I want to use a headset with a mic built in on my Mac G5 at work. The audio port requires a powered-mic, but this headset isn't powered. So, Steven pointed me towards the iMic. A small little device that will let you plug a mic (or other things) in and it will send it through the USB port so it fixes the problem. It works fine, all is good.

However... this is where the stupid people strike again. Take a look at the device:



Notice that it has two input plugs and a switch in the middle. One of plugs is for microphones and one is for line-in devices like CD Players and such. The little switch in the middle moves side to side and sets which plug you want to use. Now, let me quote from the Quick Start Guide:


The Input jack accepts either line level devices (like CD players, tape decks, mini-disks, etc.) or a microphone. Input type is selected via the black switch between the two audio jacks in front of the iMic. For microphones push the switch towards the speaker icon. For line level devices push the switch toward the microphone icon.


*blink* Let's read that last bit again...


For microphones push the switch towards the speaker icon. For line level devices push the switch toward the microphone icon.


I don't understand. Why? Why are they so fucking stupid? Why, for the love of all that is logical, would you make a switch that sits in the "Microphone" position when its pushed toward the Line in Plug and vice versa? Who was the moron in this equation? Was it the hardware designer? Was it the person who designed the plastic casing and accidentally put the images on the wrong side and no one noticed until a million of them had already been manufactured? I mean..... I just don't understand. I'm ... I'm just... dumbfounded that to be able to use a device with ONE SWITCH that I have to read the manual.

*sigh*