Computer Headset

Plantronics .Audio 478

Headsets are similar to headphones, except headsets tend to be optimized for speech, with microphones needed for chatting, speech recognition, gaming, etc, whereas headphones tend to be optimized for music.

When choosing a computer headset, there are a number of important considerations:

• Analog versus Digital: USB (digital) connection will generally deliver better quality audio than analog jack connection.
• Stereo versus Mono: Both comfort and audio quality tend to be better with stereo headphones even with mono sound.
• Type: The choice of over-the-ear, on-the-ear, or in-the-ear also affects both comfort and audio quality. Many people find lightweight on-the-ear to be the most comfortable, especially for extended wearing, with good quality audio without blocking of ambient sounds.
• Noise Cancellation: Good microphones can cancel ambient sounds making voice pickup clearer, especially with a boom design that puts the microphone hear the mouth.

Of the many manufacturers making computer headsets, Plantronics has a long and distinguished record of making good products, and its on-the-ear .Audio 478 is no exception, delivering good sound and comfort at an affordable price point, with the additional advantage of folding into a compact package for travel. Recommended.

Notes:

1. While the sound quality of the .Audio 478 is good, it's optimized for speech, not music.
2. When ambient sound is an issue, over-the-ear (noise isolating) may be a better choice than on-the-ear.