USB headset recs for Skype?
Nov 30, 2006, 8:08 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: PWM usually, DCA/IAD this year
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 307
USB headset recs for Skype?
I travel overseas frequently and I have been looking for a reliable and inexpensive way to keep in touch with family in the US. I used Skype for the first time today, and I was pretty impressed -- wish it hadn't taken me so long to trying it out!
I have a pair of Gigaware headphones sold by Radio Shack. I noticed some problems with mute coming on randomly, which is apparently a common complaint with this model.
Anyway, I am so sold on Skype now that I'd like to buy a very nice USB headset for making calls. I have had good success with Sennheiser audio headphones in the past, so I was thinking about buying a pair of the 135s, 145s, or 155s. Before I took the plunge, though, I am hoping that some FT friends can make recommendations. Thanks in advance.
I have a pair of Gigaware headphones sold by Radio Shack. I noticed some problems with mute coming on randomly, which is apparently a common complaint with this model.
Anyway, I am so sold on Skype now that I'd like to buy a very nice USB headset for making calls. I have had good success with Sennheiser audio headphones in the past, so I was thinking about buying a pair of the 135s, 145s, or 155s. Before I took the plunge, though, I am hoping that some FT friends can make recommendations. Thanks in advance.
Nov 30, 2006, 8:19 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,481
I travel overseas frequently and I have been looking for a reliable and inexpensive way to keep in touch with family in the US. I used Skype for the first time today, and I was pretty impressed -- wish it hadn't taken me so long to trying it out!
I have a pair of Gigaware headphones sold by Radio Shack. I noticed some problems with mute coming on randomly, which is apparently a common complaint with this model.
Anyway, I am so sold on Skype now that I'd like to buy a very nice USB headset for making calls. I have had good success with Sennheiser audio headphones in the past, so I was thinking about buying a pair of the 135s, 145s, or 155s. Before I took the plunge, though, I am hoping that some FT friends can make recommendations. Thanks in advance.
I have a pair of Gigaware headphones sold by Radio Shack. I noticed some problems with mute coming on randomly, which is apparently a common complaint with this model.
Anyway, I am so sold on Skype now that I'd like to buy a very nice USB headset for making calls. I have had good success with Sennheiser audio headphones in the past, so I was thinking about buying a pair of the 135s, 145s, or 155s. Before I took the plunge, though, I am hoping that some FT friends can make recommendations. Thanks in advance.
Dec 14, 2006, 11:55 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 27
I use my bluetooth ear piece and a USB bluetooth dongle. Then I am not tied down in front of my computer while in the hotel room. I have the bluetooth ear piece with me anyway along with my cell phone.Very compact, inexpensive and works well. 
Dec 14, 2006, 2:13 pm
#7
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 7,419
Dec 14, 2006, 2:31 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: AA ExPlat, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 1,130
This Netgear WiFi phone is rather cool!
http://tools.netgear.com/skype/
http://tools.netgear.com/skype/
Dec 14, 2006, 2:41 pm
#9
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: EWR
Programs: UA; DL;
Posts: 651
I got one of the USB headsets that Radio Shack recommended (not sure brand but was about $50) but I can tell you that I wished I had gotten a bluetooth one. My only concern with a wireless option is that it won't cancel out ambient noise like the regular headset does.
Dec 14, 2006, 3:21 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: LH-FTL, BRgold, EKsilver, FB silver, IHG-RA
Posts: 88
I second the Plantronics DSP 400 USB headset. I've tried several USB phones, but went back to the DPS 400 headset. The sound quality with Skype is really awesome.
LESS BULKY ALTERNATIVE: Retractable mono headset + USB soundcard
Yet, in my search to travel with less bulk, I tend to use the DSP 400 at the office only lately. And while traveling I use a cheap compact retractable mono headset with microphone (the ZIP-AUDIO-PC1 from Ziplinq). Which I combine with the Turtle Beach AudioAdvantage usb soundcard. The latter allows me to hear the ringer on incoming Skype calls through my laptop speakers as well (instead of through the headset only for non-USB connections). Saves a lot of bulk and weight, without giving in too much on sound quality.
My attempts to get a decent sound quality on Skype with my Plantronics Discovery 655 BT headset have failed so far.
LESS BULKY ALTERNATIVE: Retractable mono headset + USB soundcard
Yet, in my search to travel with less bulk, I tend to use the DSP 400 at the office only lately. And while traveling I use a cheap compact retractable mono headset with microphone (the ZIP-AUDIO-PC1 from Ziplinq). Which I combine with the Turtle Beach AudioAdvantage usb soundcard. The latter allows me to hear the ringer on incoming Skype calls through my laptop speakers as well (instead of through the headset only for non-USB connections). Saves a lot of bulk and weight, without giving in too much on sound quality.
My attempts to get a decent sound quality on Skype with my Plantronics Discovery 655 BT headset have failed so far.
Dec 15, 2006, 8:25 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: CLE
Posts: 9,816
Same here for my road travel, plus my PocketPC as a backup. At home I have the Netgeard Skype Adapter and connect it to a regular phone.
Dec 15, 2006, 9:29 am
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
Posts: 15,726
About 5% of the time I am happy with the foldable Plantronics DSP 400 units. The other 95% of the time I am happy with the built in mic and loudspeakers on the Thinkpad T42 and T40.
MisterNice
MisterNice