Recently I downloaded and started using Skype VOIP service, and it
works very very well. I actually didn't believe it would deliver on
all that it promised, otherwise I'd have signed up long ago. To my
bewildered surprise though, it meets all expectations and hopes. Not
often is this the case, since companies usually skip on hiring a
strong engineerng team, opting for a strong team of spin miesters
instead.

But hurrah for to Skype. I have not had a single instance of a dropped
call or poor call quality (incoming or outgoing). But, the microphone
systems leaves a bit to be desired. I need to craul behind my computer
and unplug my speakers and plug in two jacks (one jack for the mic and
another jack for the speakers).

Good headsets, like the ones we have for cell phones are needed. By
'good' I mean a single jack combining the mic and the earphone, rather
than two separate jacks, one for mic, one for ear. Also it'd be nice
if this jack was located on the front of the computer rather than
requiring one to unplug their speakers, then plugin the two jacks at
the back. (That's always fun getting on my hands and knees with a
flashlight behind my computer).

Anyway, I've begun to wonder if there's any add-on hardware that would
allow plugging a standard phone headset into the computer, thus
eliminating a lot of hassle.

Thanks,
Patrice.

Hi Patrice,

I too needed to solve this very problem, so I conducted some research.
Here are some links for Skype phones. For great audio quality, the USB
phones are better.

http://www.skypemart.com/direct/skypeusa/accessoriesList.jsp?heading=Headsets&&acctype=6

http://www.echostore.com/skypephones.html

Hope this helps.
Lapointe

Try this too:

http://www.usbgear.com/USBG-X2X.html

you'll need something along this line.


--Paul

I agree with "lapointe-ga"; these seem like ur best bet:
http://www.skypemart.com/direct/skypeusa/itemdetl.jsp?prod=2858


what we're trying to show you is that USB is what you should be looking for ;)


--Paul

Hi Patrice,

Why dont you think of buying a splitter for your audio jack. SO that
you can keep your headphones and speaker connected togther always.

AJ

Hi Patrice --

I believe I have an answer to your problem.  My Skype calls ring on
all of my house phones.  I can also make outgoing Skype calls from any
phone.  Whenever I pick up a phone I can choose between Skype and the
phone company (POTS) with two strokes.  My phones are off the shelf
cordless:  nothing special.

Let me know if something like this might work for you.