How to have speakers/and headset with mic set up at the same time 2

[spjut]

I'm visually impaired and use both a desktop PC and a Laptop. I use speech programs that assist me in my working on the computer that requires that I plug into the sound card on the computer. However, when I read books on-line I use audible books and would like to sit in my chair and listen without a headset. Right now I have to go under the desk and disconnect my Promedia speakers and mic and install the headset/mic. Is there anyway that I can have both at the same time? I'm tired of bruising my head and hands on the back of the desk and table.

Thanks for any help,
Cliff

 

[G0AOZ]

I'd have thought something suitable ought to be available commercially from somewhere like a Tandy shop (U.K.) or Radio Shack store (U.S. & Canada)...

The simplest solution would be two separate extension audio cables, BOTH with 3.5mm stereo jack plugs. Each cable should have one end male, the other end female. One end plugs into the soundcard microphone jack and the other into the loudspeaker output jack on the soundcard. Mark the leads at each end with a piece of tape (to identify which is which) and bring them up onto the top of the desk. You can leave the headset mike plugged in all the time, and now you only have to change over the speaker jack with the headphone jack to make the desired change.

If you want to be really sophisticated, you could buy a small plastic box, three panel-mounted 3.5mm stereo jack sockets, two 3.5mm stereo jack plugs, a double pole two-way switch and some twin core screened audio cable. One socket exclusively for the microphone, and the switch selects either of the other two sockets (one for speaker the other for headphones).

Good luck!


ROGER - G0AOZ.

 

[mainegeek]

Hello spjut,
You can purchase speakers with headphone/mic jacks on the front of them. It eliminates having to climb behind your PC to reconnect everytime. Labtech makes the "Spin 70" series for around $30 at Best Buy, You can also find a headset there that has a volume control and mic on/off switch built into the cord for around $20

 

[spjut]

Thank you for these great suggestions. I would get different speakers but I paid so much for the Lipsch Pro Media speakers that I will try Rogers solution.