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Announce: WLUG Meeting Wednesday May 12 7PM

by Chuck Anderson

Hi folks, Our next WLUG meeting is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM in Morgan Hall at the WPI campus in Worcester, MA USA. I'm pleased to announce that Jeff Moyer from Red Hat will be our guest speaker. He will be giving a talk on Solid-State Drive technology (SSDs): A Complete Guide to SSDs This talk explains the inner workings of solid state storage technology in an easy to understand manner. The innate properties of NAND flash are discussed in the context of current disk scheduling methodologies. Benchmark results comparing SSDs and traditional rotating media are presented. The talk further outlines changes in the Linux kernel and file system utilities that have been made to accommodate SSDs, and changes that are on their way. Finally, guidance is given on practical deployment of SSDs, including file system creation and mount options, I/O scheduler selection, and answers to some frequently asked questions. I look forward to seeing you there, Chuck President, Worcester Linux Users' Group

May 4, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Ryan Pugatch

They're now reporting that the Slate may be dead because of crappy Win7 performance - http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/hp-slate-killed-rumor-mill-says-yes/ On 04/22/2010 09:24 AM, Jared Greenwald wrote: > Not to interject, but there was a note on Engadget today about some > leak that the NYT got wind of from HP that they will be coming out > with Android and Linux based slate devices in the months after the > initial slate (running Win7) comes out (no timeframe was actually > given, though). > > On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 6:20 PM, soup<soupforare(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> How's it's no-phone mother, the N810? I've been waiting for the Pandora >> to happen but it doesn't look like I'm going to see it this decade. The >> 810s are getting nice and cheap lately. >> >> Take care, >> soup >> >> On 4/21/2010 2:21 PM, Randall Mason wrote: >>> On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Jorden Mauro<jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> N900 is nice, but small >>>> >>>> >>> I think I said that... >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Wlug mailing list >>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

April 30, 2010

Re: [Wlug] My SUN ULTRA ONE died!

by John Stoffel

Ken> My SUN ULTRA ONE has stopped altogether. Scrap it. Have you looked at the prices people want on ebay for parts? Ken> It had turned itself off a month or so ago. When I hit the ON Ken> switch the little green light came on for a moment then went off. Ken> I figured a fan or something of that nature had died. Pull the cover and check the CPU fan to make sure it spins. They had an early history of dying, but all my experience is 10+ years old in terms of working on the,/ Ken> Today I got ready to work on it. Now nothing happens. Ken> Absolutely nothing when I push the ON switch. Pull the cover, what do you see? Did you blow out all the dust? Look for a fuse as well in the PS, though it might be buried. Ken> I have a running spare ULTRA ONE for parts. I suppose I have to Ken> start by swapping the power supplies, but I was hoping you guys Ken> would tell me about a fuse - or something. I'd probably just swap the power supplies first, then once I had the old one out, I'd look for a fuse. I honestly don't recall it being user serviceable though. It was probably pretty buried inside. But in any case, for the power and cost, you can do much better today. John

April 29, 2010

Re: [Wlug] My SUN ULTRA ONE died!

by Richard Klein

On Wed, Apr 28, 2010 at 4:34 PM, Ken Jones <kjones(a)ziplink.net> wrote: > Help!! > > My SUN ULTRA ONE has stopped altogether. > > It had turned itself off a month or so ago. When I hit the ON switch the > little green light came on for a moment then went off. I figured a fan or > something of that nature had died. > > Today I got ready to work on it. Now nothing happens. Absolutely nothing > when I push the ON switch. > > I have a running spare ULTRA ONE for parts. I suppose I have to start by > swapping the power supplies, but I was hoping you guys would tell me about > a fuse - or something. It sounds like the power supply to me, but the Apple PowerMacs had a bit of circuitry behind the power button that introduced another potential failure point. Maybe your Sun has something like that that you could check, first? -- Rich

April 28, 2010

My SUN ULTRA ONE died!

by Ken Jones

Help!! My SUN ULTRA ONE has stopped altogether. It had turned itself off a month or so ago. When I hit the ON switch the little green light came on for a moment then went off. I figured a fan or something of that nature had died. Today I got ready to work on it. Now nothing happens. Absolutely nothing when I push the ON switch. I have a running spare ULTRA ONE for parts. I suppose I have to start by swapping the power supplies, but I was hoping you guys would tell me about a fuse - or something. Ken Jones (Fitchburg) E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (7.0.0.514) Database version: 6.14790 http://www.pctools.com/en/spyware-doctor-antivirus/

April 28, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Jared Greenwald

Not to interject, but there was a note on Engadget today about some leak that the NYT got wind of from HP that they will be coming out with Android and Linux based slate devices in the months after the initial slate (running Win7) comes out (no timeframe was actually given, though). On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 6:20 PM, soup <soupforare(a)gmail.com> wrote: > How's it's no-phone mother, the N810? I've been waiting for the Pandora > to happen but it doesn't look like I'm going to see it this decade. The > 810s are getting nice and cheap lately. > > Take care, > soup > > On 4/21/2010 2:21 PM, Randall Mason wrote: >> On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Jorden Mauro<jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> N900 is nice, but small >>> >>> >> I think I said that... >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 22, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by soup

How's it's no-phone mother, the N810? I've been waiting for the Pandora to happen but it doesn't look like I'm going to see it this decade. The 810s are getting nice and cheap lately. Take care, soup On 4/21/2010 2:21 PM, Randall Mason wrote: > On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Jorden Mauro<jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> N900 is nice, but small >> >> > I think I said that... > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Randall Mason

On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 2:09 PM, Jorden Mauro <jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: > N900 is nice, but small > I think I said that...

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Jorden Mauro

N900 is nice, but small On Apr 21, 2010, at 1:30 PM, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Nokia N900 is my choice and still is, but only for a little bit > longer. > > On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM, <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> wrote: >> Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? >> >> This is what I am looking for: >> >> 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both >> linux >> and windows computers. > Syncs with Exchange (=gmail/outlook/etc), that way everything is > consistent everywhere without having to plug any cords in. >> 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: > Yep, apt-get install xyz >> a) PDF viewer > Yep, comes with it. >> b) gcc or some other compiler > I have it in my debian chroot, python is built in. >> 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. >> Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the >> keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. > No usb, but it is a "computer" when it comes to bluetooth, so you can > use it with every bluetooth device. >> 4) Rechargable battery > Yep. >> 5) A good technically oriented user base > maemo.org is an amazingly technical user base. >> 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. > Comes with directions on how to flash any firmware from scratch. You > don't have to use Maemo, you can theoretically use many other distros, > but Mer is the only one that I know of right now. > > The question is when do you consider it a tablet, and when do you > consider it a phone? The N900 has an 800x480 screen that's like 3.5". > If you want something with a little more square footage, I'd wait > until some of the big color but transflective Pixel Qi or Mirasol > displays start coming out, like the Notion Ink Adam; they are going to > be amazing. Most will probably run ARM, so don't expect anything to > run without source code available. > > -Randall > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Randall Mason

Nokia N900 is my choice and still is, but only for a little bit longer. On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM, <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> wrote: > Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? > > This is what I am looking for: > > 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both linux > and windows computers. Syncs with Exchange (=gmail/outlook/etc), that way everything is consistent everywhere without having to plug any cords in. > 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: Yep, apt-get install xyz > a) PDF viewer Yep, comes with it. > b) gcc or some other compiler I have it in my debian chroot, python is built in. > 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. > Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the > keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. No usb, but it is a "computer" when it comes to bluetooth, so you can use it with every bluetooth device. > 4) Rechargable battery Yep. > 5) A good technically oriented user base maemo.org is an amazingly technical user base. > 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. Comes with directions on how to flash any firmware from scratch. You don't have to use Maemo, you can theoretically use many other distros, but Mer is the only one that I know of right now. The question is when do you consider it a tablet, and when do you consider it a phone? The N900 has an 800x480 screen that's like 3.5". If you want something with a little more square footage, I'd wait until some of the big color but transflective Pixel Qi or Mirasol displays start coming out, like the Notion Ink Adam; they are going to be amazing. Most will probably run ARM, so don't expect anything to run without source code available. -Randall

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Jorden M

Always Innovating Touch Book. This thing comes with a complete distro, an active community, and open hw/sw stack, so 1,2,5,6 are covered. It's rechargable, of course, and actually, comes in two chunks: the tablet chunk, with its own battery, and an optional dockable keyboard part that turns it into a clamshell netbook. This has *another* battery that gives you (IIRC), something ridiculous like 10 hours of running time. The tablet part opens up easily and has 2 or 3 USB ports *inside* so you can hide a 3G or GPS card in it without the dongles dongling around the outside. The tablet itself has an accelerometer and in many respects is comparable to a big iPod Touch (except no multitouch, but the company doesn't think multitouch is really all that important. The screen itself can be used with a stylus or finger, and in a regular `desktop' GUI or a special touch GUI. The only thing is that they're built on demand or something, so it takes a long time to get one. However they don't charge you until it ships. I think the software is maybe just now out of beta but still under heavy development. They'll let you take their OS, or Ubuntu or Android or pretty much anything you want. (Though I think you have to install anything else yourself). HTH On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM, <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> wrote: > Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? > > This is what I am looking for: > > 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both linux > and windows computers. > 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: > a) PDF viewer > b) gcc or some other compiler > 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. > Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the > keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. > 4) Rechargable battery > 5) A good technically oriented user base > 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. > > I am open for all ideas. > -- > > kstratton(a)fastmail.us > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Looking for a linux tablet

by Adam Keck

Although it's stupidly expensive, you could get a Modbook (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Modbook) It's a third party combination of a MacBook Pro and a Wacom digitizer, both of which have Linux compatibility. If you picked up an older MacBook Pro and used their mod service, you would probably have decent driver support. Just a thought ;-) -Adam On Wed, Apr 21, 2010 at 12:18 PM, <kstratton(a)fastmail.us> wrote: > Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? > > This is what I am looking for: > > 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both linux > and windows computers. > 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: > a) PDF viewer > b) gcc or some other compiler > 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. > Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the > keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. > 4) Rechargable battery > 5) A good technically oriented user base > 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. > > I am open for all ideas. > -- > > kstratton(a)fastmail.us > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 21, 2010

Looking for a linux tablet

by kstratton＠fastmail.us

Anyone have a suggestion for a Linux tablet? This is what I am looking for: 1) Ability to schedule and store and hot sync information to both linux and windows computers. 2) Ability to run arbritary apps, this includes: a) PDF viewer b) gcc or some other compiler 3) Ability to add external periphials such as a keyboard or mouse. Portability is more inportant than this feature. I would expect the keyboard/mouse would need external batteries. 4) Rechargable battery 5) A good technically oriented user base 6) Ability to reprogram the thing if I brick it. I am open for all ideas. -- kstratton(a)fastmail.us

April 21, 2010

Re: [Wlug] iPhone

by Jorden M

On Tue, Apr 20, 2010 at 4:10 PM, Andy Stewart <andystewart(a)comcast.net> wrote: > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- > Hash: SHA1 > > Jorden M wrote: >> The iPhone is still far too much of a vendor-lockin device. Apple >> increases their constriction on free development more with every >> release. >> >> Which is sad, because with an open hw/sw stack, it would be amazing. > > HI all, > > I was recently given an iPod touch, which is similar (as I understand > it) to the iPhone. > > Upon opening the box, I noticed immediately that the device is a brick. > It won't do anything until it is connected to Windoze or Mac and has > iTunes loaded. Vendor lock #1. > > OK, so my sister has a Windoze box and we un-bricked the device. Now it > functions. My attempt to load FREE (as in zero cost) applications from > the Apple Apps Store illustrates Vendor Lock #2. I had to apply for an > account, even to download free applications. The tool refused to > authenticate my account (I did not give my credit card number), so now I > cannot download the zero cost applications. Go figure. Yeah, the only way around that is to buy an iTunes card. > > I am in the process of trying to "jailbreak" the device...that is, run > software which removes some of the silly restrictions. The software > which runs on Linux to do this is outdated for my iPod OS version > (3.1.2), so its back to the Windoze machine. Vendor lock #3. This step > is in progress. > > Once I do this, I believe I can connect to Cydia and download truly free > applications. Yes. You can also download the GCC toolchain right to the phone so you don't have to use another computer for development (Thanks, Apple, for crippling a device that is a full-fledged Unix). However, if the OS is V3.1 or higher, libgpod can't put music on it. You can get files from the device, but not music or pictures due to Apple's proprietary database format and hashing scheme. Jobs wants you to use iTunes or go elsewhere. Thanks, Steve, your narrow-mindedness knows no bounds. > > Had I not been given this device, I would have quit a long time ago. > > Frankly, I wouldn't advise wasting your money on the purchase of an > iPod. I agree with the previous post...it is far too much of a vendor > lock-in device, which is really too bad. > > My 2 cents...devalued of course for inflation. > > Andy > > - -- > Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) > Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group > Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group > President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- > Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) > Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org > > iD8DBQFLzgpJOjiraCaOTOoRAmTUAJ474Vegvu07ln1ixbHMeCsKuynvdgCeO8er > kirThTU4qx6JoVN+e8cjOQ4= > =ioIO > -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] iPhone

by Frank Sweetser

I was going to write a real response to this thread extolling the (relative) virtues of android, a platform which, while often locked down by the carriers selling the phones, such as Verizon stripping out the native tethering feature, has the advantage of starting off as an open platform - and if you really want one, you can buy a nexus at full price with no carrier contract at all. I intended to talk about things like how android being open source has allowed for K-9, a client of the native email client with tons of improvements, or how with a simple "I know what I'm doing" settings change you can trivially install apps off of any arbitrary web site, removing the app store as an ultimate arbiter of what you can run on your phone. But then, Saint Steve summed it all up in this beautiful quote, taken here from http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20002922-71.html "Folks who want porn can buy and (sic) Android phone." I really couldn't have said it better myself. -- Frank Sweetser fs at wpi.edu | For every problem, there is a solution that WPI Senior Network Engineer | is simple, elegant, and wrong. - HL Mencken GPG fingerprint = 6174 1257 129E 0D21 D8D4 E8A3 8E39 29E3 E2E8 8CEC

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] iPhone

by Andy Stewart

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Jorden M wrote: > The iPhone is still far too much of a vendor-lockin device. Apple > increases their constriction on free development more with every > release. > > Which is sad, because with an open hw/sw stack, it would be amazing. HI all, I was recently given an iPod touch, which is similar (as I understand it) to the iPhone. Upon opening the box, I noticed immediately that the device is a brick. It won't do anything until it is connected to Windoze or Mac and has iTunes loaded. Vendor lock #1. OK, so my sister has a Windoze box and we un-bricked the device. Now it functions. My attempt to load FREE (as in zero cost) applications from the Apple Apps Store illustrates Vendor Lock #2. I had to apply for an account, even to download free applications. The tool refused to authenticate my account (I did not give my credit card number), so now I cannot download the zero cost applications. Go figure. I am in the process of trying to "jailbreak" the device...that is, run software which removes some of the silly restrictions. The software which runs on Linux to do this is outdated for my iPod OS version (3.1.2), so its back to the Windoze machine. Vendor lock #3. This step is in progress. Once I do this, I believe I can connect to Cydia and download truly free applications. Had I not been given this device, I would have quit a long time ago. Frankly, I wouldn't advise wasting your money on the purchase of an iPod. I agree with the previous post...it is far too much of a vendor lock-in device, which is really too bad. My 2 cents...devalued of course for inflation. Andy - -- Andy Stewart (KB1OIQ) Founder: Worcester Linux Users' Group Founder: Chelmsford Linux Meetup Group President: PART of Westford, MA (WB1GOF) -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: GnuPG v1.4.2 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with SUSE - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFLzgpJOjiraCaOTOoRAmTUAJ474Vegvu07ln1ixbHMeCsKuynvdgCeO8er kirThTU4qx6JoVN+e8cjOQ4= =ioIO -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] iPhone

by Jorden M

The iPhone is still far too much of a vendor-lockin device. Apple increases their constriction on free development more with every release. Which is sad, because with an open hw/sw stack, it would be amazing. On Tue, Apr 20, 2010 at 9:44 AM, Spyrek <kpoisant(a)gmail.com> wrote: > There is much development between Linux and the iPhone, is anyone else interested in this? > > On Apr 20, 2010, at 8:57 AM, wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org wrote: > >> Send Wlug mailing list submissions to >> wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >> wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> You can reach the person managing the list at >> wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org >> >> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific >> than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." >> >> >> Today's Topics: >> >> 1. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) >> 2. Re: Help finding decent headset? (soup) >> 3. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) >> 4. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Richard Klein) >> 5. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Randall Mason) >> >> >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------- >> >> Message: 1 >> Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:57:38 -0400 >>From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >> Subject: Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset? >> To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> >> Message-ID: >> <v2s70541d1e1004191557s40964f0cu20164ded771620e(a)mail.gmail.com> >> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >> >> Wow, amazing. >> >> Bose is way too high-cost. >> >> Some of these headsets have an input impedence of over 100 ohms --I recall >> having one like this which did not work. >> >> Plantronics does not show input impedence on their website. In fact tech >> sheets there are impossible to find, even with the correct part number / >> product description. Nor do their "technical representatives" have this >> available. A nice girl there will have an engineer!!! look this up & tell >> her, then she promises to e-mail me with this arcane but necessary data. >> >> I had been hoping someone here would be able to say "I have this unit, it >> works great for the purpose you specified", but it appears I'm in for a long >> stalk and not a quick ambush. >> >> So if I find whatever I'm hunting I'll be back with details. >> >> Thanks again, >> Liz >> >> On 19 April 2010 17:01, Jorden M <jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >>> Bose is generally regarded as having superior audio-quality. Maybe out >>> of your price range, though. >>> >>> On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. >>>> >>>> I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The >>>> headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, >>> needs >>>> to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice >>>> nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. >>>> >>>> Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like >>> analog >>>> sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already >>> digitally-processed >>>> as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. >>>> >>>> Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets >>>> are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled >>> as >>>> to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use >>> for >>>> emergency backup in case theirs fails. >>>> >>>> One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was >>>> very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like >>> wearing >>>> little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I >>>> have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with >>>> pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little >>>> better. >>>> >>>> Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same >>>> headset might be too tight on the ears. >>>> >>>> Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics >>>> Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about >>>> $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. >>> These >>>> seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic >>> wires >>>> breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be >>> nice >>>> to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset >>>> forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit >>>> well, perhaps. >>>> >>>> Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) >>> silicone-lined >>>> headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one >>> seem >>>> mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different >>>> requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for >>>> what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. >>> Has >>>> anyone used this one?? >>>> >>>> Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable >>>> questions, thanks again, >>>> Liz J >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are >>>>> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways >>>>> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your >>>>> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset >>>>> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is >>>>> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many >>>>> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. >>>>> >>>>> Randall Mason >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >>> wrote: >>>>>> Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of >>>>>> time >>>>>> in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had >>>>>> very >>>>>> fuzzy sound in and out. >>>>>> >>>>>> I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset >>>>>> that >>>>>> was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What >>>>>> to >>>>>> get? >>>>>> >>>>>> VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets >>>>>> that >>>>>> gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to >>> be >>>>>> expensive for the build and/or quality. >>>>>> >>>>>> I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music >>>>>> or >>>>>> watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's >>>>>> side >>>>>> too. >>>>>> >>>>>> ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide >>>>>> clear >>>>>> direction on other options that do succesfully work with a >>>>>> non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some >>> consultation. >>>>>> >>>>>> Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) >>>>>> Debian or Ubuntu? >>>>>> >>>>>> TIA, >>>>>> Liz J >>>>>> >>>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>>> Wlug mailing list >>>>>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>>>>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Wlug mailing list >>>>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>>>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>>> >>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Wlug mailing list >>>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>>> >>>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Wlug mailing list >>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>> >>

April 20, 2010

iPhone

by Spyrek

There is much development between Linux and the iPhone, is anyone else interested in this? On Apr 20, 2010, at 8:57 AM, wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org wrote: > Send Wlug mailing list submissions to > wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to > wlug-request(a)mail.wlug.org > > You can reach the person managing the list at > wlug-owner(a)mail.wlug.org > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Wlug digest..." > > > Today's Topics: > > 1. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) > 2. Re: Help finding decent headset? (soup) > 3. Re: Help finding decent headset? (E Johnson) > 4. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Richard Klein) > 5. Re: Help finding decent headset? (Randall Mason) > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Message: 1 > Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:57:38 -0400 >From: E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> > Subject: Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset? > To: Worcester Linux Users Group <wlug(a)mail.wlug.org> > Message-ID: > <v2s70541d1e1004191557s40964f0cu20164ded771620e(a)mail.gmail.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Wow, amazing. > > Bose is way too high-cost. > > Some of these headsets have an input impedence of over 100 ohms --I recall > having one like this which did not work. > > Plantronics does not show input impedence on their website. In fact tech > sheets there are impossible to find, even with the correct part number / > product description. Nor do their "technical representatives" have this > available. A nice girl there will have an engineer!!! look this up & tell > her, then she promises to e-mail me with this arcane but necessary data. > > I had been hoping someone here would be able to say "I have this unit, it > works great for the purpose you specified", but it appears I'm in for a long > stalk and not a quick ambush. > > So if I find whatever I'm hunting I'll be back with details. > > Thanks again, > Liz > > On 19 April 2010 17:01, Jorden M <jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Bose is generally regarded as having superior audio-quality. Maybe out >> of your price range, though. >> >> On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. >>> >>> I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The >>> headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, >> needs >>> to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice >>> nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. >>> >>> Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like >> analog >>> sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already >> digitally-processed >>> as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. >>> >>> Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets >>> are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled >> as >>> to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use >> for >>> emergency backup in case theirs fails. >>> >>> One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was >>> very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like >> wearing >>> little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I >>> have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with >>> pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little >>> better. >>> >>> Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same >>> headset might be too tight on the ears. >>> >>> Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics >>> Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about >>> $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. >> These >>> seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic >> wires >>> breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be >> nice >>> to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset >>> forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit >>> well, perhaps. >>> >>> Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) >> silicone-lined >>> headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one >> seem >>> mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different >>> requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for >>> what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. >> Has >>> anyone used this one?? >>> >>> Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable >>> questions, thanks again, >>> Liz J >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>>> >>>> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are >>>> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways >>>> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your >>>> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset >>>> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is >>>> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many >>>> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. >>>> >>>> Randall Mason >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> >> wrote: >>>>> Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of >>>>> time >>>>> in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had >>>>> very >>>>> fuzzy sound in and out. >>>>> >>>>> I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset >>>>> that >>>>> was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What >>>>> to >>>>> get? >>>>> >>>>> VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets >>>>> that >>>>> gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to >> be >>>>> expensive for the build and/or quality. >>>>> >>>>> I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music >>>>> or >>>>> watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's >>>>> side >>>>> too. >>>>> >>>>> ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide >>>>> clear >>>>> direction on other options that do succesfully work with a >>>>> non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some >> consultation. >>>>> >>>>> Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) >>>>> Debian or Ubuntu? >>>>> >>>>> TIA, >>>>> Liz J >>>>> >>>>> _______________________________________________ >>>>> Wlug mailing list >>>>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>>>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>>>> >>>>> >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> Wlug mailing list >>>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Wlug mailing list >>> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >>> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> >

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by Randall Mason

My wife and I did long distance for 7 months before we were married. We talked ~2.5 hours a day. I used a pair of headphones and an external microphone. It was very good quality, but you have to look in the same direction all the time. Probably shouldn't be a problem, because you would be tied to a location anyhow, but it gets MUCH better audio than any other microphone setup that I've tried. Also, you don't have the extra weight of the microphone on your ears, so it's easier on the whole head. Randall Mason On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. > > I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The > headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, needs > to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice > nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. > > Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like analog > sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already digitally-processed > as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. > > Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets > are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled as > to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use for > emergency backup in case theirs fails. > > One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was > very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like wearing > little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I > have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with > pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little > better. > > Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same > headset might be too tight on the ears. > > Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics > Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about > $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. These > seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic wires > breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be nice > to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset > forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit > well, perhaps. > > Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) silicone-lined > headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one seem > mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different > requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for > what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. Has > anyone used this one?? > > Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable > questions, thanks again, > Liz J > > > > > On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are >> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways >> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your >> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset >> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is >> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many >> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. >> >> Randall Mason >> >> >> >> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of >> > time >> > in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had >> > very >> > fuzzy sound in and out. >> > >> > I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset >> > that >> > was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What >> > to >> > get? >> > >> > VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets >> > that >> > gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to be >> > expensive for the build and/or quality. >> > >> > I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music >> > or >> > watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's >> > side >> > too. >> > >> > ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide >> > clear >> > direction on other options that do succesfully work with a >> > non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some consultation. >> > >> > Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) >> > Debian or Ubuntu? >> > >> > TIA, >> > Liz J >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Wlug mailing list >> > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by Richard Klein

On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 6:57 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > I had been hoping someone here would be able to say "I have this unit, it > works great for the purpose you specified", but it appears I'm in for a long > stalk and not a quick ambush. I've never been crazy about chatting or talking on the phone any more than necessary. My girlfriend, before I moved in with her, wanted to chat online, so I picked up the cheapest headset I could find. What I often ended up doing was placing the headset on the desk with the microphone facing me, and wearing my wireless circumaural Sony headphones. You might want to consider separate headphones and microphone. ecost.com often has cheap deals on refurbished wireless headphones. My Sony's aren't perfect, but they beat my previous RCA set by a mile. -- Rich

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by E Johnson

I think I will try the Altec Lansing AHS302USB headset. Was able to find a detailed review that makes this unit look reasonable http://www.legitreviews.com/article/314/1/ Thanks again, Liz

April 20, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by soup

I've got a Logitech set that's very good. The mic is clear and the phones are OK. They're not exactly sennheissers with regards to comfort, but I can wear them for a few hours before taking a break. It was $20 at target, iirc. No clue what the model number was. It's also got mic on/off and volume on the cord. Good luck, soup

April 19, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by E Johnson

Wow, amazing. Bose is way too high-cost. Some of these headsets have an input impedence of over 100 ohms --I recall having one like this which did not work. Plantronics does not show input impedence on their website. In fact tech sheets there are impossible to find, even with the correct part number / product description. Nor do their "technical representatives" have this available. A nice girl there will have an engineer!!! look this up & tell her, then she promises to e-mail me with this arcane but necessary data. I had been hoping someone here would be able to say "I have this unit, it works great for the purpose you specified", but it appears I'm in for a long stalk and not a quick ambush. So if I find whatever I'm hunting I'll be back with details. Thanks again, Liz On 19 April 2010 17:01, Jorden M <jrm8005(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Bose is generally regarded as having superior audio-quality. Maybe out > of your price range, though. > > On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. > > > > I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The > > headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, > needs > > to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice > > nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. > > > > Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like > analog > > sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already > digitally-processed > > as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. > > > > Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets > > are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled > as > > to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use > for > > emergency backup in case theirs fails. > > > > One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was > > very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like > wearing > > little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I > > have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with > > pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little > > better. > > > > Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same > > headset might be too tight on the ears. > > > > Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics > > Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about > > $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. > These > > seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic > wires > > breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be > nice > > to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset > > forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit > > well, perhaps. > > > > Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) > silicone-lined > > headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one > seem > > mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different > > requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for > > what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. > Has > > anyone used this one?? > > > > Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable > > questions, thanks again, > > Liz J > > > > > > > > > > On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> > >> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are > >> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways > >> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your > >> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset > >> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is > >> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many > >> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. > >> > >> Randall Mason > >> > >> > >> > >> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> > wrote: > >> > Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of > >> > time > >> > in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had > >> > very > >> > fuzzy sound in and out. > >> > > >> > I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset > >> > that > >> > was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What > >> > to > >> > get? > >> > > >> > VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets > >> > that > >> > gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to > be > >> > expensive for the build and/or quality. > >> > > >> > I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music > >> > or > >> > watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's > >> > side > >> > too. > >> > > >> > ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide > >> > clear > >> > direction on other options that do succesfully work with a > >> > non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some > consultation. > >> > > >> > Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) > >> > Debian or Ubuntu? > >> > > >> > TIA, > >> > Liz J > >> > > >> > _______________________________________________ > >> > Wlug mailing list > >> > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > >> > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >> > > >> > > >> _______________________________________________ > >> Wlug mailing list > >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 19, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by Jorden M

Bose is generally regarded as having superior audio-quality. Maybe out of your price range, though. On Mon, Apr 19, 2010 at 4:31 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. > > I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The > headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, needs > to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice > nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. > > Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like analog > sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already digitally-processed > as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. > > Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets > are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled as > to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use for > emergency backup in case theirs fails. > > One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was > very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like wearing > little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I > have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with > pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little > better. > > Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same > headset might be too tight on the ears. > > Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics > Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about > $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. These > seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic wires > breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be nice > to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset > forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit > well, perhaps. > > Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) silicone-lined > headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one seem > mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different > requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for > what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. Has > anyone used this one?? > > Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable > questions, thanks again, > Liz J > > > > > On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> >> I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are >> your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways >> from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your >> phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset >> (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is >> wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many >> of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. >> >> Randall Mason >> >> >> >> On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: >> > Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of >> > time >> > in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had >> > very >> > fuzzy sound in and out. >> > >> > I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset >> > that >> > was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What >> > to >> > get? >> > >> > VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets >> > that >> > gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to be >> > expensive for the build and/or quality. >> > >> > I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music >> > or >> > watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's >> > side >> > too. >> > >> > ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide >> > clear >> > direction on other options that do succesfully work with a >> > non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some consultation. >> > >> > Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) >> > Debian or Ubuntu? >> > >> > TIA, >> > Liz J >> > >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Wlug mailing list >> > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >> > >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Wlug mailing list >> Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org >> http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > >

April 19, 2010

Re: [Wlug] Help finding decent headset?

by E Johnson

Do not have Bluetooth here; do not want. I make VoIP calls through the computer (not a telephone handest). The headset must not hiss, must transmit voice clearly without chopping, needs to be able to send/receive some depth of sound in order to hear voice nuances. Don't need huge booming bass, just normal voice. Would like something that uses the pair of 3.5 mm jacks. Would like analog sound rather than digitally-processed. Sound is already digitally-processed as it moves through the sound card and sent out in packets. Someone asked for reviews here. Can't do really --some of these headsets are long-gone; the ones remaining are in the reject bin, but not labelled as to the reason. At least three sets have bee given away to friends to use for emergency backup in case theirs fails. One Logitech headset for VoIP (an inexpensive, behind-the-head model) was very painful above the ears. Most of the supra-aural sets are like wearing little wooden blocks over the ears, lightly padded with thin foam. Two I have had to pad out under the foam phone covers. The units with pseudo-leather or pseudo-velvet phone covers seem to be padded a little better. Most of these headsets are too big (slip off) yet conversely the same headset might be too tight on the ears. Believe it or not, the best headset I ever had was the Cyber Acoustics Neckband Style Stereo Headset/Microphone AC-634, which used to cost about $11 and now costs about $14. It's too big for my head in back, though. These seem to last about 6 months to a year before one of the phone or mic wires breaks. owned several of those. gave up because I thought it would be nice to rest my neck against the headrest here, without pushing the headset forward off my ears. One needs a large head.think neck for these to fit well, perhaps. Logitech now offers a behind-the-neck headset with a sofe(er) silicone-lined headband, that people seem to like. But the review I find for this one seem mainly to have been written by gamers. They have totally different requirements than VoIP users. Also, this thing is a little expensive for what it appears to be... unless it really does produce very good sound. Has anyone used this one?? Although my question here may be another of my famous unanswerable questions, thanks again, Liz J On 19 April 2010 14:50, Randall Mason <clashthebunny(a)gmail.com> wrote: > I would probably convert to Bluetooth, but that's up to you. What are > your requirements? Does it need to just need to get audio both ways > from your face to your computer, or is it a wired handset, like your > phone? I had a boss that had a Platronics Bluetooth phone headset > (Bluetooth base station plugs into a handset jack, and the rest is > wireless to your ear), and he really liked it. I've also liked many > of my Bluetooth headsets from Platronics. > > Randall Mason > > > > On Sun, Apr 18, 2010 at 12:39 PM, E Johnson <iris.gates(a)gmail.com> wrote: > > Going nuts here trying to find a headset I can use for long periods of > time > > in VoIP. Last thing I bought was comfortable and worked OOB, but had very > > fuzzy sound in and out. > > > > I've been using headsets with 3.5 mm jacks, but never found a hedset that > > was both comfortable and had decent mic output plus phones input. What to > > get? > > > > VoIP needs are apparently very different than gaming needs... headsets > that > > gamers like might not be the greatest for VoIP. VoIP headsets seem to be > > expensive for the build and/or quality. > > > > I don't need fabulous quality for playing music (don't listen to music or > > watch movies), but VoIP must sound good on my end and on my contact's > side > > too. > > > > ALSA is working well here, want to keep it, but if anyone can provide > clear > > direction on other options that do succesfully work with a > > non-zillion-dollar headset, I would dearly appreciate some consultation. > > > > Does anyone have experience with USB or 3.5 mm headsets in (hopefully) > > Debian or Ubuntu? > > > > TIA, > > Liz J > > > > _______________________________________________ > > Wlug mailing list > > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug > > > > > _______________________________________________ > Wlug mailing list > Wlug(a)mail.wlug.org > http://mail.wlug.org/mailman/listinfo/wlug >

April 19, 2010