The Labtec® 242 is an affordable, yet extremely effective headset.
My Experience
For computer novices like myself it's easy to use, lightweight (but not flimsy), comfortable and efficient. Buying (inexpensive) headsets is a tricky business; many are delicate and frail, susceptible to background noise or cramped and uncomfortable. Not this one - not in my experience, at least.
Positives
Foamed headphones and an adjustable headband mean you'll barely notice it, which, in my experience, is a good thing. You get good stereo output; only a bad thing when you miss being called for dinner or the phone ringing! I use it for everything from PC games and watching films to playing music and Skype conversations: it's extremely useful and adaptable to whatever you need it to do. On the box in which it comes there's even a 'skype certified' sticker. Furthermore, the long cord (2m, 8ft) allows you to be flexible; you don't have to be that close to your computer (or laptop, in my case) to be using the headset. I'm usually wandering around my room while on the phone, which I'm grateful the 242 allows me to do! I know of people who chalk out loads of cash every now and then for headphones that really don't offer that much more than the Labtec 242. Speaking from experience, it's probably a really good option for a first-time buyer.
Negatives
I've heard people saying that it's 'unsubstantial', 'weak' and flimsy; that the sound output decreases and that the foam of the headphones come off. After a few months of use I could see the wear and tear - the ear pads came off, the mic bent out of place and it ended up snapping. However, I would argue a lot comes down to the level of individual TLC rather than the product's shortcomings (I really don't set a good example!). For about a fiver, these headphones really are pretty good value. However, if all else fails, the product carries a 2 year guarantee, so you won't lose out either way!
Uses
You can use the 242 for anything from video chat, online gaming, music, speech recognition, MSN and more. It's fully compatible with just about anything you want to do! The fact that it boasts full stereo makes it particularly good for music and online games and the background noise-canceling microphone allows for clear and uninterrupted conversations, something I've found particularly good for skype conversations and the like.
This ticks all the boxes all at a good price. I would particularly recommend it to first time buyers; it's so simple to use!
Left: 2 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female, 1 x 4 PIN USB Type A - male - Right: 1 x 4 PIN USB Type A - male, 2 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female, 1 x 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2 style) - female
Dec 20th, 2008
(Jan 24th, 2009)
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