Plantronics .Audio 85 Foldable Stereo Headset for MAC (White)

by Plantronics

Product Details

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000F2FSE6
• Item model number: .AUDIO 85
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 23, 2006

Product Description

*APPLE ONLY* AUDIO 80 W/USB FOR - APPLE

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good quality and price for podcasting, with a caveat, December 13, 2007

By 

C. Harnish "CH" (Cape Cod United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Plantronics .Audio 85 Foldable Stereo Headset for MAC (White) (Electronics)

Overall, I would rate this product highly. It works, with excellent sound quality at a super price. The carrying bag is a good perk too, but...my problem with it may be a mac problem. The microphone will randomly stop working and seems to happen with any updating of Mac software. The fix is simple, but annoying:

Plug in your Plantronics headset, launch "Audio MIDI Setup" in your Utilities folder, make sure you select "Plantronics" in the Audio Input pull down menu, and disable the 'mute' checkbox.

For further info, paste the following phrase into Google and click on the MacSpeech technical article:

"We are caught in the middle since it was not something that could have been foreseen by MacSpeech"

Try this before sending it back.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great performance, comfy and versatile, August 13, 2008

By 

B. Darcey "design_queen" (Burlington, VT, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Plantronics .Audio 85 Foldable Stereo Headset for MAC (White) (Electronics)

I researched headsets for 3 long days before finding this one. It's almost identical to the Plantronics Audio 470 USB, only it's white (for Macphiles).

I originally wanted a bluetooth stereo headset, so that I would not be (literally) tied to my computer, but decided against it after reading so many complaints about hissing, radio frequency interference, etc. Maybe if I lived on an island by myself, but since I have lots of neighbors capable of ruining a phone call by randomly turning on an appliance within range, I opted for the more reliable wired variety for now.

I use it in my home office for calls with Skype, and for listening to music if I'm working late at night. Sound is great (both input and output). The noise canceling microphone comes in handy when my puppy starts barking (as opposed to the built-in Mac mike that catches everything and makes it sound as if I'm holding him up to the mike on purpose). My MacBookPro recognizes the headset each time, even if I unplug it. Just make sure you change the Skype > Preferences > Audio to your headset before your first call.

The cord is very generous in length (9 feet), which is great for my home office as I can move around while on a call (consult the bookshelf, turn the fan on, etc). Also very handy if I want to watch movies without disturbing anyone else, or (remove the USB plug and) listen to my iPod while cooking if someone else wants to listen to Metallica.

At first the headset was a little tight (and I'm a chick with a small head) so I left it stretched over a lampshade for a few days and now it's fine. It's light as a feather, so you can keep it on for hours, which is great because my Mum can really yak. I am thinking of sewing some silk earpads though, as foam can irritate skin after awhile. (And you thought YOU were fussy...)

So yes, I highly recommend it. It's not a brick, so find a sturdy pencil box if you plan on traveling a lot. I recommend installing a hook (like for a bathrobe)near your desk to hang it on.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Headset for Skype, January 3, 2008

By 

Vasilis Riginos (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Plantronics .Audio 85 Foldable Stereo Headset for MAC (White) (Electronics)

This headset *apple Only* Audio 85 with usb for Apple works flawlessly with Skype. It is also very good for listening to music.