Customer Reviews

Travelite HS-1000W USB Wireless Headset for Music Gaming & VoIP

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(11)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

Recently purchased three wireless headsets for use with Dragon Naturally Speaking. I found that according headsets were frustrating in that they limited my range of movement from my desk at the office. The purchased headsets are the following:

Logitech - Logitech ClearChat Wireless USB Headset - Black

Creative - Creative Labs HS-1200 Digital Wireless Gaming Headset with Sound Blaster X-Fi Technology (Black)

Asus - HS-1000W Pc Wrls USB Headset 20-20KHZ for Music Gaming & Voip

I am currently using the ASUS to dictate this review. All three of these models perform extremely well and feel very good on my head. Sound quality and microphone quality were virtually indistinguishable to a lay person like myself using the headsets in a quiet office environment. Further, all three headsets were surprisingly easy to use right out of the box. The accuracy levels of these headsets while in Dragon Naturally Speaking rivaled the corded headsets I have previously used. As an aside, Version 10 of Dragon Naturally Speaking is an excellent "speech to text" program.

The ASUS would be my first choice if you are going to use a headset while traveling with a laptop. This is because the USB dongle can connect directly to the headset for charging purposes using a double ended mini USB cable. In other words, there is no power outlet needed, and there is a minimum of cabling required when transporting the headset. All in all, it is a very capable performer at an excellent price point, with its own carry case.

The Logitech headset is my absolute favorite headset if you are going to use it in an office environment without the need for portability. The range is excellent, the volume buttons are very accessible and easy to use, and the huge mute button along with the accompanying red LED which lights when the microphone is muted (very handy when using Dragon Naturally Speaking) makes this my absolute favorite choice.

The Creative headset has very nice audio and is a capable performer. As far as I was concerned, nothing about this headset was particularly better than the other two that I have reviewed here.

Written over a week+ of observation(plus 6 month updates + 1year)

Battery

First thing was to charge it. It said to charge for 4 hours but that wasn't really possible. It charges on it's own time and the light goes out when done and that means it's no longer charging. It went out long before 4 or even 2 hours. To charge it more I unplugged it and then plugged it back in again several times to try and get an initial total charge of several hours. that's a hassle but just leaving it plugged in for 4 hours will not give it a 4 hour charge. This is likely why some have had poor battery life but even doing this did not get the 8 hours advertised.

Okay it ran out with no warning as others have said, (update)however the dongle has a solid light when connected and flashing when not, so if you glance at it now and then you will see it flashing if your headset as turned off due to battery. I plugged it in the charge before bed and it was still red/charging in the morning so it charged 4+ hours. I'm not sure the max time but I fell asleep with the chat line open and it recorded the call at over 5 hours so with a proper charge you can get at least 5 hours. I found one way to help ensure a proper charge is to be sure it's off. When plugged in it can turn on. Move the headset around while looking at the light if there's any green you need to turn it off it should be plain red only.

Compatibility

One problem I have was a warning something stopped working when I plugged it in my laptop but this turns out to be a common HP issue and it works fine anyway. So just ignore the warning. It's only an issue at start up. I later followed directions to uninstall the HP launch keys since I don't use them and no more warnings.

WI-FI compatibility issue(possible). One day did have an issue of garbled sound cutting in and out. After nothing else worked I went and reset the wi-fi modem and the sound was fine again. Had the same sound problem again later and turned out not to be the wi-fi I had to change the output quality under audio so the Hz weren't more than what the headset is designed for. So if it sounds garbled try that.

No such problems on my new computer.

Sound

Tried it briefly with a song first and the sound was fantastic. I think these are the best headphones I've ever had as far as sound. Probably about equal to my dad's old headsets for his surround sound stereo.

I also recorded myself and played it back. I had to turn up the headset by the button at that point to hear but I sounded good though it picked up all the background noise in the room too but it was crystal clear. This solves a long standing issue of my mics never being loud enough but wish it didn't pick up every noise too. Maybe a little foam cover would help. I have one and can try later and see if it hurts the sound quality or helps.

On further listening there is a bit to much base in play back for me but using the EQ in Media player fixed this with music so still awesome sounding when adjusted correctly. Most people seem to like more base so this is probably just due to my tastes.

In chat no one complained about the sound.

Quality and comfort

To me it looks like it is made well and seems to fit my head perfectly with no adjusting. Contrary to what is said the book said the battery can be replaced but only a technician should do it. Hopefully that will last a couple years. Can be worn either side of the head as the mic adjusts.

Update and tip: If they feel to tight you can make them looser by having the sides extended so the padded top doesn't touch your scalp, this makes the sides not as tight against your ears. I personally often have them on my temples with sound up a bit instead so I can hear things around me too. The sound on my new computer is really powerful through these, so even on my temples it's hardly turned up. So volume issues are probably computer issues.

I really really, needed to be wireless. With half a dozen animals and myself running around I could not go a month, often not even a week, without a flimsy headset cable getting busted and they all are flimsy. I also listen or chat a lot but am also constantly needing to get up and do other things which means taking the headset off or having a long cord that keeps breaking. I tried Bluetooth and it was horrible and promptly sent everything back. The sound with this is awesome. If this even lasts a year it will save me the constant aggravation of a wire.

Update:(Quality) 6 months and now I know what others meant when they said they fell apart on their heads. The crescent piece attaching the speaker to the little swivel post is very thin and that just broke. Was very awkward to try and glue, used a mix of super and hot glue(do not use hot glue see 1year), there was no good way to hold it still long enough for the supper to work. It worked for now but will need to use epoxy once I get some. The wire was not damaged, so they are really not broken-broken. It happened on the side with the charge wire, likely from it getting tugged now and then when plugged in and I forget. I sleep in them sometimes but the other side shows no wear. They have really held up well under the conditions here. I'm not gentle with them.
1 YEAR: The mic side also broke lose eventually. I realized them using hot glue was a mistake. I should have know better from splicing my old wired headsets. The wires are protected by a coating to keep them from shorting inside the plastic cover. If enough heat is applied this coating evaporates.Prior to fixing them with hot glue that time everything was working perfect. Soon as fixed the speaker on the mic side was cutting in and out. So use Epoxy. It's stronger than super glue but most take longer to set. The mic still works fine so I was lucky my mistake only cost me one speaker.

Distance and charging

Distance is great. It sounded great coming from my room to the farthest room in the house through the garage wall hallway bathroom wall and bedroom wall. I only lost it finally in the farthest back closest in the house. I'm guessing 70-80ft with walls in the way. Reconnected instantly when I took one step back.

The charging cable is 30 inches if you count the plugs on each end and 28 if you do not. I measured it. It could stand a few more inches to be a full three feet for sure. However I can have my laptop on my lap and the headset still on the desk connected to charge or plugged in and wearing them fine. The wire is a bit stiff but should mean it wont be to flimsy. The plug being on the side of the dongle is annoying. It's either jammed against the power cable or blocking the second usb port.

Was digging in my old cables and found a Motorola charger that is mini-usb and wall plug. It's working and my headset didn't blow up ;) Says the output is 5V. Much longer cable so this could solve a lot of issues. Most abuse inflicted on mine were the cable yanking due to my not remembering I had them charging while using.

I do wish the dongle was smaller as the large size means it could potentially be easily damaged as it's a large target to get hit or bumped. I'm assuming the size is part of why it gets awesome sound and distance though so will just have to be careful.

This is for home use but to be on the safe side I will try to keep it in the case when not in use to prevent accidents. (this didn't really happen but is a good idea)

The ear pieces don't lock into place. It would be nice if they did. I take it on and off quite a bit. I just hate having any headset on when not actively in use. It is a little bit of a hassle to put back on as the earpieces keep moving. Very minor and am getting used to it their not locking my help them be more comfortable. (Don't have this issue any more. I guess I just got used to them)

Over all this is an amazing headset made even more awesome by being wireless. Highly recommended. It's everything advertised to be and much more than some other reviews give it credit for! All issues are minor.

I still love them.

1 year: So if you are abusive to them like me they may not be the best though if I were to replace these I would get another set of the same. With the third party charger I no longer have issues with them getting yanked off from standing up with them on and so would not break as easy. My problem now is I keep dropping them. I got more careless with them after initially breaking since, hey they were already broken, and they still work after a year. So I would get same but maybe epoxy the ear pieces before they break to reinforce them along with trying to be more careful.

I bought these as a replacement for a similar more expensive Plantroics headset which I had to replace because the headset itself was broken. These are ok. Range is good, sound is good, nice quality and almost fully equipped comparatively. I believe they are too small for many people like myself. While the headset does fit my head, it puts too much pressure on my ears or even my neck if I drop them down while not listening, and the speakers could be a little larger. The charge doesn't last long - maybe 4 hours at best, much less than my previous set. Also when charging, you can't listen to your external speakers because the sound system thinks you are still using the headset. The mini USB cord to charge using the bluetooth adapter and the headset is too short for my system since I don't have any USB connector on my keyboard. My only alternative seems to be to charge it elsewhere. I also wish it came with a mini jack connector to allow me to use my headset on non-USB stereo devices.

i bought this headset back in March and was pleased with the quality of the sound and the range of the signal plus the length of time for the charge i was getting about 6 hrs on a full charge. I thought the overal quaity was good. A few days ago i went to put them on and the right earpiece broke off in my hand and after an investigation of the whole headset i see that the left one is about to do the same thing. the plastic is very thin at the point where they pivot and for the price I would expect the quality to be better. i would not purchase these again nor do i reccomend them to anyone. I have a friend that purchased these on my reccomendation and the same thing happened to thiers. there is no manufacturers warranty for the item either so you're stuck with them if they break.

I really like these headsets. I use similar ones by Logitech at work and I wanted some like it, but didnt want to pay that much for them. I found these and really love them. The sound is great for music, and works very well for VoIP. The headsets hold a charge for quite a long time. I use it mainly for Skype and Gizmo, and have not had an issue with them. These work for over 30 feet from the usb dongle. I would recommend them for anyone looking for a handy transportable headsets. Comes with a nice case.

I should have listened to the other reviews. I have no idea how well this headset works because the earpiece broke off when I was lifting it out of the package. Other people complained about the same thing. Don't buy this unit. The plastic that attaches the earphones to head headband is so brittle that it broke off in my hand. I guess I'm lucky that it didn't happen a month later. Going back to buy a better set.

The hinge connecting the ear piece with the head piece arrived broken. Got a replacement from Amazon the next day, great job Amazon, and that second headset's right hand side hinge broke on first use. Poor design/manufacturing. Or just bad luck on my part? Really like the size and sound quality but the headset is too brittle especially if meant for travel. Requested a refund.

I have used this headset for some time and my conclusions are as follows:

1. Hurts your ears/head after an hour or two of use.

2. The wireless aspect is great however it would appear it discharges it's battery really rather quickly and does not last for an extended use session (3-6 hours).

3. The sound is nothing short of excellent.

4. The controls work perfectly.

5. The range is fantastic I can clearly hear the sound from my computer anywhere in our house!

They setup and installed in windows 7 with no drivers and worked perfectly right away.

I would be forced to say that considering the price of this headset they are a good value even with the cons I mentioned above since all of the other wireless headsets are considerably more expensive.

Headsets with wires always frustrated me. Some cables were tool long, some too short, and then they was the issue of the wires getting in the way. For those who desire the freedom that wireless devices provide the Asus HS-1000W wireless headset may be what you could be looking for.

With the Asus headset what you get is a compact, travel size headset with a travel pouch, usb dongle and mini usb connecting cable for charging. The headset is collapsable and well built one with controls on the right side to link it to the usb dongle, adjust the volume, turn it on / off, as well as answer skype calls. for some the headset may feel a bit too tight after prolong use, but most should find them comfortable.

The headset collapses and fits neatly into the travel pouch which has a soft interior and firm seashell type casing. It is very compact and will fit easily into your laptop case. Or it can be used to store the headset while not in use and placed on you desk.

The usb dongle that plugs into your computer could have been smaller but it seems well built and has an LED light that indicates what state the headset is in (linked / charging). The mini usb cable used for charging however could have been longer.

The arm for the mic is bendable so you can adjust it to your specifications, however the rotation up and down feels flimsy. It will hold in the position you place it in but how well it hold after constant use is unknown. So far it hasn't become an issue in early usage.

Audiophiles won't be impressed with the sound quality, and that is to be expected with a wireless unit, however the audio quality is still very impressive and has more range that some other wireless headsets. Gamers will be impressed, and it is more than ideal for VOIP, voice chat.

Battery life won't be the 8 hours that Asus claims, but you will get over 6 hours if the battery is fully charged. Charge time according the Asus is 4 hours with the first charge and 2.5 hours after that. With any batter powered device these times will vary bases on the temperature. Batteries in cold environments die faster so be aware of that.

Asus claims a range of 100ft and it is likely based on and open air test with very little radio wave interference. The maximum distance you get will vary, and most should be pleased with the distance achievable. Another plus is that once you step back into range the headset automatically reconnects.

Overall it is easily an 8.5 out of 10. A few minor issues stop it from being a 10 but nothing can be absolutely perfect. Though Asus has come really close this time around.

I bought this headset in February for use during my World of Warcraft raid nights.

I have no complaints on the sound quality (although they would make a loud hissing noise from time to time, connecting the cable solved this problem).

I did not find them comfortable at all after an hour of use but I guess this is more of an individual thing.

The recharging cable is so short, its not even funny. Why do you care about the cable? If your battery runs out (lasted 3-4 hours for me usually) and you still need to use the headset, you'll want a cable that will allow you to do so. I have a USB connection on my monitor and it was still too short for me.

But the real problem with this headset is the build quality. It SUCKS. Big time. The plastic that holds the earcups is too thin and just snapped one day. I know they say "you get what you pay for" and I did not expect my future kids to use it, but for $50 I did expect this headset to last at least a year. It didn't even last 6 months. I am an adult, I have no kids and no one else used this headset except for me. I took very good care of it, like I do with all of my gadgets and computer peripherals.

And what's really irritating is that ASUS opened an RMA for me, had me send them the headset for repair (I paid for shipping), and now they refuse to repair it claiming it's physical damage that is not covered by the warranty. They ask for $90 to send me a replacement (YES. $90. the MSRP is $60, but they want $90!). I will avoid ASUS products like the plague from now on, and I suggest to anyone who reads this to do the same.