Some users need USB microphones to allow them to bypass troublesome PC sound systems.

Style: Headset/headworn vs. Handheld vs. Desktop vs. Miscellaneous
Note regarding headset style microphones:  Usability studies have found that dictators that use NaturallySpeaking® for a significant part of their work day prefer a headset style microphone so they do not have to hold a handheld microphone up to their mouth or position themselves near a mounted microphone.  Headset microphones, of course, leave the user’s hands free for deskwork, hold documents or other resources, etc.

	Within the headset/headworn style, options: Monaural (single ear with speaker) This is the default earpiece style showing up in speech recognition packages.  It is assumed that most business dictators want to have an ear free to be able to talk on the phone.  (See below for phone connectivity...) Binaural (both ears with speaker) Great if you need to listen a great deal.  Remember you'll have to remove the mic if you need to be able to talk on the phone. Over-Ear, etc.
	Within the Handheld style, issues/options: Consider if the user will be willing to hold the microphone during use.  Note, the user will need to understand how close they need to hold the mic they choose.  Inconsistent placement will cause inconsistent recognition accuracy. Find out if the user wants mouse/hot key capability on the mic
	Within the desktop style  (Users should understand the requirement of the mic they choose. How close to the mic does the user need to be? Two inches?  Four inches?  Six inches?  Or, for an array mic, within a certain area in front of the mic.    Inconsistent placement will cause inconsistent recognition accuracy.)  Microphone on a boom near speaker Desktop or gooseneck-based mics Array microphones, etc. (An "array" microphone is a longer-range microphone that sits either in front of or on the user's monitor and "hears" the user as long as the user is within the proper range of locations.  See the Acoustic Magic microphone below.)
	Miscellaneous:  Other mics exist including small "pod" "lollipop-style" microphones for use with recorders.

Connectivity: 

Wired - 3.5mm jack or USB Wired microphone plugged into sound card via 3.5mm jack  This is the type of microphone currently provided with the NaturallySpeaking product. Wired microphone (or mic with 3.5mm jack plugged into USB converter) plugged into USB port Why USB?  USB is a popular industry standard connectivity method for devices ranging from printers to microphones.  A USB-attached microphone bypasses the PC's sound card and performs the sound card functionality -- the conversion of your spoken words (the analog audio) into a digital format -- within itself.  Most USB microphones have a built-in "pod" where the analog-to-digital conversion takes place.  Higher accuracy is often seen with USB mics because the variability of the PC and sound card is removed -- no need to worry about sound card drivers, quality of sound card, noise within the PC affecting the sound quality, etc. USB Mic or USB Converter? If you desire USB connectivity but really like your existing mic (with a 3.5mm jack), you can purchase a USB converter which accepts your standard 3.5mm jack and then plugs into a USB port.  See USB converters below (Telex, etc.).

Wireless - Bluetooth, Infrared, RF, etc. Wireless mics are a system with a microphone, receiver (if needed -- ie, if not Bluetooth) and transmitter. Microphones:  Wireless mics come in a variety of forms.  Some wireless mics have their transmitter (see below) built-in or plug into a transmitter. Receivers:   Wireless mics need a "receiver" that receives the wireless signal into the PC.  Many newer tablets/laptops have "Bluetooth" wireless receivers built-in.  If your PC has built-in Bluetooth, you'll want to pick a Bluetooth wireless mic.  Bluetooth wireless microphones are packaged with and without receivers, for users that have the receiver built-in.  External Bluetooth receivers are typically small, USB attached "dongles". If you don't have a Bluetooth receiver built-in to your computer, you can choose your wireless technology from a variety of products -- including Bluetooth.  Note: All receivers must be plugged into your PC (if not installed into the PC) and some are AC-powered.  Transmitters:  Wireless mics have components (transmitters) to transmit the signal wirelessly to the receiver.  Transmitters typically need batteries and/or must be charged periodically.  The transmitter technology is either built into or is wired to the wireless microphone.  If the transmitter technology is not built into the microphone, the user will have a small transmitter either clipped to a belt or in their pocket.  If you have a laptop or tablet PC that you will want to move frequently, you will most likely want to choose a Bluetooth system because of its small receiver technology.

Signal Amplification:  Does the signal need to be amplified?
Note, some of these amplification/booster devices need batteries. 

Phone Connectivity:  Does the user need one microphone for computer and phone use?  Possible issues with phone style and latent problems with the environment (phone line quality, fluorescent lights, etc.)

Certified and Tested for Speech Recognition  (Make sure approved by manufacturer!)

Other popular "features":

	Inline mute switch
	Clothes clip
	Quick disconnect -- the ability to detach from the mic cord, without taking off the mic
	Special fidelity enhancements (such as Andrea's ANC "Advanced Noise Cancellation" where the mic element contains two mic elements, etc.)

VXi BlueParrott TalkPro B150-GTX.  Includes Bluetooth  wireless headset and wall and car auxiliary chargers.  Does NOT include base/receiver, because you will be using with your Bluetooth-enabled device. (Receiver available as separate purchase.) Can be used with computer (for speech recognition) or cell phone.  Range of up to 33 feet.  Talk time up to six hours. Standby time up to 100 hours. Volume, on/off, pairing and mute.   Two-year manufacturer's warranty. MSRP = $164.   See Specifications Page.

Or, you can purchase a  receiver separately

Or, you can purchase a  receiver separately

No longer manufactured. Replaced in Philips product line by 5276

No longer manufactured.  Replaced in Philips product line by 5276 - see above.

Call for avail-ability.

3.5mm into sound card

3.5mm into sound card

(Can add USB pod below.)

(microphone purchased separately)