Is it possible to have one headset for my computer running Ubuntu and my mobile phone? The answer is Yes! At
CivicActions, we have team members working all over the world. In order to keep us connected, we have plenty of meetings on the phone. Although I have resisted, I finally decided to get a proper headset for my
SIP phone.
As a Linux user I always hesitate when buying new hardware. I like to make sure the drivers are available, and sound on Linux has been troublesome. In fact, before I started this venture I sounded like I was in a tin can when I talked via SIP. Ubuntu had things working, but it did not sound very good. What I want to explain is how I setup my headset. It took a couple of extra steps, but it has worked out very well.
The hardware:
The software:
- Ubuntu 8.04 (Hardy Heron)
- Ekiga 2.0.12
Finding a Headset
I had been asking around at CivicActions to see who was using what. Plantronics and Logitech came up multiple times. Before I ran off shopping, I searched the Ubuntu Forums to see what people were saying about headsets there. USB seemed to be the way to go and Plantronics popped up again. Hmmm.
At a local office supply store (one of the big chains), I looked at way too many headsets. Some just for computers, some for phones (interestingly in completely different aisles). Although weary of reading useless bullet points with no details, I finally found the MX500i. It has a 2.5mm plug for the phone, and a USB adapter to hook up the headset to a computer. I was unsure if I could use a headset that plugged directly into the headphone jack, but now I did not have to worry about that.
It worked without any trouble with the phone. (That was the easy part.)
Plugging it into the Thinkpad, Oo! I hear Ubuntu's intro. music in the ear piece. That is a good sign. I tried recording some audio, but the microphone on the computer was picking up the sound not the headset. I tried dialing into our Asterisk server. Again I could hear sound, but the microphone was not working. Time for more research.
Ubuntu forums to the rescue
I found
Intrepid Sound Solutions (Ugh...Intrepid. I need to upgrade).
I followed the directions as is and it totally works. I thought pessimistically that I would have to repeat some of the configuration after a reboot, but it was not true. The headset works every time. Just plug it in and go. These changes also improved sound quality (no more tin sound when I'm talking).
Have other Ubuntu users setup headsets? Please add a comment and let me know which hardware worked for you.
