CNET Editor's rating: 8.7 out of 10
Reviewed by
Nicole Lee
Review date: 01/31/07
The good: The Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset has a fashionable, sophisticated design, and it fits quite comfortably around the ear. Its noise-canceling technology is DARPA-approved, resulting in excellent audio quality.
The bad: The Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset has hard-to-press buttons, and there is no volume rocker, so you have to cycle through five different volume settings instead of simply increasing and decreasing the volume.
The bottom line: The Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset is one of the best-looking headsets we've ever seen. Despite its quirky buttons, it delivers superior sound quality with a comfortable fit.
Aliph has finally given their old wired Jawbone headset a much-needed upgrade for the Bluetooth generation. The Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset is quite simply one of the most eye-catching headsets we've ever had the pleasure of using. Designed by renowned industrial designer Yves Behar, the headset even comes packaged in a museum-style showcase. But the Jawbone isn't all beauty and no brains; it packs in three microphones and a voice-activity sensor as well as military-grade "noise shield" technology that has been approved by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the U.S. Department of Defense's independent research branch. We did have an issue with the quirky buttons, but it's a lesser issue given that it's such a beautiful piece of hardware that delivers excellent quality. It does cost a hefty $119.99, but it's well worth the price. The headset is available in three colors: gray, black, and red. You can purchase it from Cingular or from Jawbone's Web site.
As we've mentioned, the Jawbone Bluetooth headset is one of the sexiest headsets we've ever laid eyes on. Its rectangular design has a perforated texture on the front that makes it look more like a piece of art than a simple headset. It isn't a terrifically compact headset by any means, measuring 1.8x2.2x0.7 inches, but its smart design more than makes up for its slight bulk. Above the perforated piece is a slick LED that glows white when the headset is active, and on top of that is a curved piece of black plastic.
If you're wondering where the buttons are, the very top part of the perforated piece is actually the Talk button and the bottom part of the black plastic is the Noise Shield button. We found these "hidden" buttons a little tricky to press since you have to push down on a large piece of plastic, resulting in a somewhat spongy feeling. The Talk button can be used to power the headset on and off, answer and end calls, redial the last number, and transfer a call from the headset to the phone or vice versa. The Noise Shield button is used for pairing, turning the "noise shield" technology on and off, rejecting a call, and changing the headset's volume as described below.
We must note that the Jawbone Bluetooth headset doesn't come with a volume rocker because its audio enhancement technology will automatically adjust the volume according to the environment. That said, if you do want to manually adjust the volume, you can do so by pressing the Noise Shield button to increase the volume up to the maximum level until it loops back down to the lowest volume (there are five volume levels). That said, we would have preferred an actual volume rocker for ease of use.
Behind the headset are the earpiece, a curved flexible ear loop, and a tiny voice-activity sensor (it's the tiny, white rubber piece) that must lie against your cheek in order for the headset to detect the vibration of your voice. The earpiece fits very comfortably just inside the ear, and the springy ear loop made it easy for us to position the headset so that the voice-activity sensor was properly placed. The headset comes with an array of different earbuds and ear loops for additional comfort and security.
More impressive than the headset's looks, however, is the technology behind it. The Jawbone has three different microphones built into the device, the aforementioned voice-activity sensor plus Aliph's proprietary Noise Shield audio processing in order to help reduce outside noise and not only amplify your own voice but also enhance incoming audio. We tried this with the T-Mobile Sidekick 3 at a traffic-heavy intersection. We were impressed that we could hear our caller without too many problems, though strong gusts of wind did muffle the audio quality a little. Surprisingly, our caller didn't even know we were outside. He said he thought he heard "clicking" and "some voices" but not much else in the background.
The Jawbone Bluetooth headset has a rated talk time of 6 hours and a rated standby time of 120 hours. Other features of the headset include voice-dialing support and a battery strength indicator.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Here's a Trick To Make Jawbone Fit & Stay In Your Ear Better!
Ok, for those of you that have the Jawbone or are looking to purchase it, let's face it - ...
Ok, for those of you that have the Jawbone or are looking to purchase it, let's face it - it's the best on the market period! The noise cancelling it can do is simply phenomenal! I know since I have had them all from Jabra, Motorolla, Plantronics, etc. We have all been there, if you are in your car, airport, or outside the background noise makes it very difficult for the other person to hear you. If you want to solve that, get the Jawbone!
Now for the problem. The biggest complaint is that it is hard to get the Jawbone to stay in your ear, get on your ear, or feel comfortable in your ear.
Now for the fix. Buy some spare Jabra EarGels from the Jabra website under "Accessories" at $7 for a packet of 6! Jabra EarGels are designed to channel sound directly into the ear for perfect reception, so conversations sound clear and natural at both ends of the call. They are made of a translucent soft material shaped to sit snugly in your ear for a comfortable and secure fit. Jabra EarGels are hygienic and washable and come six in a pack - three sizes for left and right ears.
**The Jabra EarGels are molded to fit an ear perfectly and they will fit over the current round rubber earbud from Jawbone! That's right, keep the round black rubber earbud from Jawbone on the earpiece and then slide the Jabra EarGel over it. Both earbud and EarGel fit snug together and the holes line up perfect! Now you can take off the metal Jawbone earloop. Now place it in your ear. Ah ha, notice it stays solid in your ear and the sound is louder for you to hear. Also with a more secure fit, the Jawbone's voice activation sensor stays snug against your cheek. You can now even take off the Jawbone's tricky earloop since the Jabra EarGel makes the Jawbone stay put in your ear. Without having to use the earloop, you can take the Jawbone on and off your ear fast.
The new Aliph Jawbone is attractively (expensively) packaged and looks techno-chic, but falls well ...
A review from a real end-user:
The new Aliph Jawbone is attractively (expensively) packaged and looks techno-chic, but falls well short on usability.
It is fairly easy to set up and pair with a phone. Slipping the Aliph on is a bit of a chore at first until you get used to guiding the unique ear loop onto your ear. Once it's on, your work is not done. I tried every combination of earloop and ear insert, but none fixed the basic problem with the Jawbone staying in place. The headset is large and heavy by 2007 standards, and much of the weight is set out away from the ear toward the mouth. This causes the headset to easily rotate downward on the ear, which causes two immediate problems: (1) the earpiece that is in the ear pops out and (2)the voice sensor loses contact with your jaw. If you sit still, it's no problem, but if you just walk around a little, the slight jostling from your gait will cause the Jawbone to fall out.
So do you need glue to use the Jawbone? Not quite. I was about to return it, but gave it another shot by taking one of the earloops and bending the embedded metal loop . Being well versed in adjusting wire eyeglass temples, I managed to get the Jawbone to stay put even as I walked around the room.
Next, I tried out the voice and calling quality for a couple weeks in various environments: in the office, in the car, at the coffee shop. There is no doubt it is one of the best, if not the best, voice quality for those listening to you talk. "Sounds like you are on speakerphone in a quiet room." said one listener while I was speaking to them from a noisy airport. In addition, the range was very good, one of the first headsets I've used with a true 30' range.
However, I found the sound quality on my end to be average to poor. Everyone sounded tinny and small compared to the quality of very average bluetooth headsets. Workable? Yes. Ideal? No.
Also, in day to day use, the tiny button used to answer and end calls is very hard to use. I found that I had to grab my phone and answer from there, otherwise I risked missing calls.
Finally, the pairing logic is just fair. When either the phone or the headset has been turned off or disconnected (which happens when the Jawbone is charging, for instance). They re-pair only about 80% of the time. The rest of the time you have to manually reconnect via the phone menu. In comparison, the Motorola and Jabra models I've used recently worked great, and the paired devices always re-paired without user intervention.
A keeper? Well, that depends on whether you work in demolition . . .
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by dkshim (see profile) -
February 5, 2007
7 out of 10 - Very good Good but not as impressive as I'd hoped....
I have used a variety of bluetooth headphones in the past, including those from Jabra and Logitech, and generally been ...
I have used a variety of bluetooth headphones in the past, including those from Jabra and Logitech, and generally been satisfied with them, but since I was shopping for a new one (the old one got stepped on) I was hoping for something that would be an upgrade. This isn't a first generation technology any more so as I shopped around my expectations were kind of high. Other than Jawbone, however, no one seemed to be offering anything other than smaller, or "cooler" looking (neither of which was a draw for me). So I gave the Jawbone a shot.
My biggest problems with all the headsets I have ever used is not background noise. While I do live in NYC and frequently use it in loud environments people have always been able to hear me, if not perfectly. What always defeats my calls is wind, and it's no different with this headset. A mime doing the "walking into the wind" bit nearby is practically enough to make me incomprehensible to the person on the other end. As for the general noise cancelling ability that is supposed to be this headsets big selling point, I thought it worked well, but it didn't "wow" me. It's evolutionary, not revolutionary which is really what I was hoping for, especially for the price.
I agree with some of the other reviewers that the volume is kind of low and the voice quality is somewhat tinny, but to be honest the earbud doesn't fit me very well so that could be part of the problem. This of course brings me to the next problem. No matter what bud I use it doesn't actually fit into my ear. It seems the general shape of the headset is designed to keep it in contact with the users jaw, however in doing so it keeps the earbud from reaching far enough into my ear. I never had this problem with other headsets so I don't think my face/ear structure is so statistically odd as to make my problem unique. At any rate for my optimal use they would need to either include a greater variety of earbuds or perhaps attach the earbud to some sort of adjustable stem.
My final problem is the buttons. I don't know who can use that itty bitty stud that serves as the answer button. Besides being tiny, it also offers no tactile feedback, or even an audible beep to let you know when you have sucessfully activated it. On many occasions I have accidentally hung up on calls since I was unaware of having sucessfully triggered it to answer in the first place. The same is true when hanging up. At times I have tried repeatedly to hang up on a finished call, and after unknowingly doing so, continue to press the button at which point the phone dials the last number that called me. It means I'm forced to use the handset to answer and end calls. Frustrating.
Still, despite these disadvantages the phone generally works well. It paired easily with my Sony-Ericsson, the range is superior to any other headset I've ever used, and so far the battery life is good as well. It's very comfortable and lightweight, and I frequently forget it's even on. I think it's also true that it has an very sharp and unique design that sets it appart from all other headsets. If the cost is not prohibitive I'd recommend it to anyone who prizes style as much as substance.
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by terraph (see profile) -
February 6, 2007
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Best on the market right now
I tried two other bluetooth headsets with my ppc-6700 and they both let me down. I needed one that worked ...
I tried two other bluetooth headsets with my ppc-6700 and they both let me down. I needed one that worked flawlessly with Microsoft Voice Command because its a pain to answer the phone while driving.
A friend recommended the Jawbone but I was skeptical to pay that much for a headset...man was it ever worth it.
The sound quality is superb. I can hear crystal clear and the ppl on the other end can hardly hear when im outside or even in the car with music.
The only real problem with it is the earbuds. They give u 4 different ones but they all werent the right fit and would make the headset fall off with ease. The remedy to this owever is to get a set of Jabra eargels. i found them on ebay for $4 and they work perfectly. The earpiece is really solid once its on.
Again def best one out on the market..especially if u have a ppc or mda with MS voice command.
P.S. heres a tip: if u have a ppc or mda with ms voice command, look for a program called buetooth ID transfer and with it installed voice command will say what name is calling, read u new text messages and even new email over the headset. to me its better than the beep that u hear from the headset. the program also comes with an audio program that allows u to listen music or even slingpayer through the headset.
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by mrbonner (see profile) -
March 2, 2007
3 out of 10 - Poor Great Sound but Incompatible with Moto Q
My brother and I both have the Motorola Q and purchased the Jawbone Bluetooth due to its reported ability to ...
My brother and I both have the Motorola Q and purchased the Jawbone Bluetooth due to its reported ability to block the backround noise we got on other Bluetooth headsets. With regard to noise it was for all intent non existant. The problem is that it frequently disconnects from the Q every hour or so. You hear three beeps and it is gone. At times when you initiate a call using the Jawbone, you don't hear the other party. Then you realize that the call has jumped onto the Q. You can turn it back to the Jawbone but who wants to go through all that. My brother and I both experience the problems. I plan to contact Ailph tomorrow to discuss the problem.
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by golfcraz (see profile) -
February 4, 2007
4 out of 10 - Mediocre Wanted it to be better
I bought the Jawbone the day it came out in December at Cingular. I really wanted to like it as ...
I bought the Jawbone the day it came out in December at Cingular. I really wanted to like it as I'm constantly searching for the bluetooth holy grail of fit and sound quality. Unfortunately, I found that the Jawbone underdelivered on both fronts.
On fit, despite the multitude of loops and earpieces, I could just never get the device to sit well on my ear. Beyond comfort, this had two significant negative effects.
First, I had a hard time maintaining adequate volume when the ear insert started to slip. Given the quirky volume control, it was hard to adjust the level back to something sufficiently loud.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, the unit MUST fit well against your face in order for the sound cancellation technology to work appropriately. There is a little rubberized nub that is supposed to sit against your cheekbone to pick up the vibrations. Since I could never get a good solid fit, I was constantly losing the benefit of the special technology.
One additional issue: the device did not pair well with my Motorola Q (which has the latest software). It would randomly switch between hands free on and off, even when I tried to initiate a call from the device itself.
As such, I've decided for now to stick with my less than ideal, but better fitting Plantronics 510, which at $50 from Amazon, is a much better deal than this device for $120. Even at equal prices, I'd still pick the Plantronics. The Jawbone has gone back to Cingular...
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great Bluetooth
I've purchased several bluetooth headsets in the past. The Jawbone is by far and away the best when it ...
I've purchased several bluetooth headsets in the past. The Jawbone is by far and away the best when it comes to noise cancellation...often times, it can be downright amazing.
I live in a metro area, and I walk or take public transportation just about everywhere. So background noise had always been an issue for people I call...not any longer with the Jawbone. Nonetheless, some sounds will still get through. As the CNET review said, wind will often (but not always) get past the noise cancellation technology, I think it all seems to depend on the frequency of the noise.
I don't particularly find the headset that attractive, nor is it particularly small to me...but I guess that's a personal taste issue. The fit is adequate, and I think if you're willing to spend the time to try out the different ear loops and covers, you can make it fairly comfortable.
The biggest con for me is that the speaker volume isn't always enough. I often have a hard time hearing the caller in noisy environments (even though they can hear me crystal clear...ironic).
I do not, however, have any problems with the volume rocker as I don't find rockers that's useful to me really. Nor do I find the "hidden" buttons a problem either. I have no difficulties accessing them or pressing them. In fact, the buttons have been the easiest for me to use.
Connectivity with the Jawbone is excellent. Will all my previous headsets, I always had problems reconnecting my headset if i walked too far away from my phone...but the Jawbone reconnects flawlessly. It's ability to stay connected through walls and around corners seems to be better than all my previous headsets as well.
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by lovellpcl (see profile) -
February 6, 2007
Like some other reviewers I originally had problems with it fitting ...
Works just fine with my LG 8600 with Verizon.
Like some other reviewers I originally had problems with it fitting too loosely. Finally got brave and bent the standard metal ear clip just a tiny bit, and I then had a perfect fit.
The only thing to remember when watching the Jawbone demo at the Jawbone site is that it's demonstrating the sound on both sides that's being generated through the headset. Don't forget that you do have an extra ear where sound is also being generated.
Finally, I'm still tending to give in to the all too easy temptation of speaking too loudly when I'm in a crowd. I'm still learning to trust the headset and speak normally. Read more
by tonypena (see profile) -
February 6, 2007
6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Excellent Sound and the workmanship is excellent
I have owned numerous ear pieces. The jawbone has the best sound of any product on the market today. Callers ...
I have owned numerous ear pieces. The jawbone has the best sound of any product on the market today. Callers are amazed at the quality of my voice. Very little background noise is heard by caller. The ear piece is a high quality constructed product. It can be adjusted by bending the outer metal piece open or closed. It will fit any ear comfortably once adjusted.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Well made, excellently packaged, awesome technology
I've had a jawbone headset for about two weeks and it is, by far, the best bluetooth (or even ...
I've had a jawbone headset for about two weeks and it is, by far, the best bluetooth (or even wired) headset I've ever used. I broke an earloop (completely my fault) and their customer service sent me one for free. I've never had a company be so understanding and take care of me.
Finally, someone has made a bluetooth headset worth every penny!
Updated To preface: I never feel compelled to write online about products I have bought; however, with Jawbone, I've now felt compelled to write twice.
Updated To preface: I never feel compelled to write online about products I have bought; however, with Jawbone, I've now felt compelled to write twice.
Updated To preface: I never feel compelled to write online about products I have bought; however, with Jawbone, I've now felt compelled to write twice.
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