Below is an example of a Best Buy web advertisement for the Logitech USB Headset that you got (the Product Code 980130-0403 is for Model# 300). It mentions that it works with speech recognition applications, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it also works with applications that use Text to Speech Engines. So just keep looking for one that does. If you finally find one that works with your Hal please post it here at the forum so we will all know which one to buy too!
Logitech USB Premium Stereo Headset
Model: 980130-0403
Price: $49.99
- High-performance headset is ideal for voice and video chat, music, gaming and speech recognition applications.
- Noise-canceling microphone filters out background noise
- In-line volume and mute control with soft-touch surface
- Plush ear pads and adjustable headband for comfort
And now here's a website called EverythingUSB.com with user reviews and forum support about your exact model and other USB devices. Your Headset is rated great for Internet Voice Chat and Gaming, but there is nothing mentioned about Text to Speech Engine compatibility. The below also states that it comes with Full Product Support and a 2-year guarantee...if you got an 800 support phone number for Logitech you can try calling them and they might have some other useful suggestions. However, they will most likely conclude that there is something wrong with your computer and/or it's audio sound drivers, even though we both know that there is most likely nothing wrong. So, then you can try the forum help at EverythingUSB.com and see what they have to say. There have been many other reported problems at that forum regarding your Headset, but I didn't see anything there that even resembles your problem.
What is it?: USB Headphones with Microphone
Product Name: Premium USB Headset 300
Manufacturer: Logitech
Price: Approx. MSRP $49.99 USD
Availability: Now
Verdict: Easiest Install Ever, Decent Audio Quality, Very Comfortable.
Brief Summary
Logitech Premium USB Headset 300 - Logitech promises to bring comfort and high fidelity sound to voice chatters and gamers alike with USB-interfaced Premium.
Premium USB Headset 300 First Take
Logitech Premium Headset 300 - the first USB headset from the company - lets you listen to tunes or record voices thru the noise-canceling microphone just like its 3.5mm-plug counterpart. The only difference with this one is that it replaces your PC’s internal sound card, allowing the headphones’ processor to decode the sound digitally after flowing through the USB cable. The company claims the built-in processor should alleviate any sound clarity problems associated with the internal sound card deficiency, which happens to laptops mostly.
The Premium Headset 300’s ear pads are made up of soft foam for extended wear, and the headset comes with in-line volume and mute control. Frequency response of the headset ranges from 20 to 20,000Hz. Lastly, the Premium Headset 300 sans any kinds of drivers and enhancement software exclusively supports operating systems with native USB audio support. So, this includes Windows ME, 2000, XP or later, and MacOS 9.1.x or later.
What does Logitech say about them:
Supreme comfort and stereo sound with digital clarity
Volume and mute control with soft-touch surface
Advanced digital audio for superior sound clarity
Simple USB plug-and-play connectivity
Dynamic stereo sound for music and games
Premium adjustable headband offers maximum comfort
Versatile left or right microphone placement
Noise-cancelling microphone filters out background noise
Plush ear pads for extra-comfort and durability
Package contents
Premium Stereo USB Headset
Documentation
Full product support
2-year guarantee
Technical specifications
Frequency response:
Headset: 20-20'000 Hz
Microphone: 100-16'000 Hz
Sensitivity: -58 dBV/Xbar, -38 dBV/Pa+/-4dB
System requirements
PC with Windows® 98, Me, 2000, or XP
Macintosh® with OS 9.0.4+
USB port
Disclaimer: Product specifications are provided by the manufacturer, and may not be consistent with real-world performance. User experiences may also vary.
If you have any questions regarding Logitech Premium USB Headset 300,
please post them in our forums:
<http://www.everythingusb.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=119>
Before making a post at EverythingUSB.com their support techs usually recommend contacting Logitech first if your product is still under warranty. If Logitech can't help you with your problem then these guys will certainly try.