Travel Technology - USB headset - which ones are well-suited to travel?

I need to get a USB stereo headset/microphone for use with a softphone when I travel. There are so many out there that I figured I'd ask this august group about them. The main problem I have with my current 1/8" mini-jack headphones is that they get beaten up in my bag, particularly when taking them in and out of it. The cords get tangled and pulled, etc. Some Bose NC headsets fold fairly flat. Are there any USB headsets that are particularly well-suited to travel?

I can tell you the ones I am going to get. In fact, I had forgotten to order them and then your post reminded me. But I havent tried them yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-72517-01-MX500i-3-in-1-Headset/dp/B000I4RMOU/ref=pd_bbs_11?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226714304&sr=8-11

That one looks good - but I was hoping to get something that went over both ears as it's much easier to hear the other party on a phone call that way. Maybe that's just not a realistic expectation.:confused:

I use this one:

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat640035/cat1430032/audio-480

Fantasic (noise canceling), USB dongle and a leather carrying pouch. I've seen them online for as low as $25.

That one looks good - but I was hoping to get something that went over both ears as it's much easier to hear the other party on a phone call that way. Maybe that's just not a realistic expectation.:confused:

Would something like this (http://www.jr.com/plantronics/pe/PLT_DSP400/), which I have used, work? It has a ridiculously long chord but tied up properly it has no issue. I've quite literally shoved it into corners of my bag where it should not have been and still managed to get a good three years of use of it, although then it died on me in two ways -- sound in one ear died and the headset cracked so adjusting sizing was basically a one-sided affair.

The following http://www.jr.com/logitech/pe/LGI_980445/ comes with a travel case, but I have no experience with it.

Would something like this (http://www.jr.com/plantronics/pe/PLT_DSP400/), which I have used, work? It has a ridiculously long chord but tied up properly it has no issue. I've quite literally shoved it into corners of my bag where it should not have been and still managed to get a good three years of use of it, although then it died on me in two ways -- sound in one ear died and the headset cracked so adjusting sizing was basically a one-sided affair.

The following http://www.jr.com/logitech/pe/LGI_980445/ comes with a travel case, but I have no experience with it.

I have a couple pair of those and they work great. They are a little on the large size though. They work extremely well for Dragon Naturally Speaking.

Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! I'm trying to find the difference between the Plantronics 400 and 470. It's not obvious at all based on the Plantronics web site. In fact, from what I see on Amazon there are two DSP-400 headsets, that look different and are about $100 different in price. I'd really like a proper USB headset, not one with clumsy 1/8" jacks and an adapter I'll likely lose. <sigh>

Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! I'm trying to find the difference between the Plantronics 400 and 470. It's not obvious at all based on the Plantronics web site. In fact, from what I see on Amazon there are two DSP-400 headsets, that look different and are about $100 different in price. I'd really like a proper USB headset, not one with clumsy 1/8" jacks and an adapter I'll likely lose. <sigh>

The DSP-400 link from J&R electronics given earlier has only a regular USB plug and so there are no 1/8" jacks and adapter about which to worry.

It's the 470 with the jacks+adapter that I would avoid.

The DSP-400 link from J&R electronics given earlier has only a regular USB plug and so there are no 1/8" jacks and adapter about which to worry.

It's the 470 with the jacks+adapter that I would avoid.Thanks! Amazon has two DSP-400 models listed. One, with USB only is $189. The picture for the $43.99 one shows an adapter. The J&R picture doesn't show the ends. Oh the choices...

Thanks! Amazon has two DSP-400 models listed. One, with USB only is $189. The picture for the $43.99 one shows an adapter. The J&R picture doesn't show the ends. Oh the choices...

I think the $189 one comes with a fancy (and unnecessary) digital noise reduction USB adaptor. They sell those separately on the Plantronics web site. The MSRP on the Plantronics site is about $80 for the one with the built in USB plug (which is the one I have).

I travel with a Motorola Bluetooth headset. Its paired with both my phone and my laptop. It's great for Skype, packs small, and I tend to get plenty of talk-time with it.

I use this one:

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat640035/cat1430032/audio-480

Fantasic (noise canceling), USB dongle and a leather carrying pouch. I've seen them online for as low as $25.

I still use my old DSP-400's, but don't take them on trips any more. Too much bulk for me.

Recently replaced them by the Plantronics audio-480. Great for voip, just don't use them for music. The jacks fit firmly in the USB adapter, so I have no concerns to lose it. Overall very compact, ideal for travel.

I travel with a Motorola Bluetooth headset. Its paired with both my phone and my laptop. It's great for Skype, packs small, and I tend to get plenty of talk-time with it.


I have yet to find a BT headset that I am satisfied with in terms of sound quality. And I have had several Motorolas. Especially in terms of voice recognition, which is a major use for me, I dont think they will come close to what is needed.


I still use my old DSP-400's, but don't take them on trips any more. Too much bulk for me.

Recently replaced them by the Plantronics audio-480. Great for voip, just don't use them for music. The jacks fit firmly in the USB adapter, so I have no concerns to lose it. Overall very compact, ideal for travel.

I have wondered about those. They arent listed by Nuance for Dragon Naturally Speaking but that might not mean much. They also say not compatible with Mac OSX but I tend not to believe that. Has anyone used them with a Mac? Or seen any USB headset that wouldnt work with a Mac? Or tried them for VR? Thanks.

Gadget, I have the Moto H12 (http://www.store.motorola.com/mot/en/US/adirect/motorola?cmd=catProductDetail&productID=89184N&showAddButton=true). I've had it for about 9 months now, but I've been pretty happy with it. Granted, like most other single-ear headsets... probably not the best in loud situations (coffee shops), but in an office, hotel room, etc. its been great for me. I have heard that Plantronics does make a better device though.

FWIW, Plantronics tells me the following regarding the difference between their 470 USB and 400 USB models:They look very similar, However the 470 is newer version (slightly darker in color) and is a bit more digitally enhanced .It comes with a Stereo Adapter vs the standard adapter the 400 comes with.I'm not sure what they mean by "standard" vs. "stereo". :confused:

I use the BlueAnt X3:
http://www.amazon.com/BlueAnt-Micro-Bluetooth-Headset-Black/dp/B000FL2DMC

It comes with a wall and car charger, and both use the same wire that you can also use to charge via USB.

My favorite part about this headset is how easy it is to connect and disconnect from your phone -- plus, it lets you turn off the blinking blue light :)

I use this one:

http://www.plantronics.com/north_america/en_US/products/cat640035/cat1430032/audio-480

Fantasic (noise canceling), USB dongle and a leather carrying pouch. I've seen them online for as low as $25.Mwave.com has these for $25 so I figured I'd try them. Thanks for the info!

Mwave.com has these for $25 so I figured I'd try them. Thanks for the info!

Has anyone tried these with a Mac? According to Plantronics they dont work but I find that a bit tough to believe. Thanks.

Has anyone tried these with a Mac? According to Plantronics they dont work but I find that a bit tough to believe. Thanks.I'd find that hard to believe as well. I'll have to try them out on a friend's Mac when I see him and report back.

I'd find that hard to believe as well. I'll have to try them out on a friend's Mac when I see him and report back.

Thanks.

I use the BlueAnt X3:
http://www.amazon.com/BlueAnt-Micro-Bluetooth-Headset-Black/dp/B000FL2DMC

It comes with a wall and car charger, and both use the same wire that you can also use to charge via USB.

My favorite part about this headset is how easy it is to connect and disconnect from your phone -- plus, it lets you turn off the blinking blue light :)

Looking at the photos on the web page, you can charge the headset in the car.
My question, can you also use the headset as a hands-free in that configuration (plugged in to the car charger and standing free)?
Be good to be able to use in the car without having to wear the headset on my ear. Same would apply when running off a PC.

Has anyone tried these with a Mac? According to Plantronics they dont work but I find that a bit tough to believe. Thanks.

It is just a very generic USB audio adapter, so my guess is that it will work fine. Sadly I don't have a mac to test it with.

Has anyone tried these with a Mac? According to Plantronics they dont work but I find that a bit tough to believe. Thanks.

I could get the audio output to work easily using the USB device but I could not get the sound input to work through the headset mic despite selecting the USB device through the settings on the Mac.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 6.0; Windows CE; IEMobile 6.12) Dopod838Pro)

Has anyone tried these with a Mac? According to Plantronics they dont work but I find that a bit tough to believe. Thanks.

I could get the audio output to work easily using the USB device but I could not get the sound input to work through the headset mic despite selecting the USB device through the settings on the Mac.

wow. they must have tried to make it that way. ;)

thanks for letting me know.

i would love a good bluetooth headset with over-the-ear headphones, good sound, and a boom mic. I am using this Kensington thing but the mic isn't the best and the headphones are only so-so. Also it has controls on it (play, pause, etc.) but they don't do anything to my Mac.

i would love a good bluetooth headset with over-the-ear headphones, good sound, and a boom mic. I am using this Kensington thing but the mic isn't the best and the headphones are only so-so. Also it has controls on it (play, pause, etc.) but they don't do anything to my Mac.

What you want is the Plantronics Pulsar 590E (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBPMVY?tag=641539-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000HBPMVY&adid=1XNFH02B4YNM8ET802PN&) :)

Awesome quality, boom mic and audio controls built in.

What you want is the Plantronics Pulsar 590E (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBPMVY?tag=641539-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000HBPMVY&adid=1XNFH02B4YNM8ET802PN&) :)

Awesome quality, boom mic and audio controls built in.

thank you ScottC, I ordered it.

--R.

Has anyone heard on the ABLE PLANET NOISE CANCELLING Headphones? What or how do they compare to the other?

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

FWIW, Plantronics tells me the following regarding the difference between their 470 USB and 400 USB models:I'm not sure what they mean by "standard" vs. "stereo". :confused:

I got a pair of the Audio 470 USB which have the detachable USB adaptor. They are much more compact than the DSP400 USB headset and like that headset they work extremely well with Dragon Naturally Speaking, which is a pretty demanding application. I like them a lot.

I'm a huge fan of the Jaybird bluetooth headset. Can use it on your iPod, iPhone and laptop. Picked them up at Target and are awesome. Can pop them in at a SBUX and listen to my music wirelessly, attach them to my phone for BT, and they're small. Try them out and you'll agree.

What you want is the Plantronics Pulsar 590E (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBPMVY?tag=641539-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000HBPMVY&adid=1XNFH02B4YNM8ET802PN&) :)

Awesome quality, boom mic and audio controls built in.

I like it. It's good. One little nit to pick is that it has its own weird little power supply to charge the battery...I wish it was USB :mad:

I like it. It's good. One little nit to pick is that it has its own weird little power supply to charge the battery...I wish it was USB :mad:

Yeah, it is from the "previous generation" Plantronics lineup, all/most current Plantronics headsets use mini or Micro USB.