( dpa ) - You can get them with or without cables, and in some cases foldable too: Stereo headsets have come a long way. There are models designed for internet telephony, music, games and voice recognition. That makes it important for users to think about how the headset is likely to be used before heading off to the stores.
One rule applies for all headsets: They should be comfortable. Anyone who spends hours in front of a computer will find a good- fitting headset a must.
"Nothing should press, as otherwise you'll be tearing the thing off your head after a couple of minutes," says Peter Roebke-Doerr from Hanover-based computer magazine c't.
Those who just want to listen to music or conduct the occasional phone call over the internet can get away with two loose earphones. Users who want to keep the unit on their head for longer periods will need a headset with an adjustable frame.
When it comes to padding, the choices are typically leather or foam. "Foam is softer and more hygienic, since you can swap out the cushions," explains Jens Bernhardt from the Headset Company, a Hamburg-based specialty shop.
Leather earphones are usually harder. The most popular models are those that sit atop the head, like those used in call centres. "They're comfortable, and you almost forget you've got a headset on your head," Bernhardt says.
For those who don't like the frame on top of their heads, there are also headsets with a frame designed to sit on the neck. "You should definitely try them out, since some of them pull toward the rear," recommends Oliver Jungklaus from headset maker Plantronics.
Users who do a lot of gaming should make sure that their ears are well covered by the earphones. "You usually want to be well insulated from the outside world," says Stefan Grewe from headset maker Sennheiser.
A microphone is key for good internet telephony. "It should be adjustable and bendable," Jungklaus says. A good microphone filters out the ambient noise so that the speakers can hear one another, a process referred to as "noise cancelling" on the packaging.
"That means that there can be lots of other people in the room, but the microphone covers up the noise," explains Jens Bernhardt from the headset company. This is a key characteristic for loud environments like large common workspaces in businesses.
Opinions vary as to whether the headset should include a cable or not. Wireless devices provide more freedom of movement; cordless headsets can work up to 110 metres away from the transmitter.
Peter Roebke-Doerr from c't recommends the wire-bound versions: "Wireless may be comfortable, but there are many power sources that can cause background noise," he says.
If a headset is to be used for voice recognition or to record dictation notes, one should look for top sound quality, says Markus Bautsch from the German consumer testing organisation Stiftung Warentest in Berlin.
"It's then best to use a device that is connected to the computer with a USB port," Bautsch says. That usually provides better quality.
If a headset is to be used for listening to music on the PC, then the microphone should be removable or at least foldable. Wire-bound headsets cost between 25 and 40 dollars. A good wireless model can easily cost 100 dollars or more.