Electronics & Computers Deals here!Aliph Jawbone 2 (silver)
Manufacturer: AliphCom Part number: JAWBONE2SILVER
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- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Despite its quirks, the Aliph Jawbone 2 is quite possibly the ultimate Bluetooth headset in terms of design and sound quality.
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CNET editors' review
Aliph Jawbone 2 (silver) price range: $59.99 - $73.18
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 05/14/2008
- Released on: 05/15/2008
The good: The Aliph Jawbone 2 is a fashionable Bluetooth headset with a comfortable fit and an array of noise-canceling and voice-enhancement technologies that result in amazing sound quality.
The bad: The Aliph Jawbone 2 doesn't have a volume rocker, and the LED light is located directly on top of the Talk button.
The bottom line: Despite its quirks, the Aliph Jawbone 2 is quite possibly the ultimate Bluetooth headset in terms of design and sound quality.
When Aliph released the first Jawbone Bluetooth headset two years ago, it became CNET's highest rated Bluetooth headset because of its amazing sound quality and eye-catching design. Many of our readers agreed with our assessment, but there were two big complaints against it: it is bulkier than most headsets out there, and it has an unusual ear hook that made the Jawbone difficult to position correctly. Well, Aliph has listened, because the new Aliph Jawbone 2 has laid those negatives to rest. Not only is it smaller and lighter, the Jawbone 2 also has a simpler ear hook design and a fancy new look that leaves its predecessor in the dust. Its noise-canceling technology has even been upgraded from the "Noise Shield" to the "Noise Assassin," which promises to be more aggressive in canceling out ambient noise. Aliph claims that this Noise Assassin technology has been tested by the military and approved by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the U.S. Department of Defense's independent research branch. The Jawbone 2 is not cheap--it will retail for $129.99--but if you wish to get the ultimate in Bluetooth headsets, it is definitely worth it. The Jawbone 2 is available in black and rose gold.
Like the first Jawbone, the Aliph Jawbone 2 was designed by renowned industrial designer Yves Behar, and it shows. Instead of the perforated front of its predecessor, the Jawbone 2 has a beveled diamond pattern all along the front, which results in a three-dimensional texture that glides smoothly under our fingers. The big difference from its predecessor, however, is its size. The Jawbone 2 is almost 50 percent smaller than the original, measuring 2 inches long by 0.5 inch wide by 0.5 inch thick and weighing 0.35 ounce.
At first glance, it may appear there are no buttons on the Jawbone 2. But though you cannot see the controls, you can feel them--there's the Talk button on the front of the headset, while Aliph's patented Noise Assassin button is on the top. On top of the Talk button is a very slim sliver of an LED light, which glows white when the headset is powered on. You also have the option to turn the LED off completely. Though these hidden buttons result in a streamlined design, we did think it would be better to have a more obvious Talk button instead of having to feel around for it. Also, since the LED light is directly on top of the Talk button, it makes it difficult to press the button and see the light at the same time.
We should note that there's no real volume rocker since the Jawbone 2 is configured to adjust the volume automatically according to the environment, thanks to its Noise Assassin technology. If you wish to turn the Noise Assassin off, you can do so by hitting the Noise Assassin button. And then if you wish to adjust the volume manually, the Noise Assassin button also acts as a singular volume control, meaning you have to cycle through different volume levels to get to the right volume. All that said, we would've preferred a volume rocker anyway, for ease of use.
Turn the headset around and you'll find a rubber earpiece, an optional ear hook, and a tiny white rubber nub that acts as the Voice Activity Sensor. In order for the voice-amplification technology to work, you must wear the headset so that the sensor lies against your cheek, allowing it to detect the vibration of your voice. Unlike the first Jawbone, the ear hook is completely optional. You can choose to wear the headset with or without it, since the earpiece fits more securely in the ear. Aliph also packages a few different size earpiece covers plus different ear hooks for a better fit. As a bonus, some of the ear hooks are made from real leather. We found the fit to be a lot more comfortable than the first--we could wear it very easily, and positioning the voice-activity sensor was easy to do, as well. Since the ear hooks are so flexible and thin, they can also be used when wearing eyeglasses.
Looks and fit aside, the most important reason to get the Jawbone 2 lies in its superior noise-canceling technology. It comes with a dual microphone array that helps to reduce wind noise, a technology that protects your ear against unexpected loud noises, and the aforementioned voice-activity sensor and Noise Assassin technology that helps to amplify your voice and drown out ambient sound. We tested this with the RIM BlackBerry Pearl in a number of environments: in a crowded restaurant, in a car, and outside on a windy day. The results were definitely impressive. Our callers could hear us loud and clear in all the situations. They did report some minor clicking and shuffling in the background, but it wasn't anything significant. In one particularly windy area, our callers didn't even realize we were outside. Similarly, we could hear them without any problems. We then compared the sound quality of the phone without the aid of the headset, and we were surprised to note that the sound quality was much improved with the headset than without.
The Jawbone 2 has a rated talk time of 4 hours and rated standby time of more than eight days. Some other features include voice command support, call waiting support, and a low-battery status indicator. It also comes with a magnetic charging base.
User reviews
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Solid Bluetooth Headset
by msenske on May 17, 2008
Pros: Great noise canceling capability, very comfortable fit, sleek design
Cons: Incoming audio quality isn't outstanding
Summary: I have used several bluetooth headsets over the past few years and the new Aliph Jawbone 2 is right at the top of the list. That being said there are ...
Summary: I have used several bluetooth headsets over the past few years and the new Aliph Jawbone 2 is right at the top of the list. That being said there are a few minor complaints.
I purchased the new Jawbone 2 to replace my Bang & Olufsen EarSet 2, which is an absolutely fantastic headset with the exception that it is bulky and its noise canceling features are middle of the road. I could never get the original Jawbone to fit snugly and comfortably, so I was never able to use it despite desperately wanting the noise canceling features that it offered.
The B&O has been a very solid compromise and it delivers absolutely amazing incoming audio quality. In fact, I have never used a bluetooth headset that has the incoming audio quality of the B&O.
When I saw that the Jawbone 2 was being released in a new form factor, I was very excited to give it a try. I can say that the sleek new Jawbone 2 is extremely comfortable and stylish as far as headsets go.
In order to test the Jawbone 2's noise canceling capabilities, I left my office voicemail several messages from different environments (e.g., outside, busy street, driving at highway speeds, in a crowded environment, etc.) The noise canceling capabilites of the Jawbone 2 are absolutely amazing. I could hardly hear any background noise and several of my coworkers and friends have commented on how good a job the new Jawbone does in terms of noise cancellation.
My biggest complaint is that incoming audio quality is only fair at best. It falls well short of the B&O, but it is on par with most other bluetooth headsets. Frankly, I was expecting better performance in this area.
Another gripe is that the headset doesn't seem to automatically adjust the incoming audio volume as effectively as advertised when the Audio Assassin feature is turned on. I find myself having to turn the volume up on my phone in order to adjust the volume to an acceptable level.
I think that I'll stick with the Jawbone 2 given the fact that my main reasons for puchasing it were for its noise canceling capabilties and its improved form factor. I guess I'll just have to put up with average incoming audio quality.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Still Assessing - Some good and some bad
by arhdc on May 17, 2008
Pros: A nice size, good outgoing sound quality
Cons: still having fitting issues, not loud enough for me, spare charging cables are too expensive
Summary: I have am a somewhat outdated blue tooth headset user, that is I tried almost everything that was readily available in mid 2005 (I bought and took back every bluetooth ...
Summary: I have am a somewhat outdated blue tooth headset user, that is I tried almost everything that was readily available in mid 2005 (I bought and took back every bluetooth headset that I could find in my local retailers), found that I really liked the bluespoon ax2. I bought and proceeded to break 4 of them in short order so much to my dismay. As a side note the bluespoon, they worked great for me but they were totally breakable, my last one died after a single fall to the floor. My next foray into bluetooth tech in mid 2006 with a Motorola H700 that I liked a lot (and still like - a solid performer and IT TURNS OFF EASILY). Spilled coffee on the H700 and replaced it with a Motorola H500 because I was still a bit skittish with fragile looking headsets and the H500 was inexpensive and durable looking. Couldn't stand the H500 for too long (it didn't turn off easily and was thus hard to carry, poor sound quality for me) and I was back to an H700 that lasted me until now (more than a year on this last one, the best I have done yet). All of this to say that I have never used the original jawbone or any of the currently hot and high end bluetooth headsets that are on the market but I am a longtime user that is lost without one. I am a bit nervous plopping down $130 for a new and as yet untested headset but I am giving it a try.
This is my first Jawbone and it is of course the New Jawbone (Wouldn't Jawbone II have been better - a search for "new jawbone" gives a lot of ebay hits for "new" rather than "used" jawbones) and I am sill in the love hate phase.
I have large ears and can't seem to get the darn thing to fit both comfortably and with good sound quality. It really needs the ability to go louder for those of us who can't get the earpeice to set correctly in our ear canals. Yes, I have been at this long enough to know to try all possible combinations and I have even attempted to go without the earloop in pursuit of the best fit. I do also have a beard and the cheek sensor seems to be able to reach my cheek without difficulty for any of you bearded men out there who are wondering. I have not given up yet but if this proves unfixable I will be returning it to my AT&T (oops now it's the New at&t) store.
The outgoing audio is seems good overall but I am still having trouble assessing that as well as some people have more trouble understanding me in relatively quiet environments than I had with my plain old H700. In loud environments others are able to hear me fairly well BUT I can't always hear them, defeating the intend.
My final gripe is that they have used a proprietary plug for the charger and if I want a second charger for the car I need to buy a $30 cable plus a usb to auto charging adapter (I have one of those but that is beside the point). Why not a mini USB plug, I have tons of mini usb chargers and they are not that big even as board mounted solder on modules, I have had enough headaches re-soldering them on busted devices to know this for certain.
So here is my summery:
-Overall decent quality outgoing sound that would be great if I could hear the darn thing on my end. The jury is still out for me on this point.
-Poor fitting, for me at the least. It needs better rubber earpeice options that are able to give a better seal OR have the ability to go louder.
-Magnetic charger cable is neat but I would rather have a mini usb plug for compatibility (maybe an inexpensive, short, mini usb to magnetic new jawbone adapter would be nice).
-Nicely put together, nice size and great packaging.
-Seems to be Beard Computable.
-Please add an easy to use OFF SWITCH to the New New Jawbone (that would be Jawbone III for the rest of us).
My final advice, buy one locally (an at&t store for next couple of months) if you want to try it but keep everything to be able to take it back if it is not up to par for you.9 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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"Great for iPhone!! One Complaint."
by computergeek1971 on May 23, 2008
Pros: Small; light; great sound quality; great fit
Cons: Makes a crunchy noise when pushing the talk button
Summary: I have owned 10 different Bluetooth headsets over the years. This is the best one I have used so far. I also owned the original jawbone headset, but this is ...
Summary: I have owned 10 different Bluetooth headsets over the years. This is the best one I have used so far. I also owned the original jawbone headset, but this is much improved.
The original jawbone was horrible when outside with ANY wind. This one has improved wind noise with a dual microphone system. The original was also huge compared to this one and heavier.
The worst thing about the original one was the earpiece. The only way I got the original jawbone to fit was by superglueing an "ear gel" on the headset and removing the hook. The Jawbone 2 fits perfect with the original earpiece. You don't even need to use the hook it fits so well and is so light.
The sound is very loud on this headset. I keep the volume turned all the way down on most calls. People on the other end hear me very well even though I am a "low talker".
The Jawbone 2 syncs up with the iPhone more quickly than the original or other headsets I have used. It also keeps a lock when near my radioactive microwave.
I only have one complaint about the Jawbone 2. When you push the talk button (or anywhere near it) it makes a cheap crunchy sound. It is almost as if the top plastic piece is not properly attached. I just got off the phone with customer service at Jawbone and the representative advised me this is normal and it makes the same crunchy sound on his Jawbone 2. He advised it may get better over time, but I kinda doubt that. The original Jawbone had a clean precise click when you pushed the talk button while you are left uncertain if you pushed the button or not on the Jawbone 2.
I ordered mine directly from Jawbone and it shipped out the same day. The packaging is very elaborate and over the top. I would rather get a plan white box and shave $10 off the cost. Happy bluetoothing!!7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointing
by joeldwright on May 19, 2008
Pros: Small size, elegant design, fast recharge,
Cons: poor outgoing sound quality
Summary: I used the original Jawbone for nearly a year before purchasing the new Jawbone last Friday.
My only complaint with the old Jawbone was that it wasn't that great ...Summary: I used the original Jawbone for nearly a year before purchasing the new Jawbone last Friday.
My only complaint with the old Jawbone was that it wasn't that great in the wind, but was excellent everywhere else.
With the new Jawbone, about half my callers are complaining about the sound quality, even when I am inside. I can hear them just fine, but they don't seem to hear me very well --they complain they only get every other word, or that it sounds like I'm inside a tin can. I've tried adjusting it every which way, and it doesn't seem to be improving, even when I push the VAS (or "Voice Activity Sensor" - that little rubber thing) into my cheek.
Just disappointing.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simply SUPERB!
by RadicalNow on June 3, 2008
Pros: Crystal clear sound, sexy smaller look, and state of the art technology all in one dynamic package!
Cons: Absolutely NONE! Version 2 corrected all the cons in my book!
Summary: Jawbone did it even better this time around--clearly they listened to their critics and make the needed changes. The sound between my first Jawbone and this one is MUCH better......
Summary: Jawbone did it even better this time around--clearly they listened to their critics and make the needed changes. The sound between my first Jawbone and this one is MUCH better...I actually hear some bass response in my callers voice. Yes, the tin-edge is much better! Buttons depress much easier now as well. What can I say, this version, IMHO, simply redefines the bluetooth headset world. Good luck improving on this one. My one suggestion to any long-term users of this headset is to spend the $60 and get a custom earpiece for this headset from www.averysound.com. They send you the impression kit and turnaround time is about 2 weeks. My 1st generation Jawbone earpiece works perfectly on the 2nd generation one. With that custom earpiece, your sound will be taken to a new level and you can wear it forever. It is more than worth it to "perfect" your Jawbone 2 experience.
By the way, I've owned ALL of the best/expensive headsets...this one is "it on a stick!"6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Going Backwards
by Att2dtail on May 16, 2008
Pros: Very loud incoming Sound
Cons: Poor Out Going Sound
Summary: Bought my Jawbone 2 yesterday from an ATT&T dealer. I tried it on while I was driving home and was so excited because the fit was great. You ...
Summary: Bought my Jawbone 2 yesterday from an ATT&T dealer. I tried it on while I was driving home and was so excited because the fit was great. You don't even feel that is on your ear unlike the original Jawbone. They finally fixed the comfort flaw. But guess what, they went backwards with the sound quality. This new "Assissan" noise cancellation is horrible. I tested it using my work voicemail with just a tv playing at a normal volume and it was horrible. Some of your words get cut out and you sometimes sound muffled. Why can't anyone get the whole package right. They should of kept their old "Noise Shield" and just fixed the comfort.
7 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best I've ever owned!
by Wide_opeN on May 20, 2008
Pros: Sleek desirable form factor. Packaging was out of sight, they definitely took one from the apple playbook in this dept. Headset is very comfortable. NoiseAssasin works as advertised.
Cons: None, No really there aren't any.
Summary: Ok, let me tell you I've had several Motorola headsets (HS850,H700,H555,HT820,H375)and for the most part they were good headsets, I originally started out on ...
Summary: Ok, let me tell you I've had several Motorola headsets (HS850,H700,H555,HT820,H375)and for the most part they were good headsets, I originally started out on the jabra bt250v and it too was a good headset as well. However, that's where any similarities end. This Jawbone II simply works and feels very comfortable and light on the ear. The leather is a nice touch on the ear loop too. Today, I decided to test the NoiseAssasin thoroughly by going into my laundry room while the washer and dryer were going and placed a call to the wife. She didn't even know where I was until I told her. I then turned NoiseAssasin off and she could then hear the washer/dryer. I turned it back on and then she couldn't hear the washer and dryer any longer. This is easily the best headset I've owned and I've had several. I'm going to order the wife the blueant z9. I'll come back here and update after testing it.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Big Disappointment
by Predator000 on May 22, 2008
Pros: Snug fit, smaller size, better looks
Cons: Sound quality
Summary: Well I spoke highly about the first jawbone and couldn't wait to get my hands on the new jawbone2. It?s a very good thing I didn?t eBay ...
Summary: Well I spoke highly about the first jawbone and couldn't wait to get my hands on the new jawbone2. It?s a very good thing I didn?t eBay my first jawbone. I?ve seen and read some of the reviews about this new jawbone2 and now wondering how it got such high a rating. This new product is now like most of the cheap and poorer performing Bluetooth on the market but at a higher price.
Outgoing calls sound terrible. Words are dropped, voice sound goes from normal to low level then to garble or just air. When I press the noise assassin button then my voice quality sounds a tad bit better but not like the original jawbone. I put this new jawbone2 through several test with calls to people and voicemails and it?s nowhere near the quality of the first jawbone. I also contacted jawbone support and they said maybe my deep voice might be causing problems with the noise assassin????????
Incoming calls sound like the average cheap Bluetooth headsets on the market now.
Jawbone will be sending me out a replacement soon. I?m hoping I just have a bad apple. And if the replacement is the same then I?m sticking with the original jawbone.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Incompatible with my BB 8320
by jswriter1963 on May 28, 2008
Pros: Excellent fit, comfortable, lightweight, looks cool
Cons: Can't place/receive calls with BB 8320
Summary: I had such high hopes for the Jawbone 2 and was thrilled by its fit, comfort and appearance. Sadly, I?ve had a terrible time trying to use the Jawbone ...
Summary: I had such high hopes for the Jawbone 2 and was thrilled by its fit, comfort and appearance. Sadly, I?ve had a terrible time trying to use the Jawbone 2 with my BlackBerry 8320. The headset has some incompatibility issue that makes it impossible to use. While connected to my 8320, all of my incoming calls are cut off within 5 seconds of answering and any call I place is dropped within 15 seconds. As soon as I turn off the Jawbone 2, my 8320 works perfectly. I know it sounds bizarre, but it?s the truth. I actually had T-Mobile send me a replacement 8320 because I thought it was the source of the problem. I'd like to know if anyone else experienced similar problems.
Updated
After lots of e-mails with Aliph and some experimentation on my own, I found the source of my problem. For some as of right now unknown reason, the 8320's WiFi is incompatible with my Jawbone 2. I found out by leaving my loft to get the mail. As I got to the mailbox a call came in and sounded excellent. Stunned, I placed a few calls and all of them worked perfectly. I noticed that the WiFi indicator was off and I was on T-Mobile's network. When I returned to my loft I placed a call when the WiFi turned on again. All the problems recurred. I turned off WiFi and the J2 worked great. I'm now at a point where all I have to do is set my Mobile Network Options > Connection Preference to Mobile Network Preferred to get the J2 to work. If I set it to WiFi Preferred, the J2 won't work until I reset it to Mobile Network Preferred. That's some effed up stuff.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not well designed
by khuntersr on July 24, 2008
Pros: sound quality is good
Cons: ear loops and buds dont work
Summary: i had the old jawbone and liked the sound quality, it was the best i ever used in bluetooth. It was just huge in size. Jawbone 2 picks up in ...
Summary: i had the old jawbone and liked the sound quality, it was the best i ever used in bluetooth. It was just huge in size. Jawbone 2 picks up in sound quality where the other one left off and they improved the look with 2, but thats it. i cant get the earpiece to stay secure in my ear even with all the diffrent combination attachments; and because it wont stay in place then the sensor dosent stay on the jaw and the sound quality is not good if it is not up against your cheek. i have had jawbone 2 for about a month and have already had two of the ear loops break on me. this product still has a ways to go to justify the price.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: AliphCom
- Part number: JAWBONE2SILVER
- Description: The New Jawbone is the next step in the integration of best in class noise elimination technology with personal design that is both humanistic and minimal. In the tradition of bringing together beauty and science, the New Jawbone is a miracle of miniaturization and 50% smaller than the original award-winning Jawbone. Every effort has been made to contain best in class noise elimination technology in the most unassuming, yet richly detailed product.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Color Silver
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Built-in DSP, Voice activated
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor Over-the-ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
Microphone
- Type Built-in
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Ear-buds, 4 ear loops
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
Product series
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Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs: Microphone Built-in, Headset, Over-the-ear, Silver, Built-in DSP, Voice activated
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Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs: Microphone Built-in, Headset, Over-the-ear, Built-in DSP, Voice activated, 1 year Limited warranty
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Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs:
Manufacturer info
- AliphCom
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse AliphCom products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.jawbone.com
- Address:
8000 Marina Boulevard, Brisbane, CA 94005
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