Not too long ago, someone introduced me to the world of conference phones. I knew a little about video conferencing, in that I knew they existed. I use Skype at home so my children can talk and see their English grandparents (for free!) and I knew that something similar was available for businesses. However, I did not know that something other than a regular speakerphone was available for conference calls. I have since found that there is a HUGE market for conference phones and I have been obsessed with finding out about the different types that are available. And that keeps me plenty busy!
Definition: A conference phone is a device that connects to your current phone system to enable a better sounding, more productive conference call. Some conference phones hook up to your computer or mobile phone. These are better than using just a speaker phone because they have clear sound; everyone can talk and listen as if they are sitting in the same room together. They also allow for more people to participate without the worry of the phone not picking up their voice because the conference phone has a longer range than a standard speakerphone. Before I begin explaining in detail what a conference phone is, let me highlight just one model. Once you see what it does, you'll get the idea.
That brings me to the Konftel 250. Konftel is an innovative company from Sweden and they are the number one manufacturer of conference phones in Europe. This is the latest conference phone Konftel has released on the market and it is loaded with features! First and foremost, this is designed to work on an analog line, so don't get this if you need one for your mobile phone. One thing that you will notice is its sleek design. According to Konftel it is "a modern Scandinavian design." I'm not sure if I could pick out a Scandinavian design out of a line-up, but I can say that this design is definitely modern!
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| modern Scandinavian design |
Once you hook up this unit to your phone line, you are ready to go. That's it. Plug and play simplicity. No messy blue wires connecting to red wires, or trial and error plugs. Sometimes, hooking up a new electronic gadget is harder than disarming a bomb!
Konftel has their own patented audio technology they call OmniSound. The Konftel 250 is equipped with this technology. It has a long range, but there are expansion microphones available that double the range (up to 750 feet). The sound is so superior, you almost won't be able to tell you are in a conference call. The sound is clear and life-like. There are no missed words, or muffled voices. Just free flowing natural back and forth conversation. No distractions. Genius.
Don't have your own courtroom-grade stenographer? No problem, this unit records conversations and saves them on a SD memory card (up to 2GB). Instant reply. Archive your meetings. And what a better way to inform non-attendees what they missed by letting them listen to the meeting exactly how it happened. This could be the most important tool an office manager has. This phone provides it.
Like any normal phone, the Konftel 250 conference phone has a phone book that stores up to 50 numbers, and the ability to store them as groups. It also comes with a handy conference guide to help you organize and set up your multi-party calls.
The Konftel 250 is an impressive telecommunications tool. There are many to choose from on the market, but this one has so much to offer in one unit, it would be hard pass up. One of the best reasons to invest in a conference phone is it saves money in the long run. Less travel saves money. Less paying per diem to your employees for their travel expenses. Better for the environment. It's the 21st century and this is a 21st century way to conduct your business.
The Konftel 250 can be found for moderately priced for about $360 at:
www.teletechnology.net or www.adamtelco.com
