The evolution of communication technology brought great attention for a computer peripheral that was once not thought to be an indispensable part of pc systems ? the microphone. With the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol telephones, microphones gained great importance in the IP communication field. Several microphone models became available to the general market in the recent years for the main purpose of using them in internet telephony. There are many kinds of microphones that can be used with VoIP telephones, here are the popular ones:

Desktop Microphones ? Also called omni directional microphones, these ones are placed on a positional boom and are usually installed on top of the desk or the monitor. The good thing about them is that they can be used hands free because of their great sensitivity. Being omni directional such microphones allow several people to speak at the same time, which can be handy for conferences among groups of people in different places. One possible downside is that it may pick up background noises, or get feedbacks with the PC speakers.

Integrated Microphones ? Generally they will be omni directional microphones that came together with the computer and are built into the monitor or the keyboard. This is a conventional feature with laptop computers. Compact and conveniently positioned, these microphones can be used hands-free too, and can pick up several people's voices, useful for conferences. Like other omni directional microphones, built-in microphones can pick up unwanted background sounds. Moreover, such microphones are inflexible and cannot be positioned without moving the entire pc.

Handset Mics. ? these are quite common for Voice over IP. These are unidirectional and look like a common telephone handset with an earpiece and a mouthpiece. Such microphones give a familiar feel of traditional telephones. Audio quality is usually good for speech, allowing the most consistent feel with VoIP calls. However, like the telephone handset, this can be inconvenient for long conversations. Being unidirectional, only one person can speak at a time, though it is easy to pass it to another person should the need arise.

Wireless Mics.? these are microphones that lack the need for cables, operating usually through Bluetooh ports. Such microphones can be incorporated with headsets and can either be unidirectional or omni directional. They are hands free because no wires are used and they can be attached to the head or the ear of the person using them. The sound quality is excellent for speech especially when coupled with noise canceling features. However, compatibility is not always guaranteed as not all computers are equipped with Bluetooth or infra-red ports.

Handheld Mics. ? these are comparable to those used by singers. These may come either as unidirectional or omni directional. A mic. stand could be utilized for hands free use. But without the stand, it could be quite inconvenient to use.

Lapel mics. ? normally omni directional, these microphones can be attached onto the speakers clothes or clipped on the computer. These microphones work just like desktop microphones with the added option of being near the speaker.

Communication has greatly changed with the emergence of VoIP. Now people have many alternatives and they can use different types of microphones to reach people the way they want to.