Plantronics CS60-USB

Internet telephony can come close to the quality of standard calls, but cannot match them for convenience. The Plantronics CS60-USB wireless headset serves at least to release you from your PC when using Voice over IP (VoIP).

It uses the same Dect wireless technology as home hands-free phones, with a similar base station that doubles as a charger for the headset, but the CS60-USB version plugs into a USB port rather than a phone socket. You have the choice of an ear clip or a headband to attach the headset.

During testing, the CS60-USB worked well with Skype's VoIP service and involved minimal set-up. You need to be at your PC to launch a call, but not to receive one, with incoming calls sounding a beep on the headset. It's expensive, but it gets the job done.