Product Description

A foldable, multipurpose stereo headset that provides high-quality listening for all Apple computers and iPod models, the Plantronics .Audio 85 also gives you excellent voice transmission for iChat and GarageBand, as well as online gaming, speech recognition and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication applications.The Plantronics .Audio 85 is designed for a broad spectrum of users, from gamers to professionals. It's ideal for placing and receiving audio or video calls via VoIP applications anywhere in the world. If you're a music or movie aficionado, you'll enjoy the ability to add voice tracks to GarageBand or voice-over to iMovie projects. And if you're an audio or video enthusiast or even an entry-level computer user who wants high-quality listening and voice experiences, you'll definitely appreciate the quality and simplicity of the .Audio 85.The .Audio 85 features advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology for superior noise canceling in the microphone - improving speech recognition accuracy and providing excellent voice transmission - and brilliant full-range stereo sound. The QuickAdjust microphone boom ensures correct placement for speech applications and the inline volume and mute control enables effortless control.In addition, the .Audio 85 headset offers an adjustable headband, and soft swivel-mounted ear cushions, so you can work or play in comfort. Its USB plug and play compatibility ensures that you can get started in a snap.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #31295 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Plantronics
• Model: .AUDIO 85
• Dimensions: 3.00 pounds

Features

• Quick Adjust Microphone Boom for Perfect Microphone Placement
• Noise-Canceling Microphone for Greater Speech Accuracy
• Adjustable Lightweight Headband for All-Day Comfort
• Digitally Enhanced stereo headphones
• Digitally Enhanced noise-canceling microphone

Customer Reviews

Good quality and price for podcasting, with a caveat
Overall, I would rate this product highly. It works, with excellent sound quality at a super price. The carrying bag is a good perk too, but...my problem with it may be a mac problem. The microphone will randomly stop working and seems to happen with any updating of Mac software. The fix is simple, but annoying:

Plug in your Plantronics headset, launch "Audio MIDI Setup" in your Utilities folder, make sure you select "Plantronics" in the Audio Input pull down menu, and disable the 'mute' checkbox.

For further info, paste the following phrase into Google and click on the MacSpeech technical article:

"We are caught in the middle since it was not something that could have been foreseen by MacSpeech"

Try this before sending it back.

Headset for Skype
This headset *apple Only* Audio 85 with usb for Apple works flawlessly with Skype. It is also very good for listening to music.

Great performance, comfy and versatile
I researched headsets for 3 long days before finding this one. It's almost identical to the Plantronics Audio 470 USB, only it's white (for Macphiles).

I originally wanted a bluetooth stereo headset, so that I would not be (literally) tied to my computer, but decided against it after reading so many complaints about hissing, radio frequency interference, etc. Maybe if I lived on an island by myself, but since I have lots of neighbors capable of ruining a phone call by randomly turning on an appliance within range, I opted for the more reliable wired variety for now.

I use it in my home office for calls with Skype, and for listening to music if I'm working late at night. Sound is great (both input and output). The noise canceling microphone comes in handy when my puppy starts barking (as opposed to the built-in Mac mike that catches everything and makes it sound as if I'm holding him up to the mike on purpose). My MacBookPro recognizes the headset each time, even if I unplug it. Just make sure you change the Skype > Preferences > Audio to your headset before your first call.

The cord is very generous in length (9 feet), which is great for my home office as I can move around while on a call (consult the bookshelf, turn the fan on, etc). Also very handy if I want to watch movies without disturbing anyone else, or (remove the USB plug and) listen to my iPod while cooking if someone else wants to listen to Metallica.

At first the headset was a little tight (and I'm a chick with a small head) so I left it stretched over a lampshade for a few days and now it's fine. It's light as a feather, so you can keep it on for hours, which is great because my Mum can really yak. I am thinking of sewing some silk earpads though, as foam can irritate skin after awhile. (And you thought YOU were fussy...)

So yes, I highly recommend it. It's not a brick, so find a sturdy pencil box if you plan on traveling a lot. I recommend installing a hook (like for a bathrobe)near your desk to hang it on.