--- Forwarded Message from Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:34:50 -0600
>From: Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #9426 dual boot headsets
>In-Reply-To: <[log in to unmask]>
>References:  <[log in to unmask]>

We are using the Califone 4100-USB headset, which we purchased from 
Media Management and Magnetics <http://www.computersupplypeople.com/> 
for $29 each.  I am pretty happy with them, but they do have pluses and 
minuses, for us.  The fit is kind of odd, but it is not uncomfortable, 
and adjusts to a wide range of heads.  The sound is very good.  They 
seem to be rugged, in that none have broken in the 2+ years that we 
have been using them.  But understand that every computer has 
headphones, not headsets, as the standard listening device, and 
headsets are checked out by students as needed.  So the headsets get 
frequent, but not constant use.  They look much more rugged than any of 
the Logitech models that we have tried, and our lack of breakage of the 
Califones seems to bear out that supposition.  Their appearance is 
weird enough, that no one has stolen any, either.

My biggest complaints for lab use are a very long cord, which gets in 
the way, and a control device on the cord, which only creates 
confusion.  For the average user, these could both be advantages, but 
in our lab, students often mute the mic or the phones by mistake, and 
then can't figure out why things aren't working.  These problems are 
not unique to the Califone.

I have not found another USB headset option that combines the very good 
sound, acceptable fit for many head sizes, ruggedness, and low-ish 
price of the Califone 4100-USB.

I will be interested to see what others suggest,

Derek

> Hello. We are moving to Dual Boot Environment in our Lab and our
> present Plantronics miniplug headsets will not work on these boxes
> without a converter dongle. If any of you have migrated to dual boot
> system and can recommend either a converter or the brand of USB
> headset you prefer, I would appreciate hearing from you. Joseph
>
> Joseph Kautz
> http://thelab.stanford.edu/
> "Human salvation lies in the hands of the creatively maladjusted."
> Martin Luther King



Derek Roff
Language Learning Center
Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
Internet: [log in to unmask]