Better headset?
March 16, 2006 11:24 AM Subscribe
Can you solve my cell phone problem with an industrial-strength headset or other idea?
I have a non-Bluetooth cell phone that I want to keep. I use it with a corded headset 90% of the time. The problem is that the headsets I use keep breaking--or, to be more specific, the cord that connects the headset to the phone is breaking. Not breaking in half, but the wire inside is surely shearing or something, because I can sometimes fix the problem temporarily by wiggling the cord at the place where it connects to the plug that goes into the phone. After a week of this, it becomes so annoying that I buy a new one. I've tried several different brands and price points but the issue always seems to be the same.
The problem is that I'm replacing these every 6 weeks or so. At roughly $20 a pop, it's starting to add up. I'd be happy to pay more for a headset with an industrial-strength wire that can stand up to my (apparent) abuse. Any ideas?
I'm also willing to consider technology that would convert my current phone to use with a cordless headset, but please don't suggest this unless you've actually used the products you refer to because I've heard a lot of horror stories about those portable Bluetooth converters.
I'm willing to spend up to $70. Thanks.
I have a non-Bluetooth cell phone that I want to keep. I use it with a corded headset 90% of the time. The problem is that the headsets I use keep breaking--or, to be more specific, the cord that connects the headset to the phone is breaking. Not breaking in half, but the wire inside is surely shearing or something, because I can sometimes fix the problem temporarily by wiggling the cord at the place where it connects to the plug that goes into the phone. After a week of this, it becomes so annoying that I buy a new one. I've tried several different brands and price points but the issue always seems to be the same.
The problem is that I'm replacing these every 6 weeks or so. At roughly $20 a pop, it's starting to add up. I'd be happy to pay more for a headset with an industrial-strength wire that can stand up to my (apparent) abuse. Any ideas?
I'm also willing to consider technology that would convert my current phone to use with a cordless headset, but please don't suggest this unless you've actually used the products you refer to because I've heard a lot of horror stories about those portable Bluetooth converters.
I'm willing to spend up to $70. Thanks.
Do you wrap the cord around your phone? It sounds like the problem you have (with all the headsets) is putting too much tension on the cord. A new headset won't fix that.
I would suggest a new headset in the $20 range and not wrap it around the phone to see if that helps before you splurge on something new that might have the same issue. Just leave a couple of inches slack at both ends where the plug and the earpiece attach.
posted by karmaville at 11:47 AM on March 16, 2006
I would suggest a new headset in the $20 range and not wrap it around the phone to see if that helps before you splurge on something new that might have the same issue. Just leave a couple of inches slack at both ends where the plug and the earpiece attach.
posted by karmaville at 11:47 AM on March 16, 2006
I have the same problem (exacerbated because the phone fails to work without a headset, thanks, Verizon). The headset that's lasted longest is a $10 no-name headset I got at the local mega-drugstore.
posted by orthogonality at 1:31 PM on March 16, 2006
posted by orthogonality at 1:31 PM on March 16, 2006
I'd get some shrink-wrap tubing that was big enough to get over the plug, and shrink a piece onto the wire from as far onto the plug as possible to two or three inches from the back of the plug, maybe with a dab of glue on the plug to keep it from slipping off. It'll hopefully keep the wire from bending sharply as it leaves the plug housing, but will bend itself to bring it around to the right direction. A similar fix can be done with aquarium hosing, but is harder to install and looks less professional.
I think Radio Shack will sell you an assortment of stealth black shrink tubing for a few bucks.
posted by Orb2069 at 3:29 PM on March 16, 2006
I think Radio Shack will sell you an assortment of stealth black shrink tubing for a few bucks.
posted by Orb2069 at 3:29 PM on March 16, 2006
Or just tape the headset in place with some electrical tape to protect the wire. Simpler solution, but harder to switch to handset.
posted by saffron at 3:48 PM on March 16, 2006
posted by saffron at 3:48 PM on March 16, 2006
If your headset has an RCA-type plug (like regular audio headphones), be sure to wipe it clean before putting it in the jack. Sometimes this kind of crackle, fixable by jiggling, is just caused by dirty connectors.
This could also be the case in those weirdo proprietary connectors with little pokey wires; keep both ends of the contact thingy clean.
posted by xueexueg at 6:47 PM on March 16, 2006
This could also be the case in those weirdo proprietary connectors with little pokey wires; keep both ends of the contact thingy clean.
posted by xueexueg at 6:47 PM on March 16, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
maybe it's the way you store your phone in your pocket. If the headset plug is straight, the wire should be coming in the same direction (that is, the wire shouldn't be bending inside your pocket). Actually the same recommendation works for the L shaped plug, but, obviously, the phone position will be different.
For example, if the phone jack is on the bottom of the phone, and the plug is straight, the phone should be upside down in your pocket.
The phone should also be steady (front pocket on tight pants), or it will twist and turn on your pocket anyway. If you use your phone on your shirt pocket, try putting something (packet of cigarettes if you smoke, handkerchiefs, etc) to hold it steady. I myself find bulky shirt pockets kinda dorky, but maybe it is somewhat more acceptable where you live in...
And also, for some reason, I had far less problems with straight plugs than with L-shaped ones.
posted by qvantamon at 11:37 AM on March 16, 2006