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I talk on the phone...A LOT. My work takes me to the phone for much of the day and I like to spend a large chunk of my free time bumping my gums too. With arthritis in my spine, shoulders and (slightly) in my hands, using a handset phone would be murder. Studies have shown that holding a phone up to your ear is very stressful on your back, shoulders, elbow and hand. Years ago, someone turned me onto the Plantronics SP-04 headset phone and my yappin' jaw and I have never looked back.
 The SP-04 is simple, relatively sturdy, has decent sound quality and is black (always a bonus in my book). It consists of a keypad (with last number redial, mute, volume control and a pulse/tone switch) and a headset. The headset has a fairly comfortable ear pad and is adjustable, but I have had some trouble with it pinching my head just enough to be noticeable (and annoying after long phoning sessions). The other thing I don't like about the SP-04 is the very loud and sloppy keypad. The keys make far too much noise when you're dialing and the keys have so much play in them that it's hard to get a good rhythm when speed dialing. I bought my unit at Staples about 5 years ago for $80. They don't carry the SP-04 anymore, but they do have a very similar Plantronics model called the PLX-400 for the same price. It has a sleeker design and smaller keys that at least look like they might have faster and quieter action. My SP-04 has stood the test of time and much wear and tear (I drop it on the floor a lot). It has a 6' cord on the headset so that you can move around the room and have your hands free while talking. I've found this immensely useful for working on my various office machines while I talk to tech support people on the phone. I've used the phone so much that I've worn out several of the ear pads. Given the amount of use and abuse the phone has gotten, the price and the overall quality, I see no need to upgrade to anything fancier any time soon. - Gareth Branwyn [8/23/97]
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