The key variables you should consider when buying a headset are: Application--how are you going to use it? Distance--how much range and clarity will be required? Price--how much do you want to spend? Features--what special features (like a mute button or a quick-disconnect feature) do you want and need?

Perhaps most important criteria in selecting a specific headset is comfort. Most headsets are designed to be worn over head like a headband and typically cover one ear. If having "perfect" hair day is critical to you, perhaps you should choose an earpiece that fits in your ear directly or is worn over your ear like eyeglasses. To ensure right fit, you should actually test it out in real-world conditions. You should be comfortable with fit and weight of headset, or device will simply gather dust on your bookshelf.

Other decisions include: option of one or two earpieces, noise filters, quick-disconnect cables, mute buttons, talk time, battery life and certainly--price. An inexpensive model can be purchased for $30, while more durable and dependable models will be worth $100-$300 you will spend for them. Special tip--if $300 is too pricey, try a used headset. Refurbished models can be a good buy and you can often find them for half price a new model.

As with any purchase, do your research before you buy. By comparison shopping, whether it be catalogs, online or at reputable vendors, you will gain information about what is out there and various prices available. Headsets do save you time and neck cramps, while increasing your productivity, whether you are at home or in office.

If you have a duplication job at hand, you may wonder if one method is better than other. Here are some factors to help you decide for your individual copying requirement:

Longevity--If you know that users will need to access this data over a decade, Replication is recommended.

Readability--Pre-manufactured discs are used in Duplication process, and although blank discs appear to be "generic," track arrangement can vary slightly from one manufacturer to another. This sometimes results in an inability to read data. Replicated discs do not exhibit this problem.

Data Access Speed--When you perform a search you expect data to be retrieved from proper place on CD-ROM--and fast. There is no measurable difference between Duplication and Replication.

Cost--An order of 1,000 or fewer copies tends to be cheaper to produce by Duplication. This is mainly due to fact that no stamping master is required. If you only need a few dozen copies, Duplication is a whole lot cheaper. On other hand, when economies of scale come into play--you need thousands of copies--Replication is your better choice. Copies made from a master disc get much cheaper as you spread out initial cost over a larger quantity of discs. For example, if you order 100 copies, each would cost about $4.40, whereas same disc would only cost about .80 a copy if you ordered 1,000.

Whatever your choice of copying methods, keep in mind that CDs are not immortal. The thin aluminum layer that reflects light of player's laser, is susceptible to oxidation which causes discs to "rot." Never use off-the-shelf markers or ball point pens to write on discs or labels. Most markers contain chemicals which create oxidation, allows air to penetrate aluminum, which is then eaten up--much like iron rusting in open air. There are special media pens currently on market. Search those out.

Whether you choose to do-it-yourself or outsource your next duplication project, take a few minutes to research what software and technology is currently available--it is improving all time. With a little effort, you can create "perfect" project that will make both you and your boss quite proud of finished product.