Whats the best headset to buy?

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rphenix

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#15584 30-Aug-2007 09:18

Hi Guys,

Weve choosen the phones for our new IP Phone system but I'm wondering for those that want to use the softphone client on their pc what would be the best headset to buy?

Obviously I dont to pay a massive amount but I'm guessing something cheap from DSE or Warehouse etc.. might not be the best idea. Should I get a brand like Plantronics?

Robert

mruane

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#84403 30-Aug-2007 10:02

I went with a pair of Logitech USB headphones with a small boom mic from Harvey Norman (Wgtn) for about $55. They have padding around the ear pieces for comfort and the sound is acceptable. They also have a volume control in the cord. Its a nice cheap solution that works well and they are very solidly built.

Cheers Mike

coffeebaron

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#84506 30-Aug-2007 19:44

Logitech, Plantronics or Sennheiser would be my choices

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rphenix

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#84700 31-Aug-2007 18:39

What u think about this one?
http://www.ifocus.co.nz/Headphones%25252FMicrophones/Headsets/Sennheiser/Sennheiser+PC20+Headset.html

coffeebaron

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#84717 31-Aug-2007 20:33

rphenix: What u think about this one?
http://www.ifocus.co.nz/Headphones%25252FMicrophones/Headsets/Sennheiser/Sennheiser+PC20+Headset.html

Opps, sorry should have also said get a USB type headset, Sennheiser PC-25 USB if you can find it:
http://www.senncom.com/comm/icm_eng.nsf/root/12345
Else the Sennheiser PC-135 USB (expensive) or Logitech USB 350 (I use these and good price vs quality). And of course you can't really go wrong with a Plantronics USB headset too.

Advantage of USB over "plug into sound-card mic" headsets is better voice quality especially if you don't have a great sound card.

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rphenix

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#84722 31-Aug-2007 21:19

Ahh didnt know that usb was better soundwise :) thanks I was figuring stay away from usb due to possible driver issues.

coffeebaron

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#84727 31-Aug-2007 22:04

Usually drivers are not an issue, as XP / Vista have generic audio drivers for these. Because all the A-D conversion is done within the headset USB device, its just pure digital into the PC.

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rphenix

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#88249 27-Sep-2007 09:10

I see a few "usb" headsets that have a 3.5mm jack plugged into a usb converter so I'm guessing I should stay away from those as they aren't any better than If I was to buy a regular headset and plug into the sound card directly?

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coffeebaron

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#88366 27-Sep-2007 18:57

Not necessarily, as some of these are dual mode. I.E. you can also use them to plug straight into sound card, or compatible phone, etc. Or you plug them into the USB dongle (that does the voice to digital bit), then USB into PC.

So, yes no problem here.

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rscole86

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#88368 27-Sep-2007 19:04

Another thing to be careful of is interference.

Make sure that what you are plugging your headset into is properly insulated, I have found some USB ports and standard audio ports on the fronts of PC's to not be installed properly.

This can cause humming or other interference.

Some of the Logitech USB headset's I have seen tend to break a lot. Though it could be because it is being used by gamers...?

richms

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#88375 27-Sep-2007 19:19

Also be aware that if you have a recent motherboard with HD audio, that the front ports need all sorts of configuration to get a headset working on it, which may not be available on a corporate machine that is used as a non-admin, wheras once the driver is installed a USB headset/handset is just another audiodevice, albeit with lousy sample rates and only mono normally.

Richard rich.ms

bobmeister

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#88410 27-Sep-2007 21:24

Using Cisco IP Communicator softphone with IPFX Outlook hook on around 25 clients, we initially went with Logitech 250 USB headsets. They were/are great for sound and comfort, but about 1/3 of them failed within a few months.

Have used some cheaper ones such as $35 Altec Lansings with a USB dongle from Dick Smiths. They have lasted well.

Also have bought some Gentech 8110 USB adapters (around $200 each) which allow you to plug the old Plantronics headsets into, which are excellent.

I personally use a set of Logitech Premium Notebook Headset with USB dongle, which are also excellent.

My Laptop also has Bluetooth built in and I have used a BT ear piece with it as well. This is actually the best way to go as it is cable free. However, I stopped using this method because I also wanted to use the headset with my cell phone and having the two in the same room caused the headset to drop out in mid-call if the cell phone was around. (Also you look like a bit of a dick as you appear to be talking to yourself)

Hope this helps.