Headset help, please

[Mime Juice]

So I am looking to find a headset. I've done a bit of looking around for now, mostly on amazon and cnet.

Top Fives in data, reviews, price…help if you are knowledgable. these are all keeping under 50-60$ Ideally, I’m looking for something that is compatible with many platforms, with emphasis on cross compatibility between Mac OS (10.6) and Windows OS (7). Preferably the mic will swivel out of the way or detach, so I can potentially use them for ipod use as well. Of course, not all of these models do that, but I’m trying to find some sort of happy medium.

If you know of others for a better value, or which match what I need, let me know please.


Number of Reviews (most reliable information in theory):

Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset
Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset
Logitech Stereo Headset H250


Review Percentage (4 stars and up on Amazon):

Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset @ 81%
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset @ 73%
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset @ 68%
Logitech Stereo Headset H250 @ 68%
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390 @ 67%


Lowest Price:

Logitech Stereo Headset H250
Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset


So it looks like the Sennheiser comes out on top, but I can’t tell from just looking at Amazon if it will work with a Mac. I’ll also have to look into HOW adjustable the mic is. The Creative Labs seems to be the best overall option, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the money.
Thoughts?

If you have any other recommendations other than the ones I have here, or more information for me, I would really appreciate it.

Also, should I have a headset for gaming AND headphones for music or is it possible to just get a headset? I did something similar with a list of headphones. Really, I am looking to save money and get the most functionality and value.

[Kunomasai]

lol I posted a thread similar to this, but for a headset in the $50-$100 range, albeit in the wrong subforum.

However, I do want to share this pretty good review of the Sennheiser PC 330 headset (going for ~$81 now on Amazon). Even though it is way out of your price range, he does show off how adjustable the mic is. (Both the PC 31 and PC 330 use the same kind of rubber adjustable boom for the mic.)

[29582351c3]

Mime Juice

So I am looking to find a headset. I've done a bit of looking around for now, mostly on amazon and cnet.

Top Fives in data, reviews, price…help if you are knowledgable. these are all keeping under 50-60$ Ideally, I’m looking for something that is compatible with many platforms, with emphasis on cross compatibility between Mac OS (10.6) and Windows OS (7). Preferably the mic will swivel out of the way or detach, so I can potentially use them for ipod use as well. Of course, not all of these models do that, but I’m trying to find some sort of happy medium.

If you know of others for a better value, or which match what I need, let me know please.


Number of Reviews (most reliable information in theory):

Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset
Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset
Logitech Stereo Headset H250


Review Percentage (4 stars and up on Amazon):

Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset @ 81%
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset @ 73%
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset @ 68%
Logitech Stereo Headset H250 @ 68%
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390 @ 67%


Lowest Price:

Logitech Stereo Headset H250
Sennheiser PC 31 Stereo Headset
Logitech ClearChat Comfort/USB Headset H390
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Tactic 3D Alpha USB Gaming Headset
Sharkoon X-Tatic SP Gaming Headset


So it looks like the Sennheiser comes out on top, but I can’t tell from just looking at Amazon if it will work with a Mac. I’ll also have to look into HOW adjustable the mic is. The Creative Labs seems to be the best overall option, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the money.
Thoughts?

If you have any other recommendations other than the ones I have here, or more information for me, I would really appreciate it.

Also, should I have a headset for gaming AND headphones for music or is it possible to just get a headset? I did something similar with a list of headphones. Really, I am looking to save money and get the most functionality and value.

Heads up on the Logitech ClearChat H series. I bought mine for $25 at walmart. It broke after a couple weeks. Logitech replaced it twice with NEW ones both with broken mics before sending me a slightly different model that did work. Also, if you want it to work with iPods or whatever, that takes a couple of those right out since they use USB connectors.

[Kunomasai]

29582351c3

Heads up on the Logitech ClearChat H series. I bought mine for $25 at walmart. It broke after a couple weeks. Logitech replaced it twice with NEW ones both with broken mics before sending me a slightly different model that did work. Also, if you want it to work with iPods or whatever, that takes a couple of those right out since they use USB connectors.

Just wanted to be specific about it. Only the Logitech ClearChat seems to be USB-only. The other USB ones that you had listed comes with an analog-to-USB adapter.

[Sitwon]

By far the best "value" headset I've ever seen is the Plantronics .Audio 355.

It blows a lot of $50 headsets out of the water.
See also: http://www.gaiaonline.com/forum/computers-technology/looking-for-headset/t.77415503_7/#7

Headsets in the >$100 price range can definitely be worth the investment, but in the <$50 range I can only recommend the the .Audio 335.

[Mime Juice]

Thank you everyone, you've all been very helpful!

Question about the Plantronics. How would you rate the durability?