Cheapest/Best Headset for use with 1899/Skype VOIP

Paul_Varjak

Bluetooth headset is a nice idea - as you can use it with your mobile as well. But the real problem is having to switch on the computer to use VOIP.

What about an ATA that you can plug your analogue phone to or, if you are in the market for a modem/router for your PC, you can get one with VOIP that will handle VOIP calls even when computer is not switched on - that is what I am going for.

I realise, of course, these other options cost a lot more than a cheap headset!

randan

What about one of these - if you are happy to use it with a pc r notebook then this might be a reasonably cheap option !!!

http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?NOV-IPFONE

innovate

I have a Plantronics DSP100 (wired) and a Plantronics CS60 USB (wireless), both of which are superb for VoIP (and other things like voice-overs for presentations etc). I went for the Plantronics because the company I used to work for recommended the DSP100 for their internal (global) VoIP network.

The DSP100 can be had at eBay for £20 if you are lucky, the wireless one (allows you to wander up to 100m from your PC, wireless obstacles permitting) seems to still only be available new at £140+. I got mine from a shop I found on eBay, and hackled off another £5 when I ordered it from that shop on the phone.

I also have a Plantronics M3000 bluetooth for my mobile, but found myself going back to a plugged-in wire for my mobile because I couldn't stand that headset riding on my ear, and never could figure out which buttons to press for answering a call. Haven't tried (and won't try) the M3000 with VoIP because the CS60 is working great for me. Having said this, I don't normally travel a lot these days, and for people who travel a lot, packing the CS60 might be a bit awkward.

For now, I am using the CS60 only but keeping the DSP100 just in case I need it.

Depends on how serious you are about VoIP - IMHO, investing in a really good headset will pay off - not necessarily in terms of £££ but most certainly in terms of reducing stress levels. A quality headset will make the VoIP experience better for both ends.

Phonix

Depends on how serious you are about VoIP

If you're serious about VoIP you'll ditch the idea of a USB headset altogether and insted opt for a a VoIP adapter that plugs into your router. So you don't have to leave your compouter on to make and recieve phonecalls.

The above is an example that uses a standard phone to act as the input device.

If you combine it with a dect phone, you can go wireless too.

It's a sound investment if you know what you're doing.

Robbop

I use Skype to keep in touch with my sister and parents who live 150 miles away. We've all tried various headsets, I found the best to be a usb headset - but it's a real pain when your skype rings and you have to dig the headset out and plug it in, and then the computer doesnt always automatically recognise it. I wanted to try a handset but was put off by the cost - the cheapest I've seen is £14.99 in Maplin's - then I saw this on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VoIP-USB-PHONE-INTERNET-IP-Skype-Net2Phone-MSN-handset_W0QQitemZ5867675207QQcategoryZ61841QQtcZphotoQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I bought 2 and with postage and packing it came to £18.99. The sound quality is excellent - dunno about next room, more like next chair, on a good day. The best thing is you can just leave it plugged in. You can scroll through your contacts from the handset, you can even use the keypad to dial landlines/mobiles if you have to (not particularly money saving, but hey, not everyone has a computer..)

ioscorpio

Saw another thread on here voip headphones at Poundland that cost £19.99 on Amazon

Lady_K

Has anyone used skype with a handset please? I would prefer the one where you dont have to keep the computer on though so long as its not too expensive but anyone with any recommendations and where to get them from?

Edinburghlass_2

A few links in this previous thread for handsets/headsets for Voip/Skype that might help

Lady_K

noticed this thread after I write that Thanx

denis_parker

I notice that Tesco is selling VOIP handsets for less than £10 with £5 call time included on their VOIP service. The Tesco service is not bad. They even provide and number that you can be called on equvilent to Skype_in but without the monthly charge. Should you be addicted to Skype, I found that the phone appears to be the Simply phone used to be advertised on skype.com

http://www.simplyphone.lu/index.php?t=downloads&language=EN


I downloaded the software and the phone works fine with just the callme driver referenced in the above link and the skype software. So you can use it for both services depending on what software you load.

Seems a bargain to me for effectively £5 and phone advertised on skype for £22.85.