Need a headset for a Mac Mini

Hobbes

I'd like to be able to use the Line-Level mic input if possible, but I need a headset for the mac mini.

Has anyone ever bought one for the machine? Or recommend?

Liameter

With a USB Griffin iMic, you can use any cheap headset.

Hobbes

Thanks for that. but I was hoping to avoid the using of a USB port.

ZENER

With built in Bluetooth support in the Mini I'd suggest any Bluetooth handsfree headset including the handsfree units from the many bluetooth headset providers.

If it's for quality stereo audio then try out any of the many of the A2DP wireless headphones available online. Personally I've been impressed with the Philips SHP6 series headset, though there are lots of other manufacturers

What functions do you expect this headset to provide ?

Ken

Hobbes

ZENER wrote: »

What functions do you expect this headset to provide ?

The ability to hear and speak on a microphone.

I wanted to avoid the bluetooth route as well (although both alternate choices are looking like the only way). The reason is that battery life tends to be an issue.

Whats the battery life on a headset in general?

big_moe

am i picking this up wrong - but why dont you just buy a regular headset that has 2 mini jack connections on it. 1 for the headphones and 1 for the mic???

like this http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=387930

there are plenty of others out there as well

adam

J-blk

big_moe wrote: »

am i picking this up wrong - but why dont you just buy a regular headset that has 2 mini jack connections on it. 1 for the headphones and 1 for the mic???

Because the Mac Mini (at least the older form factor, not sure if they changed it with the new shape but doubtful) does not have a "proper" mic port, but a line level input. Plugging in a standard headset as described would result in very low or no volume from the mic - you'd need a headset that amplifies the mic input instead. It's one of the stupidest things on the Mac Mini TBH and I can't understand why Apple went this way with it... (not the case on any other Macs AFAIK).

OP, sorry no suggestions, FWIW, I use the Griffin iMic too and it is excellent but you'd obviously be giving up a USB port that you don't want to do...

Liameter

Use a powered USB hub. There are plenty of good ones on offer, which won't break the bank. My wife uses a "SilverCrest" one with her ancient G4 Mac Mini.


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Talisman

ZENER wrote: »

With built in Bluetooth support in the Mini I'd suggest any Bluetooth handsfree headset including the handsfree units from the many bluetooth headset providers.

If it's for quality stereo audio then try out any of the many of the A2DP wireless headphones available online. Personally I've been impressed with the Philips SHP6 series headset, though there are lots of other manufacturers

What functions do you expect this headset to provide ?

Ken

Bluetooth isn't really an option if you are using Airport as they both share the same chip. Bluetooth has a tendency to crash if there is a period of sustained wireless network activity such as transferring files to a Time Capsule.

My advice would be to go for a decent USB headset (Logitech Laptop Headset H555) and a powered USB hub if you need additional USB ports - avoid Belkin products.

Sad Professor

Talisman wrote: »

Bluetooth has a tendency to crash if there is a period of sustained wireless network activity such as transferring files to a Time Capsule.

As I recently discovered with my Magic Mouse.