I’m currently looking for a headset so that I can Skype on my Mac.
Funnily enough I already have “a” headset, but the connectors are the wrong size, thus rendering it unusable. For sanity’s sake a USB connection might work better, though I could be completely wrong about that.
I want something that is compact enough to fit in my laptop bag and offers good audio quality (VOIP can be taxing enough without using shoddy equipment!)
I’m not overly concerned about the price, as I’d prefer to have a good quality product that lasts, rather than something that breaks after a couple of months.
Any and all recommendations open!
From Phil:
Headsets are a pain in the ass.
I’m happy enough with a pair earphones and my mac mic.
From Dónal:
How do you mean the wrong size?
You should be able to buy adaptors in any good music shop, if it’s any of the the kind of plugs in this picture: (i.e. “headphone plugs/jacks”)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/27/Photo-audiojacks.jpg
I’ve never used a USB headset, so I can’t recommend any in particular. The only major advantage of using a headset with headphone plugs/jacks over USB, is being able to use it with a cd player etc.
From Michele Neylon:
Dónal
The problem with adaptors is I tend to either lose them or they get lobbed into the growing pile of random audio / tech gear / connectors, so I can’t ever find them
Michele
From Stewart Curry:
I’m using a cheapish Logitech one at home (that I can’t seem to find on the logitech site) that does a great job – I use it mainly for gaming (ventrilo) and it’s very reliable and well put together – though how long any headset will survive in a laptop case is anyone’s guess – you could look at a wireless one but then it’s another charger/cable to pack and eventually loose.
From Michele Neylon:
Stewart
What kind of connector does it use?
I’m always wary of wireless peripherals – I’ve had too many bad experiences with batteries
Michele
From Mark:
If you use a bluetooth headset – and to the best of my knowledge you do, pair that with the Mac and off you go.
From Michele Neylon:
Mark
Yes – I’ve got a Jawbone
The bluetooth idea is incredibly sane
I’ll try it this evening and see how I get on
Now where did I leave the cable? ….
Michele
From Mark:
Is that your medical opinion? Please say it is, they might let me out of this room, mmm spongy walls.
From Mick:
Hi Michele,
Got me professional research head on and found a few options for you….
Keep your ears warm (bluetooth included)…!
http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/26/plush-pac-man-headgear-munches-on-ghosts/
look like you’re up with the technology…
http://geekadelphia.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/nokia_headphones_ironman.jpg
and just a really long URL (but you’d go miles for one of these….!)
http://images.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://phonereport.info/wp-content/uploads/nokia-music-almighty-headphones-musica-toda-poderosa-auscultadores-6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://phonereport.info/2008/10/01/nokias-crazy-headphones-showcased-in-lisbon/&usg=__aCd0pUrMjSSoIHuvUWdlBIIAMlw=&h=324&w=251&sz=38&hl=en&start=2&sig2=YIpJSCcReFrERRDFjkts3w&um=1&tbnid=Hfciv1vui-LuRM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcrazy%2Bheadphones%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=IQnmSe2vCY2qtAOSnv2iBA
Now its just a case of choosing one…?
Mick (in a helpful mood!)
From Donn:
I’ve been using a cheap bog standard Logitech usb one for the last few years and have found it to be absolutely grand, never had any problems with it.
This looks about the equivalent model they do these days:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/internet_headsets_phones/devices/5469&cl=gb,en
From John P:
I just bought a cheap 29 Euro Philips USB Handset, VOIP151 for use with Skype.
Feels a bit light and cheap, but the voice quality is good enough and will work for me in public places where I can’t just use the laptops speakers and mic to call.
I personally prefer the handset rather than a headset for the present time. May change my opinion in the future….
From Eintragsdienst:
I made good experience with Logitec too. First a had a Logitec headset with a cable and now I use the same with Bluetooth. No problem.
From Dave:
what headset did you get in the end ?
Im looking for one myself now
From Michele Neylon:
Dave
I decided on the JawBone, as I already had one for my mobile phone and like it
Michele
From Case Larsen:
I have the Jawbone as well and while it does work with Skype and the mac, Ecamm Callrecorder isn’t able to record with it and once my mac has paired with the jawbone, i have trouble getting the jawbone to re-pair with my iPhone even when i turn off bluetooth on the mac.
I have to wind up unpairing and repairing with the iPhone after previously pairing with the mac.
I haven’t done the research to determine if it’s an issue with the iPhone and Callrecorder rather than the Jawbone.