Headset for phones and computers?

[Sid Post]

If this is a well discussed topic, please give me a link to it because I missed it in my search.

I'm looking at Plantronics headsets for hands free phone usage. I want a head phone I can use with Skype on my computer to talk to friend who travels a lot and I would like to use on extended conversations with my mother.

Shopping on-line is a frustrating experience so far because information is scattered and fragmented. I was looking at the Plantronics 261N's and about to buy them when I discovered by accident that they DO NOT work without an amplifier.

I would like to get a better hands free headset to work with my phone (and computer) then the cheap P.O.S. I currently have. I am thinking about a standard over the head set, either mono or stereo, with noise canceling in the microphone being a requirement and a nice feature in the ear cups. My goal is to get the headphones to my door for ~$100.

I can get a Plantronics DA40 which I think will convert standard telephone headsets into a USB and computer friendly headset for ~$40. Are there other good quality options?

I'm looking for recommendations on specific models and any user feedback on what makes a good or bad model of headset for this type of use.

TIA!

 

[lizardman_u]

good luck finding a headset that will do both. I have trouble just finding a good analog headset (one mic, one ear piece) to use with my computer. everyone tries to sell me the USB yada yada. but since I have sound blaster audigy platinum sound card for pc with live drive (front panel interface w/ plugins for audio devices in and out) I don't need the fancy schmansy headsets. you might try Koss headphones as they make headsets that are far superior to planetronics and they might have what you are looking for. I have to buy 2 headsets one for phone for hands free use and one for computer.

 

[mwerner]

I use a Plantronics headset for gaming, the DSP 500 with the in-line sound card.

I've had this one for about 3 years and it performs very well. The microphone works great over Roger Wilco and Teamspeak, and the phones are comfortable.

Bit pricey though, I think it's a bit over your target price.