Rafastang: Thanks for the answer. For the record, I'm in the US - I have no idea as to the differences in availability or prices between the US and Europe, either.
OK, here's my issue:
I have a HP G6-2235US notebook that is pretty much my primary PC, running Win 8. For use in gaming, Skype, etc. I have, or rather had, a headset with microphone. I say had because the plug that does audio input no longer works properly, only sending sound to one ear (my bad...