Timmo wrote:Was this an off the shelf item or did you make it? Id quite like to find a device which will place another input jack in an easier to get to place with the ability to switch between the inputs. Its a real PITA shuffling around at the back of my computer in order to run my Mp3 player through my speakers.
Off the shelf. Here's pic:

1) Output to woofer+satellite speakers
2) Mike input from (online) headset
3) Output to (online) headset
4) Output also goes to my cordless headset
The cable at the right is combined speaker+mic and just plugs into your sound card.
I've never used the "handsfree" function - don't even know what it does!
It cost me around $14 I think - from
www.firstin.co.nz. This is a site that sends you a daily email of "bargains". Not particularly brilliant on price, but I've bought the odd gizmo like this off them that I haven't seen anywhere else. I don't think they hold stock as such - it just comes and goes on a day-to-day basis. May be worth contacting them - though you may be able to find it elsewhere, now you have the details. I've got it stuck down so I couldn't read off any serial number or anything.
It's quite handy - as I can switch from full (external) speaker sound to headphones easily. I have independent volume controls on everything, so that rotary control on the unit stays on maximum. I have that phono splitter so I can have my online headset and local (cordless) headset plugged in at once. They're both "live" (when switched to) - I just pick up which one I need at the time.
UPDATE: I managed to find an old email from Firstin that had a link to the item. They're called an "Audio Switching Hub" and the brand name is "Manhattan" apparently. $14.80. I tried following the link back to FirstIn, but it didn't work (as is often the case after stock has sold). Following that info, I found
this.
UPDATE TO THE UPDATE: A bit of Googling ... and it turns out I didn't get a bargain after all ... see the item on
PBTech - $10.38 inc GST. I may get another one - for my "work" PC - so may pop up to Wairau Road .... want me to get you one while I'm at it?