Quick Take: New Headset Targets Notebook-Toting Web Workers

With VoIP becoming more popular (despite occasional blackouts from Skype), there is more of a demand for wearable and efficient headsets. Logitech's Premium Notebook Headset is an efficient and, for the most part, comfortable choice, especially for those constantly on the go and on the phone.The Logitech is built especially for mobile notebook users who carry their offices with them. It is small and lightweight, and comes with a plastic travel case into which it folds flat. It is also flexible as far as usage: While the headset uses dual analog audio/mic jacks in order to connect to your computer, it also comes with a USB adaptor (which also fits neatly into the travel case). The cable is not only fitted with the usual volume and mute control, but with a small mic storage unit so that you can connect the phones to a portable media player without the mic jack dangling.

One of the touted features of the Logitech device is its comfort factor. The headset band loops behind the back of the head, close to the neck, and comes forward to fit just behind the ears. You can then adjust the earpieces against your ears. On the whole, I found that the headset was indeed comfortable, sitting firmly but not too tightly, and the earpieces were both lightweight -- sitting just against the ears but not surrounding them -- and offered a fine range of sound. However, if you wear eyeglasses -- which I do -- having both the glasses and the headset sitting behind your ears can be quite awkward, especially when putting them on or taking them off.

The headset uses a noise cancelling mic to optimize voice quality, and for the most part, it works. When I listened to voicemail left on several different systems, the voice quality was excellent -- very clear and crisp. The only problem was occasional sibilance on some of the "s" sounds.

At $60 list, the Premium Notebook Headset is at the higher end of the price range for non-Bluetooth headsets. However, if you're a mobile Web worker who needs a full set of earpieces and a good-quality mic, this is one you may want to try.