Byte-Sized Review: Atomic9's Bluetooth Wristband Speakerphone

Got Bluetooth in your ear? Not only do we all secretly think you look ridiculous, but you're way out of the loop re: cell accessories.

The newest thing to hit the market is Atomic9's Bluetooth Wristband Speakphone (mouthful), and after spending a few days playing around with one, I'm happy to offer you all my advice.

Things to keep in mind before we begin: I *don't* recommend you walk and talk with this product … unless you want to look like Captain James T. Kirk making a mission log. But, then again, I don't recommend you walk and talk on a normal earpiece either - that's pretentious and dangerous. I mean, how will the public differentiate between people speaking into a Bluetooth no one can see and those people arguing with random voices in their heads?

Moving on, I freaking love this thing. The wristband is unobtrusive and fairly stylish in a geek-chic kinda way, but most importantly, it's *obvious*. There is nothing else you can mistake this wristband for, and you can't hide the speakerphone while you're using it. And, this is a very good thing. (See above: 'Things to keep in mind.')

The buttons do take a quick read-through and testing of the manual to understand, but the features offered in this Atomic9 gem are well worth any effort. Sound quality is akin to any speakerphone you've ever used, so don't act all surprised when things are a little scratchy or people have a hard time hearing you. The tradeoff is the ability to drive hands-free with your wrist close to your mouth (assuming you put your hands on top of the steering wheel when you drive).

From a personal standpoint, I do most of my talking in the car (talking, never texting). I've tested Bluetooth earpieces before, and I always feel much more distracted without something to occupy my hands. There is something about hearing a person's voice shot directly into your ear that makes me uncomfortable.

Other cool things about the Atomic9 Bluetooth Wristband: It has a built-in buzzer that lets you know if you accidentally wander out of a restaurant while leaving your phone on the table - the device can only ever get 30 feet away from your phone. Also, the caller ID will actually *speak* the name out loud to you in case you're avoiding last night's Internet date.

3 stars out of 4

If you're interested in trying out Atomic9's Bluetooth Wristband Speakerphone, they're $99 and available at Amazon.com. Click here or below for more info! Atomic9 BT Wristband Speakerphone (Black)

PS - HAPPY 'EMBRACE YOUR GEEKINESS' DAY!! 8 - ) We'll have some great sites you can visit to celebrate on Friday!