Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset -- I love it.
If you've read any of my other reviews, you know I usually do a bit of... well, I like this, don't like that, it's okay, but it costs too much... Well, I love my new headset, and here's why:
I was using the cheap headset that came with Dragon NaturallySpeaking 7.0. Recognition wasn't horrible, but it certainly wasn't great. And now that I've used the Plantronics headset, there's no way I would switch back. Recognition is much better. The headset that came with Dragon NaturallySpeaking was only adjustable up-and-down. The Plantronics headset adjusts up-and-down, and the little arm holding the mike is flexible so you can position it exactly where it needs to be next to your mouth.
The Plantronics DSP-500 plugs into my USB port instead of my sound card. It has a little controller/clicker in the middle of the cord that allows you to increase and decrease the volume without fiddling with the settings on your computer. It also has a mute button that's very handy if somebody walks into the room. (I always felt stupid using the Dragon command, "go to sleep" to turn off Dragon when somebody came in; it usually earned an odd, "who me?" look from my visitor).
The Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset comes with Persono Software. It's nothing fancy and I didn't fiddle with it much. It basically allows you to test the speaker, adjust the balance/bass, etc, and choose whether you want to optimize the headset for games, voice-recognition, or music. Obviously, voice is my primary concern, but my music still sounds good under that selection.
Speaking of music...
Yes, I can now listen to my music (as loudly as I want) while using Dragon. Because the Plantronics headset has great sound, I set my computer to default to headset for sound output. (When I unplug the headphones, it switches to the speakers). Because the headset plugs into the USB port, and I have USB ports on the front of my computer case, it's an easy matter to plug-in and remove the headset.
In summary, I would definitely recommend the Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset for anybody using voice-recognition software, or just looking for a good computer headset. Since it has its own sound system, you don't have to worry about buying a snazzy sound card to get good results.
I paid about $70 (I bought it at the same time as my new computer, so I didn't shop around) for the headset. At the time of this review, Amazon has it for less than $60 (figures).
Plantronics DSP-500 PC Headset at Amazon
Plantronics Homepage
Note: This review was written after only a couple of days of use; I'll update the review in a few months when I see how well the headset does over time.
Just reading your review of the DSP 500 Plantronics. Good Points. Nice set but the ear cushions are big. Try the DSP 400. Sounds good and it's lighter. I have a blog about headsets and ergonomics. I sell headsets in Canada www.headsetexpress.ca
Call me anytime. 1866 298-8510
Posted by: Peter Judd | December 07, 2005 at 06:10 AM