We're buying LogiTech headphones, these two models:
[
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-ClearChat-Comfort-Headset-Black/dp/B000UXZQ42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266849883&sr=8-1
] Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB Headset (Black) by Logitech
[
http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-ClearChat-Pro-USB-Headset/dp/B000TG4AGU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1266849883&sr=8-2
]Logitech ClearChat Pro USB Headset by Logitech
The quality of sound is great, but there are a couple issues:
1) I tried to replace all headphones in our lower school Mac lab with
these which include Mics. (We're using Voicethread like crazy and get a
better sound separation between students with a headset mic.) For each
user on the machine, the sound preference needs to be manually switched
from default built-in mic input and default built-in speakers. Plugging
in a stereo mini-pin jack prompts an automatic switch to headphone sound
out. Since USB switching involves a manual switching rocess now I have
two headphones at each machine, one for most users, especially K-1, and
one for students who are recording often (2-4). It would be great to find
a solution that caused the computer to default to the USB headset when
it's plugged in, either a different headset or maybe a script.
2) The USB plug is encased in somewhat frail plastic. As students reach
around to the back of the Macs where the USB ports are, they inevitably
wiggle the headphone cord side-to-side to insert the USB plug. This is
not an easy reach for the students (I wish the USB ports were on the front
of the machine), and the headphones' USB plug case splits along the seam
rendering the headphones useless. I've reinforced all the headphones'
USB plugs with electrician's tape, but we've already lost about 10% of our
headsets this year due to damage.
I'll be interested to find out if you come up with a better solution.
Thanks.
Greg Stevens
Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Lower School
MICDS
St. Louis, MO
A forum for independent school educators <ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU> writes:
>I need to purchase combo headphones/mic units for students creating
>podcasts via Garageband. Any recommendations ?
>
>thanks
>
>Carl Campion
>Archmere Academy
>
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