Skype Help?

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10-25-2006, 06:20 PM
JLStorm

Skype Help?
I am going to have to finally bite the bullet and get skype because I wont be able to type for a while, and will still need to communicate with people outside of the country. I have a few questions about headsets, mircrophones, and webcams:
1. Do most people use webcams or just voice chat?
2. Do you find that a stand alone microphone, or a headset/microphone combo is better?
I will be hooking these up to a laptop computer so I need some sort of microphone as it doesnt have one built in, and the speakers on it are not great either, but I can get cheap external speakers instead of the headset/microphone combo, if the stand alone microphone seems like a better option.

Thanks!
10-25-2006, 06:26 PM
mindspin

I don't use Skype but I do use the Call feature for Yahoo Messenger and I use the combination headphones/mic on a swing arm. It's a Logitech:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=10013
It plugs into the USB port, has it's own volume control and mute button on the cord. And I use them as my music headphones, great sound quality.
10-25-2006, 07:42 PM
azjoe

FWIW I only use the chat and phone facilities in skype.

I have an inexpensive stereo headset that includes a small boom mic... similar to what many of us used for handsfree cell phone use in the car before there was bluetooth wireless. Anyway, it plugs into the speaker & Mic ports of the computer (desktop or laptop... both should have the necessary ports). There's an inline volume control and mic on/off switch in the cord. It's a no-name brand... think I picked it out of the sea of $50-150 headsets at compUSA... paid less than $15. For skype it works fine. ... $.02
10-25-2006, 08:52 PM
CRR

Quote:

1. Do most people use webcams or just voice chat?
2. Do you find that a stand alone microphone, or a headset/microphone combo is better?

I use voice and text with skype. There are plenty of those who use the webcam as well.

I've used both headset and stand alone, and at this point I prefer stand alone due to the fact that when people call me I fumble around with my headset trying to plug it in, otherwise I have to sit there with the headset on to hear the ringing, which get's old pretty quick.
10-25-2006, 10:41 PM
superfly

I have a cheap Verbatim headset, and for cam (which I don't use much) I use my cell, Nokia 6630, with some hardware and software voodoo ;)

Nenad
10-25-2006, 11:50 PM
garythepenman

JL, I use skype with chat, mic and sometimes video. Video is great for showing razors, honing techniques etc. You don't need a camera to receive footage.

When you get setup you can skype me.

Work - garyholder1

Home - gacarasa (Gary, Catherine, Rachel, Samuel) just in case you wondered where the name came from.:D

Gary
10-26-2006, 03:04 AM
Damon

JL,
I find a headset/microphone combo is better so there is no feedback. I don't have a camera but I would be interested in watching a web cam seminar on honing or other tips such as pinning handles by watching different techniques. if there was a schedule set up on the forums site date and time etc....

Damon
10-26-2006, 05:31 AM
ToxIk

I have a headset that I use for talking to my clan mates for gaming, etc. It was recommended to me by an one of a freinds who's an engineer and says it's a good brand in his experience. Anyway, mine is a Pantronics Audio 90. They've come out with some newer and nicer ones since I got mine. Don't know which models those are, but the brand in general is pretty good.
10-26-2006, 05:49 AM
Steelforge

I have a US Robotics USB phone handset for Skype, which is easy to use as it works like a regular phone. But for longer conversations a headset you can wear will be much more comfortable.

You can use a mic and your PC speakers but I find this gives a lot of feedback, and the results aren't great.

I only use webcam when I'm talking to friends in Australia who also have webcam, most of the time I just do voice calls.
10-26-2006, 06:40 AM
JLStorm

This one looks like a winner. I do recall that I used to have a microphone for voice chat on yahoo years ago, and the feedback was awful.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=10013
10-26-2006, 08:31 AM
superfly

Josh, you might wanna take a look at those:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=6339
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=7511
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=12236

I would prefer the first selection

The headphones are a lot lighter, and the actual ear pieces are not that "heavy" on the ears, ho leather, no heat and sweat after longer use... I have the 5$ Verbatim ones, and they work great...

Nenad
10-26-2006, 09:04 AM
JLStorm

Quote:

Originally Posted by superfly

Josh, you might wanna take a look at those:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=6339
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=7511
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...ONTENTID=12236

I would prefer the first selection

The headphones are a lot lighter, and the actual ear pieces are not that "heavy" on the ears, ho leather, no heat and sweat after longer use... I have the 5$ Verbatim ones, and they work great...

Nenad

Hmm I didnt think about the heat and pressure of the leather ear pieces...the third link looks promising, I would love somethign that travels well since I am always on the road, but I wonder if the sound quality and construction is as good as the non-travel headsets?:thinking:
10-26-2006, 09:19 AM
superfly

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLStorm

Hmm I didnt think about the heat and pressure of the leather ear pieces...the third link looks promising, I would love somethign that travels well since I am always on the road, but I wonder if the sound quality and construction is as good as the non-travel headsets?:thinking:

With Logitech, it is.

Think about paying double price for the travel pieces. The packed case look nice and sturdy. Check their specs, and decide based on your needs...

Nenad
10-26-2006, 09:23 AM
JLStorm

Quote:

Originally Posted by superfly

With Logitech, it is.

Think about paying double price for the travel pieces. The packed case look nice and sturdy. Check their specs, and decide based on your needs...

Nenad

The specs look good. I had a pair of travel headphones for for sound input only and they were amazing. My only worry from past experience is that most headsets made for travel seem to be more fragile (especially the cords and wiring) than standard headsets which seems backwards. I really would like something I could fold up without it taking up much space the tiny computer bag I have...this may be the ticket :)
11-11-2006, 03:09 PM
coully

what I use

well I have ben using skype, messenger and a few other programs over the years and I have come to the conclusion, headsets are easier to use, regardless of price mine were under 2 pounds and they work great, I also have a cam that isnt to great but it was 8 years ago and the one i have now is dying, plus being scottish makes me at times tighter than a ducks arse....next cam will be better but for the honing sessions with a few members its a must.

Skype name....wait for it...lol....simoncoull....original..sheesh

cheers boys, simon:tu