connektgear HP517 Stereo PC On-Ear Headset with In-Line Mic and Volume

Computer Gear HP517 Multimedia Headset with In-Line Microphone

The Computer Gear HP517 Multimedia Headset is a wired stereo headset designed for everyday computer use, whether at the office, at home, or in an educational setting. Sold under the product code 24-1517 and identifiable by barcode 5035624020917, this Computer Gear headset offers a practical, no-fuss audio solution for users who need reliable sound and clear voice communication without the complexity or expense of a premium audio device.

Unlike gaming-focused headsets or high-end professional audio equipment, the Computer Gear headset occupies a sensible middle ground: straightforward to set up, comfortable enough for extended sessions, and equipped with the core features that most everyday users actually need.

What Is the Computer Gear HP517 Headset?

The Computer Gear HP517 is an over-ear, wired multimedia headset featuring stereo sound output and a built-in in-line microphone. It connects to a computer or laptop via standard 3.5mm audio jacks, making it compatible with a wide range of devices including desktop PCs, laptops, and most devices that accept a dual 3.5mm input for headphones and microphone. The headset is designed primarily for voice communication applications such as video conferencing, VoIP calls, online learning, and general multimedia playback.

Key Features and Benefits

Stereo Sound Quality

The Computer Gear headset delivers stereo audio through two drivers, one per ear cup, providing a more immersive listening experience than a mono headset. The cushioned earpads help to reduce ambient background noise passively, which means audio from your computer comes through more clearly without requiring any active noise cancellation technology. This is particularly useful in shared office environments or busy home settings where background noise can otherwise be distracting.

In-Line Microphone with Clothing Clip

Rather than a boom microphone attached to the headband, the Computer Gear HP517 uses an in-line microphone built into the cable. This design keeps the overall headset lightweight and unobtrusive. The microphone includes a small clip that attaches to your clothing, helping to keep it positioned close to your mouth for clearer voice pickup during calls or voice recordings. This approach suits users who prefer a minimal design or who find boom arms uncomfortable or in the way.

In-Line Volume Control

Conveniently located along the cable, the in-line volume control lets you adjust the audio output level quickly without needing to reach for your computer's keyboard or software controls. This is a practical feature for anyone who frequently switches between tasks or adjusts volume during calls and playback.

Adjustable and Cushioned Headband

The headframe of the Computer Gear headset is adjustable to fit a range of head sizes. The pivoting earpads allow for a more natural fit against the ears, reducing pressure during longer wear periods. Soft cushioning on both the earcups and the headband contributes to comfort during extended use, such as full working days or long online learning sessions.

Plug-and-Play Connectivity

The headset uses the universal 3.5mm dual-jack connection, which means no drivers or software installation is required. Simply plug the green jack into the headphone port and the pink jack into the microphone port, and the Computer Gear headset is ready to use immediately.

Who Is This Headset For?

The Computer Gear HP517 Multimedia Headset is best suited to the following types of users:

• Office workers who regularly take part in video conferences, VoIP calls through platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Skype, and need a reliable, comfortable headset for daily communication.
• Students and remote learners who attend online classes, submit spoken assignments, or need to communicate clearly with teachers and peers over audio or video connections.
• Call centre and customer service staff looking for an affordable, durable wired headset that handles voice communication throughout the working day.
• Home users who want a simple headset for watching videos, listening to music, or making occasional internet calls without investing in a high-end audio product.
• Educational institutions and businesses that need to equip multiple workstations with consistent, cost-effective audio peripherals.

Usage Tips

To get the best performance from the Computer Gear headset, position the in-line microphone clip on your collar or lapel at roughly chest height. This keeps the microphone close enough to pick up your voice clearly while reducing the chance of cable noise from movement. If you find that callers are reporting background noise on their end, check your computer's microphone settings and enable any available noise suppression features through your operating system or conferencing software.

For the most comfortable fit during long sessions, adjust the headband so the earcups sit fully over your ears rather than pressing against them. The pivoting earcups will self-align to the shape of your head, which helps distribute pressure more evenly. If you are using the headset with a laptop that has a single combined audio jack rather than separate headphone and microphone ports, you may need a 3.5mm TRRS adapter to use both audio and microphone functions simultaneously.

Buying Advice

The Computer Gear HP517 Multimedia Headset is a sensible purchase for anyone who needs a functional, everyday wired headset without spending significantly on premium audio brands. Its value lies in simplicity: plug-and-play setup, physical volume control, comfortable construction, and a serviceable microphone all come together in one affordable package.

If your primary need is voice calling and video conferencing rather than high-fidelity music listening or gaming, this headset is well suited to the task. However, users who require a noise-cancelling microphone, wireless connectivity, or enhanced bass response for gaming and music would be better served by a specialist product in those categories. For bulk procurement in schools or offices, the Computer Gear headset offers good value for the intended use case.

Before purchasing, confirm that your computer or device has separate 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports, or that you have the appropriate adapter available. Most desktop PCs and older laptops include both ports, but many modern ultrabooks and tablets use a single combined jack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Computer Gear HP517 headset work with Mac as well as Windows?

Yes. Because the Computer Gear headset uses standard 3.5mm audio connections, it is compatible with any device that has the appropriate audio input and output jacks, including Mac computers, Windows PCs, and Linux systems. No additional drivers are required on any of these platforms.

Can I use this headset for gaming?

The Computer Gear headset can be used for casual gaming, particularly for online games where voice chat is needed. However, it is not specifically designed or optimised for gaming. It lacks features common to gaming headsets such as surround sound processing, a flexible boom microphone, or enhanced bass drivers. For occasional use in games, it will perform adequately, but dedicated gaming users may prefer a product built with those use cases in mind.

Is the microphone noise-cancelling?

The in-line microphone on the Computer Gear HP517 is a standard condenser microphone without active noise cancellation. It will pick up ambient sounds from your environment alongside your voice. Positioning the clip closer to your mouth and using the noise suppression settings available in your operating system or conferencing software can help to reduce unwanted background noise.

What is the cable length on the Computer Gear headset?

The Computer Gear HP517 comes with a cable of sufficient length for typical desk use. If you require a longer reach between your seat and your computer, a standard 3.5mm audio extension cable can be used alongside it.

Does this headset work with smartphones or tablets?

The Computer Gear headset uses two separate 3.5mm jacks, one for audio output and one for microphone input. Most smartphones and tablets use a single combined TRRS jack. To use the headset with a mobile device, you would need a 3.5mm Y-splitter adapter that converts the two plugs into a single combined connector. Without this adapter, you may only get audio playback without microphone functionality on mobile devices.