USB laptop headphones
 

I'm thinking of using Skype to make within country phone calls while abroad since costs from hotel rooms are so high. The rates seem low, and it might be more convenient than a phone card and cheaper than renting a cell phone.

I'm told I should get USB headphones to use for the microphone (I have travel headphones for music already). What's the smallest, lightest suitable product?

I'll test this in Jerusalem where there's free WiFi.

Thanks,

Sylvia

First, some laptops have a built-in one. If not, you can get any small microphone, plug it into the 'mic' jack and use that. You won't need headphones. Use that mic and your tarvel headphones or laptop speakers. The mic shoudln't cost you more than $10.

You can also use a bluetooth headset provided your laptop has a BT adapter (which should also cost around $10).

I don't see a reason to getting USB headphones which you will not use elsewhere.

Which laptop do you have?

Do a search in this forum for "Plantronics", I rememeber some previous discussions on Skype headsets. As for the advice from the previous poster; a built in mic or plug in mic will never get the same quality as a good USB headset, plantronics USB headsets (and Logitech) have advanced DSP chips, noise cancelling and other features to improve sound quality.

Do you think that the USB headsets are significantly better than analog headsets? (Of course, we need to use comparable price points for a fair comparison.)

I haven't seen a laptop that didn't have mini-din connectors for audio out and mic in. Most of the plantronics analog headsets have some sort of noise cancelling mics. I'm sure that the USB versions have it too.

Remember, we're talking about telephone quality here.

I installed skype a couple of weeks ago. At the time, I tested the notebooks mic, using the voice recorder. It sounded fine, especially for telephone quality.

But for privacy, you will need a headset.

-David

I use Skype and Yahoo! Messenger, and I like the Altec Lansing folding analog speaker/microphone headset. I agree with the poster who said you do need headphones for the privacy -- for example, when the only free wifi available is in the hotel lobby, not the room.

Honestly, i got a headphone/mic setup for my playstation 2 and i use that when I need to use skype. Uses USB to connect.

Only downside to it is that 1. dual units can be found a lil cheaper; 2. Long cable for the headphones.

I purchased a VONDOO USB Skype phone via Amazone. It's nice little phone .. and works fine.

Look here:
http://www.vonsupply.com/VONDOO-V2100-USB-Phone.html

Skype starter kit?
 

Is there a reason to not start with this Skype starter kit to see if I really use the system? Will these plugs fit the laptop? How do I dial?

I like the look of that actual phone and the price is similar to a good USB headset.

Sylvia

$9.99 Usually ships within
24-48 hours
Skype Starter Kit

Everything you need to get started with Skype in one small, tasty package. Each Skype Pack contains:

* mono-aural bud headset with speaker and multi-media plug
* mini-CD with Skype software for Windows
* free gift voucher for 30 minutes of SkypeOut calling at the current Global SkypeOut Rate

Nothing wrong with this kit. However, you might not need it ... your laptop might have a speaker and a mic.
It looks on the photo that this plugs would fit on my Dell laptop.
You dial with your laptop (keys/screen).
Why don't you download Skype? I had it working in minutes .. even Skype-Out, Skype-In and Skype-Voicemail.

You should consider:
http://www.ziplinq.com/retractable-cable-earbuds.html

BTW...Netgear is about to come out with a standalone skypePhone in March. Price is still unknown

Headsets
 

I've got one of these packs from RadioShack before Xmas. The sale price was $4.99. I would say $4.99(+tax) is a nice price for the bud headset and 30 Skype minutes. The voice quality is actully quite good. The headset is very tiny, portable and the core is in good length. However, I agree with the previous posters. You don't need the CD. Just download Skype from the website.

As a matter of fact, I recalled someone got one of the microphone headset from CompUSA for about $5 and is very happy about it. For the sake of the price, I would say, instead of getting the Starter Pack for $9.99+S/H, you may consider getting the $5 headset then buying Skypeout credits. $5 will get you much more than just 30 Skypeout minutes. just my 2cents!

As for the USB Skype phone goes, it seems the price in US is still quite high. I was in Taiwan over Xmas. Skype and PChome TW is pushing for big sale there. Price is so much cheaper and competitive (for either USB phones or headsets) and products so much sleeker! (Just see the picture if you can't read Chinese! )
http://skype.pchome.com.tw/hw.jsp
http://shopping.pchome.com.tw/usbac/
http://shopping.pchome.com.tw/ear/

Not sure where you travel internationally. My guess is you may be able to get some really good deals in Asia, at least in Taiwan.