CONFERENCE

Polycom Soundpoint Pro SE-225 2-Line Professional Conference Phone with Caller ID
$249.00
When I bought this phone for a home office about 8 years ago it had the features I needed at an acceptable if relatively high price. True, the voice quality was a bit uneven. Voice seemed to be breaking up occasionally, sometimes a bit staticky. But the speaker phone feature was excellent and especially good for waiting on hold then talking with customer service, etc. Speaker tone was clear and loud. Unfortunately it had a recurring problem of keyboard failure that required plugging and unplugging. Best keyboard touch I've found in a landline phone, ergonomically superior to Panasonic, etc., but directory and caller ID interface is convoluted. Now it has developed loud buzzing noises and I've been quoted (by a third-party shop) about as much for a repair as a new unit costs. Like other landline phones, it should really have a backlight or other alternative for more legible display. The reliability of this phone does not match the price. It should have been developed and improved. I would not buy again, even though 8+ years of use might be acceptable to some people. I'd look for newer technology from other makers, unless speakerphone function is really paramount. Too bad, design and concept were unique and on the right track.

Polycom SoundStation2 Expandable Conference Phone (2200-16200-001)
$549.99
I bought this product about a month ago. Our conference room is small and we usually connect with people all over the world. So we needed something that would give us a clear conversation without having to repeat ourselves all the time as well as being able to hear our colleagues from all parts of the world clearly. This did a great job! Our colleagues noticed the change without us letting them know that we were using a new device. They came through clearer and the background noise was eliminated. Our conversations went smoothly. We do not have to repeat our selves so the other person can hear us clearly, it was heard the first time. Set up was a breeze. The instructions were right there in three steps.

The Comprehensive Guide to Successful Conferences and Meetings: Detailed Instructions and Step-by-Step Checklists (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series)
$74.00
Conference planners will benefit from this comprehensive guide that covers everything from conference design to conducting the conference. The book includes helpful examples and a checklist for every area. Then the chapters go into detail, answering each question on the checklist. Chapters include site selection, food functions, exhibitions, marketing, transportation, and others.

Polycom Soundstation2 Conference Phone Non-expandable with o Display
$370.99
We (City of Knoxville) have already purchased 4 of these over the last couple of years. They are very reliable, and easy to set-up and use. Would recommend to anyone looking for a good basic teleconference tool.