Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (red)
Manufacturer: AliphCom Part number: ALIPH-JAWBONE-RED
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- 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.
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CNET editors' review
Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (red) price range: $169.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Edited by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 01/31/2007
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.
User reviews
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I purchased this device and have a few constructive criticisms.
by phara0h on March 14, 2007
Pros: 6-hours of talk time despite all the techno-wizardry under the hood. Works as stated.
Cons: Poor earphone quality for the user. Very hollow and thin sound without secure ear canal isolation.
Summary: The noise cancellation technology does work exactly as indicated. A less obtrusive profile, some weight reduction and a few more minor tweaks would really take this device over the top. ...
Summary: The noise cancellation technology does work exactly as indicated. A less obtrusive profile, some weight reduction and a few more minor tweaks would really take this device over the top. Here are my ideas for improving the wonderful Jawbone.
1. The ability to slide a Jabra Style molded ear Gel would be useful. The Jawbone does not do a good job of isolating noise around the wearer from entering the ear canal. Therefore, the person called hears little to no background noise, but the user is left with a less than ideal type of fitting for the ear. In fact, a Jabra molded ear Gel could effective hold the device in one's ear even without the ear loop.
2. The fact the ear loops are designed to assure that the users jawbone is touching the Voice Activity Center, actually tends to force the earpiece away from the ear canal. This is another design area that could use some enhancement to assure that the VAC is engaged while not compromising the close fit required in the ear to block out sounds for the user.
3. SOUND QUALITY of the earpiece on the amazingly effective Jawbone is poor. Loud does not equate with good. My Plantronics 655 snugs my ear canal better, and delivers a sound quality into my ear that is far more full range and less tube and air like than the Jawbone. I do believe however that this can be easily remedied by adapting the Jawbone to isolate the ear canal better; either through the use of the aforementioned Jabra Style molded ear Gels or something proprietary that emulates the fit and feel of the Plantronics ear Gels. Either solution will significantly improve the Jawbone's user sound quality (in-ear) without the need for a complete audio revamp of the device.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Almost perfect
by ericthai on May 28, 2007
Pros: Amazing noise cancelation, beautiful design, USB rechargeable, LOUD and clear sound, come with alot of accessories
Cons: Useless in the wind, clunky size, hard to put on, hard to keep on
Summary: When it come to functional trendy gadgetry this is one of the IT item. Amazing background noise cancelation technology, you can be in a dance club or a noisy restaurant ...
Summary: When it come to functional trendy gadgetry this is one of the IT item. Amazing background noise cancelation technology, you can be in a dance club or a noisy restaurant with screaming people and music blasting, while all the caller can hear is you. In that aspect, this headset lives up to its promise! The receiving sound quality is clear and you DO NOT NEED TO WORRY ABOUT LOUDNESS THIS HEADSET IS LOUD! I really like the USB rechargeable function, all you need is this tiny USB cord that come with the headset instead of the bulky charging cord that tend to come with all the standard headset(this one has that too) This set also come with several interchangeable ear clips and ear buds too!There are some minor annoyance, this headset is abit big and awkward to put on, especially quickly with one hand and after a short bit of talking it requires adjustments. There also are no indication tones while redialing or when you hangup on a call. My biggest complain is that, the noise cancelation technology is USELESS IN THE WIND! all you hear is muffled wind noise! This headset is not meant for the outdoor!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Poor Support from the Company
by billhase on January 10, 2008
Pros: Cool Technology
Cons: Company does not support Customers
Summary: I own a cellphone store and have been selling Jawbones. We have had several die in the first 30 days. As a customer would expect, we have replaced those units. ...
Summary: I own a cellphone store and have been selling Jawbones. We have had several die in the first 30 days. As a customer would expect, we have replaced those units. Now Jawbone is telling us that they will not replace the units. Every other bluetooth manufacturer we carry is very conserned about the customer and wants to make any problems with their product as painless for the customer as possible, evidently not Jawbone. I will no longer carry this product in my store. A product is more than just hardware, it also includes how well the company stands behind it.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty But Worthless.
by shawnshinedude on February 16, 2009
Pros: It's pretty. But looks are deceiving.
Cons: Customer service is a joke. I was transferred between 5 representatives and supervisors who could not find my account number, sent paperwork to the wrong address, and were unable to exchange my defective unit at all. I am so angry!
Summary: My jawbone was completely defective from the start. It would sync just fine, play audio decently, but never ever pick up a microphone signal. I could hear the person at ...
Summary: My jawbone was completely defective from the start. It would sync just fine, play audio decently, but never ever pick up a microphone signal. I could hear the person at the other end of the line, but they could never hear a single word. I contacted customer service at least 7 times, was transferred between 5 rep's and supervisors, and they not only sent a return envelope to the wrong address, but eventually completely denied doing say and said I was unable to exchange my defective unit at all. Terrible waste of money and I am throwing this piece of crap away and buying a cheaper unit that actually works!
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Not worth the money or hype. Buy something else
by sciguyeahs on January 5, 2009
Pros: I guess it "cool" styling.
Cons: Poor ear fit,Difficult to hear conversations if there is background noise. Unpairs radomly. Ear wires are poorly made and don't seem to hold ear piece in place. Customer support is adversarial and un willing to help.
Summary: I have never been able to get a good volume quality in my ear. I have dinked with its volume control, my phone volume control. I have to push it ...
Summary: I have never been able to get a good volume quality in my ear. I have dinked with its volume control, my phone volume control. I have to push it into my ear to hear a converation if I am walking or there is normal background noise. The wire ear loops are of very poor quality with in 4 months of use the rubber started to slide of the wire. When I called to order new ones, the customer service rep told me to look on e-bay they nolonger seel the replacements. After the rubber came of the second wire loop snaped off while I was slipping it over my ear.
I realize it is a cool looking ear peice. The most important part is how well it functions and ther it is a failure. Sorry CNEt you got this one wrong. -
i travel HOLDING the jawbone like i would a cellphone.
by lcampm2 on September 18, 2008
Pros: if held to the ear canal, the sound is unbeatable. clear at low volume. the person i am talking to enjoys very clear reception. at least the other person gets a benefit of good sound.
Cons: unless your ear is small and can keep the ear bud stable and still, this is not for you. mine always moves itself to the flat part of my ear and blocks sound. if it had gels like the jabra bt that went inside the canal, this would be the best ever.
Summary: the ear loops hurt my outer ear after a couple of hours, no way to hold it on with gels, must rely on too small easy to fall off ear ...
Summary: the ear loops hurt my outer ear after a couple of hours, no way to hold it on with gels, must rely on too small easy to fall off ear buds. just a quarter twist in the wrong direction and the ear bud comes off in your ear. i give up on finding a good gel or bud for this great electronic with terrible hardware that makes it unusable. I have superglue countless "fixes" on to it and bought many replacement ear bud/gels and it is time to give up. terrible fit, not for everyone. if the earpiece does not stay center in your ear, you will not hear clearly. louder volume only makes it worse
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Best of breed
by Musicalsnake on August 15, 2008
Pros: Very good fit, sound quality is great on both ends
Cons: It takes a while to get it customized and fitting properly
Summary: This headset is fantastic. People you are talking to can hear you clearly, even in a construction zone, and the sound coming in is clear and crisp. Best headset I ...
Summary: This headset is fantastic. People you are talking to can hear you clearly, even in a construction zone, and the sound coming in is clear and crisp. Best headset I have ever had.
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the best bluetooth ever
by chilcott83 on June 30, 2008
Pros: sound and the noise canceling the best idea ever it just rocks
Cons: none after the outher bluetooth i have used
Summary: it is the best bluetooth ever made i don't think any one could find a better headset than this try it you will never want to give it back
Summary: it is the best bluetooth ever made i don't think any one could find a better headset than this try it you will never want to give it back
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Amazing device
by marksman00 on December 31, 2007
Pros: Sound quality, comfort, style, ease of use
Cons: None really
Summary: Just got this for Christmas (the red one) and all I can say is wow!. This is light years ahead of the motorola set I had. The buttons don't ...
Summary: Just got this for Christmas (the red one) and all I can say is wow!. This is light years ahead of the motorola set I had. The buttons don't take long at all to get used to and the automated volume adjustment is great. Works flawlessly with my LG VX8700. No pairing or connection problems at all and it actually eliminated the annoying issue I had with my motorola set where it activated the phone menu every time i turned it on or off.
Definately worth the money and the read one looks hot! The only better one from a style point would be the one Capt. Jack where's on "Torchwood". -
Great Bluetooth Earpiece
by blbrown on October 19, 2007
Pros: Great Looks!, good sound quality, easy to use
Cons: conversation piece!!
Summary: I bought the Red Jawbone a couple months ago and am extremely pleased with its overal quality. The sound quality is excellent on both ends of the conversation. And the ...
Summary: I bought the Red Jawbone a couple months ago and am extremely pleased with its overal quality. The sound quality is excellent on both ends of the conversation. And the quality of the materials seems to be very good too. My wife liked mine so much I have bought a second Red one for myself!!
The noise suppression seems to work pretty good. However, when used outside in the wind, it still is noisy on the receiving end. I am not sure what it would sound like otherwise, so I am not blaming Aliph for the affects of the wind!
The only 'con' is that the Jawbone is a real conversation piece - especially the RED Jawbone! I cannot wear mine in public without being detained by a complete stranger wanting to find out more about my earpiece - even by AT&T wireless personnel in the store where they sell the original gray one! So plan some extra time on your outings for unexpected conversations while wearing this cool RED Jawbone!
If you are in the market for a good bluetooth earpiece then I highly recommend the Aliph Jawbone!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: AliphCom
- Part number: ALIPH-JAWBONE-RED
- Description: Jawbone takes mobile style to another heights. Jawbone's perforated shield curves to match the outline of your face while the inside surface is made from medical grade plastic to provide a soft and smooth feel on the skin. Jawbone can be worn on either ear, and you can customize your fit by choosing an earloop and earbud from the several shapes and sizes provided. Jawbone's ergonomic design enhances acoustic performance and keeps the device lightweight, stable, and comfortable.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth
- Color Red
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features Bluetooth
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount)
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
Microphone
- Type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB charge cable
- Included Accessories 4 earbuds, 4 ear loops
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 6 hour(s)
- Standby Time 120 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (silver)
Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs: Bluetooth
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Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (red)
Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs: Microphone Built-in, Headset, In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount), Red, Bluetooth, 1 year Limited warranty
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Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset (black)
Manufacturer: AliphCom
Specs: Microphone Built-in, Headset, In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount), Black, Bluetooth, 1 year Limited warranty
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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