Determine Your Needs
In order to engage in an iMEET session using the appropriate tools and equipment you must consider several factors:
- Type of Meeting - How will you be using iMEET? For example: to hold online office hours with your students, for an online lecture, to meet with colleagues at other universities, to meet with department staff members, used by students to meet and work on group projects, etc.
- Location of the Meeting - Depending on the type of meeting you will be holding, it could take place from your office, in a classroom, from home, and many other places.
- Existing Available Resources - Knowing why you plan to meet and the location, will allow you to see what resources are already available to you and your meeting participants. For example, if you are doing a demonstration in a computer lab on campus, it may already be equipped with speakers and headphones. However, if you are meeting from your office or place of work you may not have access to a headset or webcam and maybe your students may not have access to a computer.
Therefore, before purchasing any type of equipment assess your use of iMEET and how participants will be accessing the sessions you create.
Where to Purchase
Equipment can be found in most computer and office supply stores or retail stores. The following list provides links to several of these online and retail stores:
Online Office Supply Stores
Office Supply Stores (Store and Online)
Retail stores (Store and Online)
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Audio Equipment
There are several ways you can receive audio and transmit voice during an iMEET session. Using a headset to do both, combining headphones and a microphone, speakers and microphone or using a speakerphone.
Headsets
A unit that combines earphones and microphone in one to receive and transmit both audio and voice. When choosing a headset consider the following factors:
- Single or Double Ear Piece style
- USB or 3.5 mm connection
- Over the head, behind-the-neck or over-the-ear designs
- Placement of microphone - external or internal design
- Compatibility with your computer operating system
Headset Examples
Headphones and Microphone
Use headphones to listen to audio and microphone to transmit voice. Alike headsets consider the design, connection type and compatibility with computer operating system.
Headphones and Microphone Examples
Speakers and Microphone
Speakers allow you to listen to incoming audio and can be combined with a microphone to transmit voice. Most desktop computers come with a basic set of speakers and laptops already have integrated speakers. However, you may need separate speakers with better quality depending on your meeting type.
Speakers and Microphone Examples
Speakerphone Examples
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Product Reviews
CNET Reviews
Provides advice, reviews, range of prices and links to online stores for a variety of hardware and software. |
Video Equipment
Web Cameras
Used to transmit and receive video. Most newer laptops have webcams integrated, however they can be purchased separately for desktop computers and older laptops.
Web Camera Examples
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