Skype

[Mark]

Well, much to my annoyance and desire to resist non-standard, closed, proprietary VoIP technologies, it seems like I'll have to get Skype as well as my current provider. More stuff to lug around on the PC then (my existing VoIP service runs purely from the router at home).

So, anyone got recommendations on something that works well with Skype - preferably a headset of some kind but one that won't resort to echoing everything I say one second after I say it (god that's so distracting)?

Ta :)

[Garp]

I use my old Panasonic USB headset which I've used for years under teamspeak with no hassles. No echoing comes back, because I mute the Microphone from playback, just have it enabled for recording.

[Dr. Z]

You can get Skype > SIP software, so its entirely possible there is SIP > Skype softwear too.

I am looking at tying it all in with some sort of exchange software like asterisk at the moment, so if I spy anything more constructive I will give you a shout.

As for the headset, I use a logitech one (one down from the "Premuim USB" headset) and bar their interesting approach to the volume control, its absolutely spot on :)

[Mark]

Is it better to use a USB headset or one that plugs into the existing soundcard? I get the impression USB is better.

Yes, you can get VoIP to Skype software, but you still need a Skype account for the software to use to connect to the Skype network, so it's pretty much pointless to do that IMO.

[Dr. Z]

I suppose it would depend on what you wanted your skype client to connect to I suppose. What we have in mind here is just doing it for the sake of it, but it might have its uses further down the line...

As for USB vs normal, it depends on how you want to do things. If you would like skype and skype alone to use the headset then you will be best off with a USB headset. If you want all of your sound to go through your headset while you are using it then the "old school" approach is better (and that is what I use).

[Daz]

Plantronics USB Mono headset here. Good as gold.

[Mark]

I suppose it would depend on what you wanted your skype client to connect to I suppose. What we have in mind here is just doing it for the sake of it, but it might have its uses further down the line...
It's the other way around. I have a VoIP provider already and I'm happy with it. The client for that is an honest to goodness real phone plugged into an FXS connection on my router. That router is on a UPS, so even if everything else is off, the phone still works.

There are, however, two problems with this approach:

It's not portable.
It's not Skype (which the work bods and just about everyone else prefer).
USB headset sounds like a good idea. I have an old school headset already but if I can avoid other things interfering (the classic one is getting an earful of MSN sign-in 'boing' when I'm on a quiet call) then I suspect that would be a good thing.