you. The metal of the headband is moderately elastic, it does not squeeze the head, relieving you of discomfort during prolonged wear, which is also positively affected by the weight of the headset, it is practically not felt on the head.
The main headset unit is equipped with 5 keys for adjusting the sound, receiving and making calls, mute the microphone and connect the headset to the base. The keys do not have visual markings, but you get used to their arrangement very quickly and pressing the right key for a certain functionality no longer raises questions. In general, the headset looks very neat, despite its lightness, the components do not look flimsy or fragile, the headset will last you a long time and will be a reliable assistant, making it easier to carry out everyday tasks.
Functional
Speaking about the functionality of the headset, I would like to first of all consider its modes of operation in a microcellular system, of which two are supported.
In the first mode of operation, the headset is an independent subscriber of the microcell, it receives its own account through which all calls are made. This mode is suitable for those who use only a headset and do not use a DECT handset for communication.
The second mode allows you to “link” the headset with a handset already registered in the system, using a single account for the linked devices. This mode is for those who can use both DECT handset and headset depending on the situation.
Naturally, since A190 is a full-fledged component of the DECT microcellular system, it supports roaming and handover, giving its owner complete freedom of movement within the radius of the entire coverage area of the Snom microcellular systems. Connected at the same time A190 to any of the DECT Snom systems, that is, to the bases M900, M700, and M300 and systems based on them.
What other parameter is important for any headset? Naturally, the time of her work. Even with such a low weight, the headset has a built-in 320 mAh battery, due to the low power consumption, the battery provides up to 7 hours of work in talk mode and up to 100 hours of work In standby.
In terms of sound, first of all I would like to highlight the headset microphone. The microphone has built-in noise and echo cancellation, which significantly affects the sound quality. The work of this functionality is especially noticeable in rooms with a constant small background noise, if colleagues are talking around you or equipment is working, headsets without such functionality will not always provide your interlocutor with the correct voice perception, capturing the entire range of sound and accompanying noises. The loudspeaker is loud enough to work in rooms with standard office noise. In general, its volume is sufficient for working in less comfortable conditions, but the monaural format of the headset’s performance interferes with the perception of sound in these cases. The headset reproduces sound in a wideband audio range, the sound itself is clear and clear, the voice of the interlocutor is heard very well.
Outcome
Snom A190 – not just a headset, but part of the DECT ecosystem. Such devices are very useful for mobile workers who need hands free and the ability to move around the enterprise while staying connected. However, from the point of view of the main function of the headset – long and high-quality work with sound, it is in no way inferior, and in many respects surpasses other similar devices.
