First Impressions 

I thought I was transformed to Elvis when I first opened the box. This gadget looks quite interesting but I couldn't match it to any other thing - except for may be a mic, or maybe a novelty gearbox or so. On one side, there are the talk button and the hang up button. The volume buttons and the manual/auto switch are on the other side. The speaker takes up most of the space, and the microphone arm is adjustable to about 75 degrees. The angle of the power plug is adjustable both ways to a right angle. It is light in weight but not flimsy - even the movable parts feels quite steady.

Installation

One word: Simple. 2 steps: plug it in; bond it to your phone. You almost don't need a manual - seriously, if you have ever owned a BT handsfree that does not have a display, you will probably be familiar with these bonding steps. To bond the device, plug it into the cigarette lighter, press and hold the hang up button, and wait for the musical tune (described as do-lu-do-lu in the manual). You'll now be able to search for this device in your phone's BT manual. Select it and enter in the factory password as stated in the manual. Now you talk to your heart's content.

Design

On the downside, I'm not sure how much thought the designers gave it. I drive a Ford Festiva and the socket is located near the gear stick. This means that every time I plug the device in, I can't use my drink holder and the speaker/mic is very far away. Plus, I can't really see the LED. Now I know this doesn't represent all cars, but it is a factor to consider.

While there are advantages to the device being a one-piece, (yous will probably hit me on the head but) I'd prefer something that is detachable from the power adapter. At the moment since the device is a one piece, it means that I can't hide the Ezytalk in a hidden location without some horrendous yanking out from the socket.

Putting it to use

I have tried Ezytalk using a Sony Ericsson T630 and an XDA-II mini. Both worked like a charm. The speaker is awesome - clear and crisp. I also had no trouble trying to talk over people. Providing I’ve left my BT on, Ezytalk will search and bond to my phone when it turns on. Of course, when I switched phone, I had to re-bond.

The only issue I have is that to the other end, there is a humming noise in the background. I blame that on how small my car is (- it is recommended to keep Ezytalk 30cm from the phone to avoid electro-magnetic interference). Also, the manual is unclear at times; for example, the auto/manual switch reference seems to imply that Ezytalk will pick up the phone auto-magically as long as you flick the switch. However, what I find is that I need to set my phone up to pick up automatically; and if Ezytalk is flicked to auto, I cannot intercept and pick up by pressing the TALK button.

Availability

This gadget is available at Mr Gadget for a discounted price of $142.95. Standard shipping fees applies, unless, of course, if you are a dedicated Mtekk member :) (Please refer to the T&C and posts from Mr Gadget).

Good: Easy to install Speaker is very clear Sturdy

Bad: Microphone may be far away due to design (this issue can be solved relatively easily by getting an extension piece for the cigarette lighter socket) Humming noise in background

Verdict: I am reasonably impressed with the ease of use for the Ezytalk, but would also like the option of a detachable power adapter instead of a piece solution - or perhaps an extensible microphone piece.   Jackie's Score : 8 / 10