{"id":17903,"date":"2010-04-30T03:06:24","date_gmt":"2010-04-30T02:06:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=17903"},"modified":"2010-05-02T22:37:51","modified_gmt":"2010-05-02T21:37:51","slug":"freetalk-everyman-headset-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/freetalk-everyman-headset-review\/","title":{"rendered":"FREETALK Everyman Headset Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: inline; border-width: 0px;\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/articleimage-png.png?resize=500%2C150\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Introduction<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>With communication and social interaction on a whole being the single largest entity in today\u2019s world, it is not hard to see the reason for companies to put forward their time, money, energy and effort into creating better communication tools. The desire to easily communicate with others bears great importance in all social circles and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.freetalk.me\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.freetalk.me\/', 'FREETALK']);\" target=\"_blank\">FREETALK<\/a> knows this very well.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.skype.com\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.skype.com\/', 'Skype']);\" target=\"_blank\">Skype<\/a> is a well-known internet free talk (no pun intended) service and many persons worldwide use it to stay in touch with friends and family. With this in mind, FREETALK and Skype collaborated to make a headset that is truly optimized for such a purpose, the <strong>FREETALK Everyman<\/strong> Skype Certified headset.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman2-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman2_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There are many features packed into this small device. The certifications are also many but the requirements for using the headset are oh so minimal. Let us take a good look at these now.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Features--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Features<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Everyman headset is designed with ease of use in mind and the feature list compliments it very well. Here is the feature list taken from their website.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Developed with Skype for optimal performance<\/li>\n<li>Super wideband audio<\/li>\n<li>Unidirectional microphone helps eliminate background noise<\/li>\n<li>Neodymium speakers for rich full range stereo sound 20Hz-20KHz<\/li>\n<li>Innovative, light fold-flat design.<\/li>\n<li>Plug &amp; Play instant use with excellent USB sound quality<\/li>\n<li>Handy optional 3.5mm jack allows MP3 connection when travelling<\/li>\n<li>Adjustable headband and microphone<\/li>\n<li>PC and Mac compatible<\/li>\n<li>Weighs only 124 g<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Very nice all the way through. Now, although it is marketed as a Skype Certified Headset, the Everyman is definitely more far-reaching than just Skype. In terms of its certifications, there are many and here they are.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>CE<\/li>\n<li>Skype Certified<\/li>\n<li>FCC<\/li>\n<li>RoHs<\/li>\n<li>PAH<\/li>\n<li>VCCI<\/li>\n<li>C-tick<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everymanisthefavourite-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everymanisthefavourite_thumb-png.png?resize=400%2C321\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Consistently voted as monthly favourite at the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.skype.com\/intl\/en\/shop\/\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.skype.com\/intl\/en\/shop\/', 'Skype Shop']);\" target=\"_blank\">Skype Shop<\/a>, the Everyman is rather affordable (roughly US $23) and is a clear winner among its users. The requirements for using this headset are also quite easy to handle.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Windows 2000\u00ae \/ XP\u00ae \/ Vista\u2122 Operating System<\/li>\n<li>MAC OSX 10.22 or newer<\/li>\n<li>Available USB port<\/li>\n<li>256 MB RAM<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Talk about ease of use; being a plug and play USB device, it does well for itself by being supported not only on the PC but also on the Mac, with no driver or software installation necessary.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/boxshot-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/boxshot_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Now that you know all about its features and specifications, let us take a look at its performance and value for money.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Impressions--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Impressions<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First off, the main purpose the Everyman was designed for, Skype. Skype calls were clean and crisp right throughout. There was no crackling, hissing or popping like I have experienced with other headsets. There was little or no background noises. The microphone picks up the voice quite easily and the person on the other end hears me clear as day, even at night.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman3-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman3_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While the microphone \u2018jack\u2019 is hard-wired to the USB connector, the earphones have an optional 3.5mm jack that plugs in to work via USB or into any regular 3.5mm port. This gives the user the flexibility of just having one headset for everything, Skype calling, music on your MP3 player and gaming, whether at home or on the go.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman5-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman5_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Speaking of on the go, the lightweight, folding and twisting design allows the unit to fold flat and to be slid into the side of a bag to rest flat and not get squished among other things we tend to carry around. This headset is great for travelers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman4-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman4_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Everyman has definitely become my mainstay. I use it for calls, use it on my phone or MP4 player for music and videos and also for gaming when everybody in the house is yelling at me, \u201cTurn that down!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman1-png.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/everyman1_thumb-png.png?resize=240%2C192\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While some reviewers hustle to get their review out on launch day, we at ABT sometimes like to take our time and get to know the product and really use it for a while, just as any other end-user. That way we are absolutely sure about what we are telling our readers. The ABT staff is scattered all around the globe and we have spent a LOT of time with these headsets.<\/p>\n<p>The first impression was good and the lasting impression is superb. After using the Everyman for a couple of months, it has even replaced my bigger, heavier-playing headphones. I particularly like the soft padding it has and flatness of the headphones themselves. They feel very comfortable on the ear. Anyone purchasing this item will be quite pleased with it. It really is a cool little gadget.<\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>FREETALK and Skype have really delivered on this unit. Skype calls are crystal clear through the headset and the microphone transmits your voice cleanly to the other end as well. The headset, while not <em>really<\/em> intended for music and gaming performs admirably and pushes the Everyman into all-purpose territory instead of just Internet calling.<\/p>\n<p>As an audio headset, the Everyman is very nice for its price. Although it lacks in the extreme low end (bass), it has decent music reproduction capabilities and sufficient volume to be used as headphones for an MP3 player. Best of all they are comfortable for long listening sessions &#8211; and they fold flat; either on the table or against the body.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/deskshot.PNG\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-18088\" title=\"DeskShot\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/deskshot.PNG?resize=240%2C180\" alt=\"DeskShot\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/deskshot.PNG?resize=240%2C180 300w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/deskshot.PNG 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>My only minus (as an audio headset) is that the USB connector and the mouthpiece are not removable, although the mouthpiece does swing out of the way when you use it as audio headphones.\u00a0 I would not recommend buying it just for audio, but it is a very nice &#8220;all-in-one&#8221; headset that doubles as a decent pair of cans. I had no issues while using the device and the build quality shows that the unit will last me quite a long time.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Pros:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Great call quality<\/li>\n<li>Good for music, videos and gaming<\/li>\n<li>Comfortable<\/li>\n<li>Lightweight<\/li>\n<li>Folds flat<\/li>\n<li>Sturdy<\/li>\n<li>Durable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Cons:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USB connector and mouthpiece are not detachable<\/li>\n<li>No in-line volume control or microphone mute<\/li>\n<li>Bass is not very heavy (may displease audiophiles)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A well-designed product that is affordable and works well. What else needs to be said? I fully recommend the FREETALK Everyman Skype Certified Headset. A truly great device that is used by the staff of ABT; it has become the \u201cofficial headset\u201d of AlienBabelTech.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto\" title=\"ABT Recommended\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/Recommended2.png?resize=150%2C251\" border=\"0\" alt=\"ABT Recommended\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Leon Hyman<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>Senior Editor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p align=\"center\"><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\ngoogle_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\";\n\/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"1949837292\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 164304<\/li>\n<li>SETI@Home &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech &#8211; 138705<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.worldcommunitygrid.org\/reg\/viewRegister.do?teamID=3P39R3SRV1', 'World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech']);\" target=\"_blank\">World Community Grid &#8211; Team AlienBabelTech<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=17903\"><img decoding=\"async\" align=top title=\"Author: Leon Hyman\" src=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/04\/ArticleImage.png\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":18088,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2533,7814,5,7],"tags":[3492,3491,3508,2234,1951,3507,3506,3488,3505],"class_list":["post-17903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-abt-news","category-articles","category-gaming","category-technology","tag-everyman","tag-freetalk","tag-freetalk-everyman-review","tag-headphones","tag-headset","tag-mic","tag-microphone","tag-skype","tag-skype-certified"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17903"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17903\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}