When I last spoke about my home desktop computer I mentioned that I was waiting for the release of the new Logitech G15 keyboard. I’m happy to report that the new G15 has been released and I’m happily typing this article on it right now.
I found a wealth of plug-ins for the built-in LCD display and I’ve found some very interesting uses for the macro keys. Overall I’m very happy with the new Logitech G15 keyboard. It complements the new Logitech G5 mouse I’ve had on my desktop for the past six months. The version of the G5 I have includes two thumb buttons on the mouse, great for those of us that game.
I had the opportunity to upgrade my headset a few weeks ago. I had been using the Plantronics GameCom 1 3.5mm headset with the on-board audio from my Nforce4 Ultra motherboard. Unfortunately the cable got wrapped around my three year olds foot just before she ran out of the room. All the kings horses and all the kings men weren’t going to put it back together so I decided to order the Plantronics GameComPro 1 USB headset.
The Plantronics GameCom 3.5mm headset is definitely hands down the best value and product in the price range ($19.99). I’ve used this headset for about two years now (replacing them as they get broken) and it’s very comfortable. I use this headset in conjunction with the on-board audio from my Nforce4 Ultra motherboard. It works very well and provides good sound both as an output and input (microphone). Just remember that you’ll need either a dedicated sound card or on-board audio built into your motherboard. I know the audiophiles would argue that the on-board audio isn’t anywhere near the quality of a dedicated sound card but for those of us that just need basic audio, this should work fine.
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he Plantronics GameComPro1 USB headset is also a very nice product. It is a USB solution that houses it’s own DSP (essentially it’s own soundcard). It has the same basic design as the GameCom headset above and I would rate it in line with the sound from my on-board audio. Unfortunately the DSP doesn’t have a Mixer so you might have issues trying to use a USB headset with FRAPS to record voice/sounds with various applications/games. For those that don’t have either a sound card or on-board audio from their motherboard this is a great option.
Cheers!