The AT&T TL7610 is a DECT 6.0 headset that is compatible with virtually any type of phone. DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) is a digital standard for cordless telephones that had its start in Europe, but was approved a few years ago for use in the U.S. Because DECT frequencies are reserved solely for voice, there is a much less likely chance of interference from other devices.

Versatile in its design, the TL7610 has a standard-looking, boom-like earpiece and microphone and comes with three different headset attachments that the boom snaps into. There is an ear-hook attachment, similar to popular Bluetooth headsets for cell phones, and an over-the-head attachment that resembles a standard pair of headphones. The third attachment is a behind-the-neck style.

While reviewers found all three attachments fairly comfortable, we finally settled on the ear-hook for our testing, as it was the least obtrusive and the most comfortable.

The TL7610's base, which doubles as its charger, is relatively easy to set up following the instructions in the quick-start guide. There are three options to choose from that cover almost every type of installation. A notable feature of the unit is its ability to be used with standard, analog phones, as well as digital business phones and PBX systems. It is also compatible with all 2008 AT&T DECT 6.0 products, including cordless phones and accessories. An additional trait of the TL7610 is its ability to pair with a second headset, which allows for easy conference calling.

Besides being able to install the base with a phone, it can be configured as a stand-alone device when plugged directly into a wall jack and used in conjunction with another phone on the same line, or with the company's optional dial pad. All the included cables have color-coded labels that correspond to colored dots over their respective jacks on the base. There is even a blue sticker included to label the coiled cord from your phone's handset.

Although the installation instructions are fairly easy to follow, we still recommend consulting with your specific telephone's manual also, particularly if you are on a PBX system. In our telephone's case, there was a dedicated jack for headsets that made installation much easier. That isn't to say that AT&T's method wouldn't work, just that it was a little more involved.

While in use, the TL7610 performed superbly. After finding the correct setting on the audio adjust switch, callers sounded loud and clear. Additionally, there were no complaints about the way our voices sounded (although in some cases it was a little obvious that we were on a cordless headset). Overall, sound quality on both sides of the call was good.

The headset is turned on and off with a nicely sized button located just on the other side of the earpiece. On the top is a mute button and volume rocker switch, both easy to identify and use by touch alone.

When it comes to the range of the unit, the only adjective that can be used is outstanding. Reviewers were able to leave the lab, walk out of the building and make it into the parking lot, before the headset lost touch with the base. We were even able to make it halfway down the staircase between floors. Obviously, sound quality suffered in these tests, but for normal usage within an office, we don't anticipate any problems roaming away from the desk. For the purposes of comparison with other products, AT&T's specifications claim a range of "up to" 500 feet.

Battery life is rated at 9 hours of talk time and 144 hours (6 days) standby. This should easily allow for a full day's work before needing to recharge.

An optional handset lifter is available that will automatically raise the telephone's handset off the cradle when the headset is activated. The TL7610 is also sold packaged with the lifter as the TL7611.