Watching kids use Motorola’s new TalkAbout SLK Two-Way Radios reminded me of the fun I had years ago with Citizen-Band (CB) Radios! Not only can you communicate (clearly) with your best buds, you can eavesdrop on other conversations and join in. How totally cool!
Unlike the big and bulky CB radios of the past or the boring-looking rectangular black walkie-talkies common to most geeky neighborhood kids, the TalkAbout SLKs are in a league of their own. Although, it’s obvious times have changed.
Forget the “breaker, breaker, good buddy–what’s your 10-20″ talk ! Today, families converse on TalkAbout SLK Two-Way Radios like they do with cellular phones. Except, the TalkAbout SLK Two-Way Radios are more portable. This means more practical to use in real-life situations–like bike-riding around the neighborhood, selling Girl Scout cookies, communicating with your kids at the mall, or keeping one upstairs and one downstairs so you can calmly communicate with your children, instead of going down the stairs for the 566th time or yelling at them to let the dogs in or turn the TV off!
You’re just as likely to hear TalkAbout SLK Two-Way radio communications like “I’m almost at the top of the mountain and this one rock isn’t supporting me. Can you guys get over here quick?” or “Hey kids, I’m exhausted…you’ll find me sitting in front of Coffee Plantation nursing a headache and some caffeine..haven’t you played all the videos games YET? I’ve searched the entire mall for you guys and I’m through!.” It is 1999 technology, after all.
Motorola’s TalkAbout SLK two way radios are amazingly small and simple to use. Although Motorola claims that a TalkAbout SLK can fit into the back pocket of your tightest jeans, they’re not that tiny! But then again, maybe my jeans are extra tight.
About the size of a deck of cards (bigger than most wallets you’ll want to sit on) and measuring in at a meager 3.5 inches tall, weighing 4.5 ounces (including batteries); the sleek TalkAbout SLK is palm-sized and is ideal to clip on a belt loop (a belt holster comes standard with the SLK radios), stash in a purse or carry in a backpack as you go about usual weekend family routines like going to the mall, hiking a mountain, playing in the park, bike riding or going camping.
We experienced excellent range using a pair of TalkAbout SLKs in the metropolitan Phoenix area and its surrounding desert areas. Depending on terrain and conditions, it seems that, at times, we could reach more than the two mile range it claims to cover.
The hip and stylish TalkAbout SLKs come in four delightful colors: Pacific Green,Baltic Purple,Napa Burgundy, and Graphite Black.
Unlike CB radios, the TalkAbout radios operate on the Family Radio Service (FRS) band specifically aimed at family and recreational use. This means you won’t need to be licensed or pay service fees to use this re-classified band of radio frequencies set aside by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. Just touch a button and you’re in communicado with your buddies!
Made of tough , yet lightweight, water, dust and shock resistant high-impact plastic (similar to the stuff motorcycle helmets are made of), the TalkAbout SLK is little enough for a 6-year-old kid to stay connected to his neighborhood pals or savvy enough for a 14-year-old teen to tuck into a backpack to keep in communications with parents or friends.
Using the new rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride battery pack allows you to get a decent charge out of the TalkAbout SLK–about 11 hours of use. Or, you can opt to use three AA alkaline batteries which can provide up to 30 hours of use depending on use.
The TalkAbout SLK Two-Way Radios we tested were the top of the line 280 model. These radios had additional features such as channel scanning capabilities and audible alert calls which you can use to send a special tone to alert another TalkAbout user of an incoming call.
One word describes the scanning and audible alert features, according to my almost 14-year old daughter, “AWESOME”. I think’s she’s right. I will point out that if you’re looking for a simpler model to use (say, for younger kids) you may be just as happy with the 270 model, which is less expensive (approximately $169.99 each) and is identical to the 270 model, except it lacks the scan and alert features.
Fourteen available Channels, 38 Interference Eliminator Codes (this is an awesome feature!), “talking” channel confirmation, five unique call/alert tones, channel lock, scan mode, back-lit LCD display, LCD display, battery level indicator, audible low battery alert, and audio accessory compatibility are just some of the many features the TalkAbout SLK 280 Two-Radios offer.
Motorola offers a one-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship on the two-radios under normal use and service.
Although they’re definitely pricey, their rugged durability and powerful user-friendly features make them a worthwhile family investment–if you can afford it.