Making Sense of Speech Recognition Headsets

Speech Recognition Headsets can be broken down into three main categories: USB, bluetooth and computer jack input devices.

A USB microphone can be wireless or connect directly to your computer. The Plantronics CS540 Wireless Office System comes with a base unit which charges the headset through a USB connection with your computer. The headset can be worn on the ear with the microphone positioned closely to the mouth. It has been certified by Nuance to work with their Dragon NaturallySpeaking software. This is a great solution for those who wish to use a wireless USB input device. The BlueParrot TalkPro is another Nuance certified headset which is wireless, and like the Plantronics CS540, is powered by the USB connection to your computer. This moanural headset fits comfortably on your head, and the noice-cancelling microphone can be positioned closely to your mouth for great sound pick up.

The Plantronics Savi-Go Bluetooth USB Headset is a lightweight bluetooth microphone which can be paired easily with your bluetooth enabled computer. It comes with a USB adapter for charging and is worn on the ear. The BlueParrott Roadwarrior is a monuaral bluetooth headset with noice cancelling microphone. This unit charges with the AC adapter.

Headsets which connect directly to your computer's sound card come in two basic varieties: monaural and binaural. Some of the more popular monaural headsets are the Parrott TalkPro USB-1,  VXI B250 Roadwarrior and the Andrea NC-181. Nuance certified binaural headsets include the Parrott TalkPro Max 2.