I bought one of these the first day it came out - and returned it after a few days. I have a full post about this on the Skype forums, but in summary:

- Great listening quality, both Skype wideband from another PC and to music.

- Horrible microphone performance. Low sampling, low gain. I recorded some uncompressed sound from the Freetalk and then from my default Plantronics DSP-400. The freetalk sounded like AM radio compared to Plantronics CD quality.

- Supposedly, the company knows about the mic performance and is updating the circuitry.

- Creative has a similar headset - with the updated circuitry - in the works, to be sold under the Tag Heuer brand.

- When Freetalk updates the mic to the standard USB mic quality levels, I will be the first to repurchase this headset.

I would like to know if it works fine with Ubuntu. Does anybody know about it?
Pascal

I have received my Skype headset: Product SKU: STX-5091 Produktnavn: ISS FREETALK� Wireless Stereo Headset. My problem is however that the microphone does not work on any of the two computers in the house. The drivers are installed and the computers picked the right sound cardAvnera Audio Device, but the microphone does not work.

The speaker part works fine. When I connect to someone on Skype, I can hear them, but they cannot hear anything from me except a loud noise. As I have tested the Skype headset on two different computers, one using windows XP and another using Windows Vista, it is probably something wrong with the microphone, right? Have you had any experience with that?
Mosken Bergh

'When Freetalk updates the mic to the standard USB mic quality levels, I will be the first to repurchase this headset.'

Does anyone know if the improved Microphone version is available yet

enras

Hi, I got mine two days ago and the microphone has not been improved yet: low gain, and some noise in the records. Playback quality is good and covers most areas of my apartment.

I just received mine and was looking forward to freedom. But there's so much interference - It's unusable. I sound like a 2 second delayed Darth Vader, that's if anyone can hear me at all. I haven't found a solution for the Mac yet and I've spend about £200 on headsets so far. Peed off to say the least.

I'm assuming this interference is to do with the 2.4GHz - there are 3 laptops on Wifi where I work and I can't fiddle with the channel. Since I don't have the option to fiddle with the channel on this headset I assume I have to give up

Freetalk Stereo Wireless Headset works only 3-4 meters from computer. Not 20 m. like is writing. The microphone is not good.

This equipment is rubbish. That simple!

Don't bother until they sort out the microphone and the very short range. A USB headset on an extension cable is much better and has about the same range.

$100 Skype Freetalk headset sucks. It worked, then stopped. Help on Skype web page did not fix problem. Neither SKYPE nor Freetalk responded to requests for help.

Ive had my headset for about a week now and on the whole i pretty happy with the product. i have no interference from any other wireless devices i use and can pretty much get a connection anywhere in my house. i did notice a low gain on the mic when i first used it but this was sorted by going into my mixer options.

the problem i have with this product is the ergonomics. on the box its says suitable for gaming, which kinda hints it can be worn for long period of time. After 10 minutes of wearing the headset, my ears wear in agony due to not enough padding over the speakers. this is a serious design flaw. the other thing was, every time i looked down the headset slid straight off. for a few pence more they could have solved this in one fell swoop and made a top of the range headset. instead they penny pinched and made a mediocre headset.

My headset worked for about a month, then the microphone abruptly stopped working. There it sits, mocking me. Please note if there is anywhere to get support for this headset. Thanks

I just got my headset, April 15, 2008. The microphone sucksssssss!!!! DON't BUY iT.
If you wish to use it as a listening device it works great.

It will be an awesome set, once they fix the microphone problems.

I bought the FREETALK also and tried on Mac (Leopard). It is definitely great disappointment for me and i would say that do not buy this.
1) the mic quality is not low but very-very low. It is practically unusable.
2) it is very uncomfortable headset.
3) even if you want to use it only for listening then it is too expensive, low quality and uncomfortable headset. You will definitely find a cheaper and better one.

Conclusion - do not buy this headset.

I received my FREETALK a few days ago. So far, I am very happy with it (though some of the previous dialog now concerns me).

One question I have is how to turn the unit off without physically unplugging the USB connection (the ON/OFF button on the headset only turns the headset off, but the computer still thinks it is connected so I can't hear anything). Frequently, I want to take the headset off and listen through the computer speakers (and possibly let the headset charge - hence I need maintain the USB connection).

Just got my FREETALK, plugged it in and computer announced that the device is malfunctioning and not recognized by Windows, I was still reading the message when I noticed that SMOKE is raising from USB connection!!! It completely melted, in only few minutes!!!!
What's up with that?
Comments anyone?
PLS help!!!

I just bought the Freetalk wireless headset (I am happy with it so far, thought some of the commments are indeed concerning!) and have a question...how do I, if I wish to, still listen to sounds coming from my computer speakers, rather than always have the sound coming through the headset? I am on Windows Vista operating system. Thanks!

My boyfriend has been trying to use the handset on his PC but hasnt worked. He asked me to see if I could figure out why it didnt work at all. I recently used it on my computer MacBook and it did work with skype, unfortunately I called my dad in colombia and the connection was horrible I could hear everything but they couldnt listen to me very well.. it is definately not the computer or the connection that it is the problem because I usually call him but it is the handset. Any ideas on what to do?

My boyfriend has been trying to use the handset on his PC but hasnt worked. He asked me to see if I could figure out why it didnt work at all. I recently used it on my computer MacBook and it did work with skype, unfortunately I called my dad in colombia and the connection was horrible I could hear everything but they couldnt listen to me very well, it was cutting all the time.

It is definitely not the computer or the connection that it is the problem because I usually call him and it is fine. It is the handset. Any ideas on what to do? how should I fix the signal or something so that they hear me right?

Wow. This all sucks. We bought one of these just over two weeks ago. It worked for about an hour, and since then the microphone is completely dead. So, I was really disappointed to see unhappy postings here from January.

Also, while looking for a technical support telephone number, it seems there isn't a real address on their web site either. But I have found that their UK office is 7-11 Lexington Street London. But you will have to press the button and talk to the buzzer/intercom box out on the street.

Have a look here. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=19&entry_id=4229

But just in case any real people from Skype and instoresolutions.com are reading, two things. First. Put a real address on your web sites. - Yes it may only be useful to people who want to sue your arses. But you still do it to demonstrate good faith. Second. when the product sucks, withdraw it! Apologise! Refund! Replace! As requested! However hugely profitable it is, is irrelevant. And if there isn't a replacement, it sucks, but you still stop selling it.

We filled in a support form on the instore site, but haven't had a reply yet. So have tried again this evening. So yes, I would like a refund please.

the freetalk 5091 is grap...don t buy it... there is no company behind that product, no help and dark vader mic...
i m not really happy about skype right now

Only leaving this because it will make me feel better. Sounds like the chances of getting any real satisfaction are nil.

My experience is the same as many others - ergonomics OK, sound pretty good, microphone unacceptable - no one can hear me on Skype, when I test with Windows Sound Recorder, I have to yell before it even acknowledges that I said anything. The disappointing thing for me is that Skype must have known about these problems but went ahead and sold the product anyway. Hard to believe they needed my $99 that much. Oh well.

I contacted Instore via their Skype ID: InStoreSupport, and they were quite helpful. You all should give it a shot. I also agree that especially for those with defective products, the support experience should be a bit more responsive.

I just wanted to say that for such a popular (and new) product, selling thousands a month... it's not unusual to see this many complaints early on... The fact that there are so few, and on such a central blog is actually not that bad of a sign, so some of the people who are nervous or are getting very down on Skype, I just offer that as perspective.

Good luck.

http://www.instoreshop.com/support/contact/skype

Also, if you give up on Freetalk altogether, go check out the Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless. Quality and customer support will likely be a bit stronger from a Logitech.. but then again, you pay a bit more too. Cheers.

Judging by this list I'm just another in a long line of disgruntled purchasers of FreeTalk - bit of a misnomer, more like NotFreeNoTalk

I bought my set while doing research in Washington now back in Sydney deciding what to do. I've been told I can get a refund but I have to send them back - quite expensive and what's to say it will be honoured at the other end.

Is there really no-one that has any answers to this litany of complaints? What about Andrew Brennan, you look happy enough in yours - what's the secret Andrew in getting it working with Skype?

If there are no answers shall we all get together and see what else we can do. It is still being advertised on Skype despite all the complaints. Still saying it's 20 metres when the box says 15 and the truth says less. Are there any laws out there? It really isn't good enough to be selling a dodgy product, I don't care how new the technology is. If you buy a CD player and the speakers don't work do you just accept that? And does the shop tell you to go contact Sony, nothing to do with them. I don't think so. When I emailed skype with my first complaint they sent me to a manufacturer's page, bad enough in itself and then it didn't even list FreeTalk.

Come on Skype, tell us who the manufacturer is or do the right thing and issue everyone with a refund for this non-performing product and an apology.

Hmmm. After reading the above posts, I think that maybe I purchased the only existing Freetalk 5091 that works as advertised. I have a Maxel NC-II headset, without microphone, that has better sound and is more comfortable to wear, but as for the Freetalk, the range is more than adequate, the sound is good and my callers report that the sound from the microphone is good. I use the headset for Skype and to listen to music from Pandora.com. My only real complaint is that while using the headset on Windows Vista Ultimate, I often get a message that my Windows USB Wireless has stopped communicating. However, I never seem to experience a loss in service from the headset or in the other wireless devices that are attached to my computer.

i got mine few days ago.. its 5191
i loved it since i got it.. the sound is amazin, and people who i have been talking to say they can hear me better than ever, so the mic is great as well..
everithin was oerfect.. for the first few days..

now it just doesnt work.. i plug it in the computer, the lights on the tingle sometimes blink, sometimes not... i can't pair them, and windows keep tellin me the usb device is not recognised...

i loved this headset.. and thats why im so pissed off bout all this.. only few days it worked...

I purchased the TALK-5191 about one month ago and have been very happy with its performance. Had only one problem with it 'dying' on me after using for about two weeks; after charging, I pressed the ON button but nothing happened. Two days later still would not power on.

In the manual, 'reset the headphones' is mentioned but there is no procedure given. I am not sure that what I did was their reset procedure, but what I did do, made the headphones begin working again.

I think these headphones are just very sensitive to the order in which you turn them on and off, connect/disconnect charger, etc. What I have started doing is making sure the headphones are turned OFF before connecting or disconnecting anything. So far, I have not had any more problems.

In response to 'rferre2000' regarding wanting to continue using the charging function of the USB port, you can go to the audio properties for that port and 'disable' the audio device. Your computer will then revert to your default audio device and the headphones will continue to charge.

I have just purchased Freetalk 5091 - not working on the headset. Headphones are paired but nothing coming out of them - how do I return them - seems a massive con when I read the above posts.

I have just purchased Freetalk 5091 - not working on the headset. Headphones are paired but nothing coming out of them - how do I return them - seems a massive con when I read the above posts.

I would never buy it again! In the beginning it worked well with good sound.
Then it started not to pair, then not to charge and currently doesnt do any o those.
I was also disppointed by the range (when it worked!), it doesn't go more than 6-8 meters without any wall. As soon as you go to anther room or more than 9 meters..it stops. Hope that the company takes SOME responsibilites and I hope Skype removes it from it's suppliers.

I wonder whether there is a general problem with bluetooth and headsets and Skype and Leopard. I have tried two bluetooth headset - Motorola and Plantronics, which work on cell phones, and i get output to the headset fine, but static when I try to leave a message on the Skype test call, which works using the built in speaker and microphone on the MacBook Air. Apple "knows of no problems" with bluetooth headsets.

I wonder whether there is a general problem with bluetooth and headsets and Skype and Leopard. I have tried two bluetooth headset - Motorola and Plantronics, which work on cell phones, and i get output to the headset fine, but static when I try to leave a message on the Skype test call, which works using the built in speaker and microphone on the MacBook Air. Apple "knows of no problems" with bluetooth headsets.

I am still using the TALK-5191; had only one problem which I wrote about in a previous comment above. The distance is good, microphone audio is good and the listening volume is great. Regarding the distance, the puck is like any antenna; the higher you place the puck the greater the distance. The USB cable needs to be longer. I haven't tried a USB extension cable yet.

In response to richard.gregorian, did you check to make sure the audio driver for the USB port is installed? When I plug in my USB cable, the default audio driver switches to FREETALK Wireless Headset (I am using Windows XP).

Hi,
I just purchased the headphones and it is charging for the 4 hours, but while doing so my skype phone rang and because I did not have on the head phones I did not hear it. How am I supposed to hear the phone ringing when I do not have on the headset?

Hey I am kinda commputer illerate so please walk me through this. At the moment I am feeling confused and just want to send it back.

lilly

You can ajust your audio/audio recording settings using your control pannel if you are using windows. To do so go to start-control pannel-sounds speech and audio devices-sounds and audio devices-click on the audio tab at the top. Then for the sound playback click on the one you want to use. Then if you have a separate computer microphone, you can switch those settings as well. You can also switch the volume settings if the volume was too low.

I like my headset but there is no way to be able to adjust the volume on the headset.
I have made all the setting and it still is not working. Can somebody help me please?
The global key is enable and the pairing is done. What else should I do????
Thank you

I have had my FreeTalk for a few months now and it has been the best thing since sliced bread and sex (not better). No problems except for the range. 30 ft is just not enough.

I bought this headset and must say, I feel ripped off. Why advertise that you make a functional wireless headset and sell it at the skype store when it clearly does not work. I've not been able to make a single phone call due to the fact that the microphone/voice recording is not functional! I want my money back and for Skype to stop the miseleading advertizing (article above/text on box, etc).

I bought this headset and must say, I feel ripped off. Why advertise that you make a functional wireless headset and sell it at the skype store when it clearly does not work. I've not been able to make a single phone call due to the fact that the microphone/voice recording is not functional! I want my money back and for Skype to stop the miseleading advertizing (article above/text on box, etc).

Hi
Have they fixed the mic problems yet? I want the talk 5191. I guess it it the latest model. I saw it at amazon.com. for some reason it is listed under electronics rather than computer accessories if you care to look.
As far as the ppl that need to contact the manufacturer, I got this info from amazon.com from one of the reviewers:
The first customer review was by Lawrence D Lowe III on FEB 26, 2009. He stated:

If you have one of these and need support, here's what you do...

1) Go to http://www.instoreshop.com/support
2) Under Contact click E-Ticket system
3) Submit a ticket with your issue
4) Wait a couple days
He said they solved the problem for him.

I didn't need support, but the site is there and there is an E-Tick system.
Can't really say otherwise. Hope this helps.

Hi Again
Have any of you that have had mic problems checked to make sure that the mic is not muted in the volume comtrol of your computer. It can be muted and it doesn't do the red mute thing like the speaker mute does. You can control the volume of the mic and speaker there also.

Anyway I have a question, if anyone can please answer it. What kind of battery/charger setup does it have? Can I leave it on the headset on the charger when I am not useing it, or will that do something bad to the battery?
Thanks much

Reply to kzolady:

You can charge the battery while the headset is in use or not in use. Once the battery is fully charged, the red LED will turn off indicating the charging cycle is complete. So, there is no need to immediately disconnect the charging cord. Just an FYI, after using your headset for a long period of time, you will eventually hear an intermittent 'beeping' indicating the battery is low and needs charging.

I purchased the TALK-5191 in October of last year and it is still working. I never had a problem with the mic audio. People have said my mic audio sounds just fine.

reply to seawardcomm
Thanks for the info. I went to the website and downloaded the pdf file for this. It is pretty helpful. Among other things the beeping noise is low battery and the battery only charges when the computer is up. If your computer is shut off or on standby the battery won't charge. I highly recommend downloading and reading the pdf file.
I also emailed them and suggested that it might be a good thing to improve the headset by making it possible to change the battery. I told them that a lot of customer reviews stated that they didn't like batteries that couldn't be changed. I also pointed out that they could sell batteries. Any one else please feel free to suggest the same thing to them.
kzolady

Theoretically speaking this headset should have been the answer for most of my online communication, the wireless aspect sold meon it. The reality this headset is a scratchy and muffled sounding, barely audible from the other end, waste of $80. odd dollars with shipping and handling. CD quality? Only if it's pumped through am radio or a drainage pipe. Did I miss something or did they also neglect to mention the answer/hang-up function of the "pair button" will not work in the beta version of Skype, as the "global hot keys" check box they refer to in the directions does not exist. In it's place is a check box labeled "enable hot keys". This is all it does, enable hot keys not the headset functions. Someone please tell me I overlooked something here.

I just received the 5191 model last night and I'm impressed by the sound quality. I love the plug and play aspect - 4 hours charge and then it just worked.

I've not measured the distance from my kitchen to the puck but it seems the 15 meter claim is good. The occasional "RF glitch" sound happened at that distance so it's not perfect, but hey, it's still pretty cool.

I was surprised this morning to find it "beeping", indicating a recharge was necessary already, so I may have to add to this post later......we'll see.

Next day - To add to my comment, I found that the headset needs to be turned off when not in use to preserve battery. Makes sense. Here is a review:
http://forums.finalgear.com/technology/looking-for-a-near-perfect-wireless-headset-review-of-freetalk-wireless-headset-24677/

I purchased mine in February 09. Worked great for about two months, now the mic does not work. I can not find the manufacturer of the piece of junk anywhere... Skype should stand behind the products it sells on its website. This is completely unacceptable. Has anyone had luck replacing this product? If so please let me know. I spent $80.00 US for nothing... I am very unhappy right now.

Hi,

I bought the freetalk 5191,
Sound Quality is quite well, Microphone seems to work mor or less fine.
The problem I have is, that while the freetalk headset is connected the internet connection slows down so I can't talk or surf or download emails etc.
after disconnecting the headsed everything is fine.
Has anybody an idea why this is so and if there is a solution?

thanks

Like many above me, I, too, had problems with the mike on the FreeTalk 5191. Or so I thought. It turned out the my mike worked fine.

What didn't work so well was the headset for incoming Skype calls. I finally yowled loudly enough that the Amazon-affiliated vendor from which I bought the 5191 elevated my complaint to where it got the attention of a terrific guy @ InStoreShop.com, which makes Skype's equipment. He called me via Skype, and walked me through the solution. Let me pass it along.

First, do as others have said and check to make sure your volume in Windows isn't muted. Then, in Skype (I'm running v3.8, but I'm told it's the same in 4.0), go to Tools, General, Audio Settings. Then, look at the drop-downs for Microphone and Speakers and set them to Freetalk Wireless Headset. I leave the Ringing setting as-is on my computer speakers. Click Save and your troubles should be over. Mine are. The headset and quality are FANTASTIC!

I bought the FREETALK Connect2 (5068) - when it arrived it was evident that it had been previously opened and sent back due to the snapped piece on the webcam. I then realised i've not been sent a confirmation reciept and the support part in the site is broken the subcat box has been disabled so you cannot complete the form.

I have no order ref# no contact no support no £37 - the only thing i can think of is reporting Skype/instoreshop to VISA

I bought this headset about 9 months ago and it worked great for about 5 months - no problems with the mic or anything else. I was fully satisfied. Then, the plastic pieces within the ear piece itself cracked. I tried to fix it myself and when I took the earpice apart, it just crumbled into multiple pieces. So, the headset became useless as there was no way for it to stay on my head. I guess I threw away the recepit because I could not find it so my only recourse was to contact Skype and try to return it and get it repaired. Sykpe customer service is terrible and I never received a response. Skype no longer carries the headset. I'm not sure who manufactures the headset so I guess I'm completely out of luck and lost 80 bucks! Thanks skype!

Where can I find the pairing instructions for my FREETALK Wireless headsets?
I am looking everywhere thru the Skype site and dont see them.

I have ordered a FreeTalk Wireless Headset more than 3 weeks ago, but I have received no confirmation and no Headset. The money was immediately withdrawn from my account.

I have not been able to find any contact informations for instoreshop.com and I would therefore like to warn everybody not to buy anything from this shop.