Review of SmallTalk Mini Bluetooth Headset

Does size really matter? And no, that’s not what I’m talking about! I’m referring to Bluetooth headsets so get your mind out of the gutter! Seriously though when it comes to Bluetooth headsets size really does matter, I know I personally do not want some huge headset hanging from my head. Large headsets are uncomfortable, and they just don’t look right really, they give you that Borg look and nobody wants to look like that.

Today for review Mobilefun has sent me over what is most likely the world’s smallest Bluetooth headset from BlueNEXT. It’s the BN888 and yes it’s tiny coming in at less than half the length of most other headsets out there today. It reminds me of those earpieces you’d see in the movies that special agents and such wear. Being small though doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t perform well, so read on to learn more…

Info:

SmallTalk Mini Bluetooth Headset

* Smallest Bluetooth headset in the World.

* Sleek and stylish design.

* It weighs only 6g.

* It has multipoint so you can connect 2 phones at the same time.

* It includes a USB and car charger adapter.

* Works as in ear or over ear solution.

The SmallTalk Mini Bluetooth headset is not only super small and superlight – but it also can connect to 2 phones at the same time, so no matter which phone rings you will be able to take the call via a this headset.

Specification:

* Bluetooth v2.1 class 2.

* Supports Bluetooth Headset and Handsfree profiles.

* Small and Light (at 6.5g only) in-ear type Bluetooth headset.

* Multipoint function to connect with two mobile handsets.

* Talk time: Up to 3 hours.

* Standby time: Up to 100 hours.

* Charging time: Within 3 hours.

* Dimensions (main body): 26.2 x 15.6mm.

* Weight: 6.5 grams.

Price: £15.47 / $23.86

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What’s in the Box?:

It’s a small headset so it comes in a small box. Included with it is a brief instruction manual, USB cable and car charger with USB port. The car charger is the universal kind so it can most likely be used with any other USB type device. These are always handy to have lying around.

As you can see from the contents it only comes with one size ear bud, I don’t understand why companies do this as not all ears are made the same.

Here’s several views of the BlueNEXT headset. There are volume buttons on the left and right sides for up and down, to entire front if a button as well for answering calls etc. On the top you’ll find a small hole for charging.

The headset seems nicely made, it’s very lightweight but seems sturdy. You’ll notice it has an ear loop on it, and yes you must use it, at least I must as it won’t stay in my ear without it. I hate using ear loops, they’re very uncomfortable especially with sunglasses on, at least for me.

Installation, Performance and Comparison:

Here’s some comparison pictures for you. In the picture from left to right Jabra BT530, Jawbone2, Zivio Boom and the BlueNEXT.

Here’s another one comparing thickness of the BlueNEXT and the Jawbone2:

The first thing I found out is that it really doesn’t go in your ear, it just rests on the outside basically with the ear loop holding it in place. The ear piece is just too big to put it in your ear, or at least my ear. I would push it in and it would just pop back out. I could though remove the rubber covering and stick it in my ear that way and it seemed to stay in place.

So it is a small headset, but it doesn’t really go into your ear so it sticks out farther than others.

I did find that I can use the ear piece from my Jawbone2 with it, but it sort of covered the speaker a bit making the volume lower than normal. It’s a fix for the ear loop, but not an ideal one.

I used it with three different phones, the AT&T Tilt, the Motorola Backflip and the Casio G’Zone Brigade and had no issues pairing or re-pairing with any of them.

It’s easy to use, the button on the front works well, the side buttons for volume are easily accessible even when it’s on your ear.

Call quality is fairly decent, calls are nice and loud and clear for the most part. There is a slight bit of crackling every once in a while, but not too often, it seems it’s usually there only when you first start to make the call like when it’s ringing.

As I said when I was wearing it it really didn’t go into my ear, so outside sounds were heard, but if you push it into your ear they’ll go away, but it’s not exactly comfortable that way. Even wearing it with it just resting on the outside of your ear though I could still hear fine.

Wind doesn’t seem to affect it too much, but in heavy winds you’ll notice it.

Battery life is very good, at least I got what the specs said. 3 hours talk time might not be that much for some people, but for me it’s fine.

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Conclusion:

So it’s not a bad product, especially since it costs under $25 US.

It is very small yes, but it does stick out farther than others since it doesn’t seem to actually go into your ear like other do.

Call quality is decent for an inexpensive Bluetooth headset.

I don’t like the fact that it comes with only one size ear bud and that you must use the ear loop, but overall it’s not a bad product really.

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Pros:

+Very small

+Loud and works well

+Decent battery life

Cons:

-Not exactly comfortable to wear

-Only one size ear bud included

Disclosure