The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 4 (of 5) - Microphone for Internet Phone?

Microphone for Internet Phone?

I have tried several internet phone programs. Many of them work well, but I have a problem: I have to use a goggle (headphones + microphone), which is pretty unconfortable.

Also, since the goggle is wired to the computer, I can't get up, etc - it's unpleasant and inconfortable.

Is there any other solution?

Is there a microphone which I don't have to keep close to the mouth? Or a confortable, wireless goggle? Or a device with phone-like design which plugs into the sound card?

Also, is there a way to easily switch between speakers and the goggle, without having to go under my desk, search for the plug-in jacks in badly lit conditions, and plug them?

Thanks!

Jackson
Monday, April 19, 2004

<g> all macs come with a pretty good mic builtin if that helps.

I do an increasing amount of communication with my clients via iChat in osx...no phone bills (although they were never that costly compared to the benefits anyway) and I can talk and do other stuff at the same time.

wonderful.

<g> the only disadvantage is that 'normal' people think Im mad when they see me talking at my computer...

FullNameRequired
Monday, April 19, 2004

>> 'normal' people think Im mad

But you did buy a Mac so you have to expect that :)

/grinning ducking and running

Damian
Monday, April 19, 2004

*grins* ahh, yes. the old jokes are the best. I should have seen that one staggering over the horizen though :)

FullNameRequired
Monday, April 19, 2004

Use a bluetooth headset and usb bluetooth dongle

Martyn Sloss
Monday, April 19, 2004

Is this akin to talking on AIM or Yahoo, or true VoIP? If it's VoIP then you might want to invest in a VoIP phone. I think they're around $100-200, or you can get an adapter to use your existing phone.

www.MarkTAW.com
Monday, April 19, 2004

I'd suggest a cell phone headset, except they use 2.5mm plugs (can you get a 2.5mm headset->3.5mm mic/headphone splitter?)

I've got a Plantronics "boom" earphone/mic - it clips on my ear and the boom is a few inches from my mouth. I love this thing (my cell phone bills are evidence of that).

*And* the upside of having one on is that people recognize you're talking on the phone instead of to thin air...

Philo

Philo
Monday, April 19, 2004

"Is this akin to talking on AIM or Yahoo, or true VoIP?"

interesting, I wasn 't aware there was a difference?

FullNameRequired
Monday, April 19, 2004

What you are looking for is a headphone speaker switch http://www.google.com/search?hl=nl&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=headphone+speaker+switch&meta=

Just me (Sir to you)
Tuesday, April 20, 2004