2. Iogear Kit, Continued

The dialpad is a compact USB device that attaches to any standard USB 1.1 or 2.0 port on a desktop or notebook computer. This device integrates audio connections for incoming and outgoing voice traffic with headset feedback. It also has plenty of connectors and controls, including six USB ports - two on the top right front and four more around the back - two sets of audio jacks, a telephone keypad and various control buttons.

An over-the-ear headset is included with the device, and is shown in Figure 2. Notice that the headset uses the two-plug computer-oriented headset style, compared to the single-jack style popular on cell phones. One plug connects to a single over-the-ear speaker bud - the ear clip pops off easily and only needs to be reversed and replaced to switch from left ear to right - and the other is for the microphone at the end of the small wire boom.

Figure 2: Iogear Skype Calling Kit headset (click image to enlarge)

A small 5V 2.5 amp AC-to-DC power converter is also included with the unit to power the dialpad. It is only needed, however, if you plan to use additional USB devices that require power through their USB ports. A rear view of the dialpad (see Figure 3) shows the power port, a USB Type B port for the PC link, and four extra standard USB ports for other devices.

Figure 3: Iogear Skype Calling Kit Dialpad rear view (click image to enlarge)