Audio combo jack vs headphone/earphone with mic and speaker connector

[#1]

Question

I see the audio combo jack in my T510 (indicated number 6 in the image), but I've used a regular headphone in it without plugging in the mic connector.

1. How do I hook up a regular microphone - does the port "know" the difference between 2- or 3-conductor microphone plug and a stereo headphone plug?

2. How do I use a headset with separate mic and speaker connections?  Is there an adapter I need?

Answer

You may have two options:

1. Get a new headset with combo jack or
2. Purchase an adapter that can connect your current headphone with mic and speaker back to the machine audio combo jack.

Here is an example of the adapter / splitter listed on Amazon.   There are a number of companies that make competitive versions of this priced between $10 and $15 .

The good thing about the combo jack is that it works with the hundreds of 3.5mm phone headsets which a lot of people already carry. There is a wide range of choice at all cost and quality levels (newer Blackberry, iPhone, etc. headsets).

On the other hand, anyone with an exisiting separate mic and headphones will have a problem. A simple adapter solves this problem. See the threads in "Related Links" to the right for examples of adapters which community members are using.

[#2]

I found the following compatible headsets, today. The GE VoIP All-in-One Foldable Headset (Model: 95432) and the GE VoIP All-in-One Headset (Model: 98974). I just ordered the foldable one. Hopefully, they're of good quality.

[#3]

combo jack its the most stupid idea what was discover very hard found headphones with combo jack and i dont like small headphones from phone :/

[#4]

i bought this splitter for the combo jack, and while it'll output sound via the headphone side (from iTunes, e.g.), my thinkpad (t420) won't recognize any input from the microphone side (from an actual microphone). it defaults to the built-in mic and won't give me any other options. any ideas on how i can activate the microphone part of the combo jack? thanks!

[#5]

conlapuertaroja, you could get the 'wiretap' from www.esdevices.com, it  preserves the combo jack on one side, so you can just use your phone headset or lapel mic

[#6]

http://shop.adaptare.de/public/catalog_xmlxslproductsearch.aspx?qs=14022&art=SetSearch&suid=526&zid=88d79ed2-dd47-439c-b7f9-671d2aa7d1cd

Adapter PC-Headset 2-mal 3,5-mm an iPhone + Galaxy SII

I use it with/ ich benutze ihn mit  Lenovo Thinkpad Edge 530 - cheap and works both ways/Preiswert und funktioniert in beiden Richtungen.

Steckerbelegung/Pin assignment:  L / R / GND / MIC