Tekkeon MyTalker

Tekkeon’s MyTalker plugs into the headphone jack of any iPod — even an iPod shuffle — and lets you easily switch between music and and a Bluetooth phone; you connect your headphones to the MyTalker’s own headphone jack. Setup and use is very simple; I was able to pair my mobile phone with the device and begin using it immediately without even having to read the directions. Simply hold the answer button down until the light remains on, set your phone to discover, and enter the passkey.

A two hour charge via USB will give you roughly five hours of talk time. Tekkeon claims the MyTalker provides 120 hours of standby mode. Though I didn’t test it thoroughly over such a length of time, the MyTalker worked well after being idle for over 24 hours.

Three two-directional buttons on the front of the device serve several functions, allowing you to adjust call volume, mute the microphone, conference in a new call, reject calls, switch calls to and from the handset or headset, and answer or hang up. I tested all of these functions, and all worked very well, especially voice dialing, which can be tricky with any headset. One other feature I really liked was the hold switch, which, when enabled prevents you from unintentionally “pocket dialing” a number or answering a call without meaning to.

Music sound quality was comparable when listening to music via the MyTalker’s headphone jack as it did when connected directly to the iPod. Voice quality was also quite good, and the MyTalker’s microphone, integrated in the body of the unit, picked up my voice even when the mic was tucked behind my jacket lapel.

One complaint, however, came up when switching between music and phone modes. When making a new call, the music would cut out, as expected, just as the number was dialed; however, as the call was connecting, but before, it would begin to ring, music would cut back on again for a second or so. This wasn’t a major problem, and it didn’t interfere with the call itself, but it was somewhat annoying. Another minor issue I had was that the MyTalker’s headphone jack seemed a bit tighter than it should have been; as a result, several times I unintentionally didn’t get my headphone plug seated in the jack properly, which affected sound quality. Finally, the clip that you use to attach the headset to your clothing feels cheap, and even creaks a bit as you move it.

Still, this is a solid performer and although it’s not my top choice of the Bluetooth systems I’ve tested, I would’t hesitate to recommend it. –Mathew Honan