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CNET editors' review
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CNET editors' rating:
stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 02/13/2009
- Released on: 02/13/2009
Griffin has put out a slew of iPhone accessories in the past year, from cases like the Clarifi to in-car chargers and extended batteries. But it has never come out with a Bluetooth headset. That is, until January 2009, when it introduced the Griffin SmartTalk Bluetooth headset. It has the slim, black appearance of Apple's own Bluetooth headset, plus numerous additional features like dual-microphone noise canceling and voice prompts. Of course, the Griffin SmartTalk doesn't only work with the iPhone; it'll work with any Bluetooth-enabled device. The Griffin SmartTalk Bluetooth headset retails for $99.99 or you can get it in a bundle with the PowerJolt, Griffin's in-car charger.
Like we said, the SmartTalk looks like a slim, black stick, similar to the Apple Bluetooth headset, but it's really quite a bit bigger. Measuring 2.1 inches long by 0.7 inch wide by 0.4 inch thick, the SmartTalk has a very minimal and discreet design. On the front is a big multifunction button, while the volume buttons are on the right spine. All the buttons were easy to press, though the volume decrease button felt a bit too flush to the surface. The charger jack is on the top.
On the back of the headset is an in-ear style earpiece with a soft gel ear cushion that is meant to isolate incoming sound. Indeed, it fit quite comfortably in the ear, and it worked in blocking out external noise. There's also a flexible ear hook that can be adjusted to fit either ear. The ear hook isn't quite optional since you do need it for the headset to feel secure. We wished the ear hook were a bit more flexible, if only to easier accommodate eyeglasses. The SmartTalk comes with a smaller ear cushion if you have smaller ears.
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