Aliph Jawbone Prime Bluetooth headset
Manufacturer: AliphCom Part number: 518W
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Aliph Jawbone Prime is a great Bluetooth headset that combines high style with high performance.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Aliph Jawbone Prime Bluetooth headset price range: $99.99 - $129.99
- Reviewed by: Nicole Lee
- Reviewed on: 04/23/2009
- Released on: 05/02/2009
The good: The Aliph Jawbone Prime is a highly fashionable headset with a snug fit, plus it has better noise-cancellation and wind noise handling over its predecessor, resulting in even better sound quality.
The bad: We're not thrilled with the hidden buttons on the Jawbone Prime, and the singular volume button is a bit annoying. The volume is a little softer than we would like at times. While it has excellent call quality, you can get cheaper headsets that are on par or better.
The bottom line: The Aliph Jawbone Prime is a great Bluetooth headset that combines high style with high performance.
Aliph's Jawbone headsets have consistently been the highest-rated Bluetooth headsets here at CNET because of their amazing sound quality and fashion-forward designs. However, Aliph isn't happy with just resting on its laurels. It has introduced the Aliph Jawbone Prime, which will replace the Jawbone 2, and is the company's best headset yet. The Jawbone Prime is just as stylish as its predecessor, and it boasts even better noise-cancellation and comfort. Though we question the practicality of the design, we definitely think it's overall an improvement over the Aliph Jawbone 2. Still, the call quality isn't the best--the Plantronics Voyager Pro holds that title. However, if you insist on both excellent style and call quality, the Jawbone Prime fits the bill. The Jawbone Prime is available for $129.99.
The Jawbone Prime follows in the footsteps of the Jawbone 2 with a slim and lightweight design. Measuring 2.1 inches long by 0.5 inch wide by 0.5 inch thick, the Jawbone Prime is small enough to be discreet when worn. Instead of the beveled diamond pattern on the Jawbone 2, the Jawbone Prime has a rather elegant dimpled loop pattern on the front that makes it look fit for a fashion magazine. The texture of the front surface is smooth enough for your finger to glide over and feel for the buttons.
Indeed, you'll have to feel for those buttons, because they're invisible. A slight dip toward the top third of the headset hides the multifunction Talk button, and pressing the very top of the headset activates the Noise Assassin or volume button. We would really prefer real buttons rather than having to feel around for these hidden ones, but we have to admit it looks quite stylish. However, since the volume button is situated at the top of the headset, our finger kept bumping against the fold of our ear when adjusting the volume.
Speaking of the volume, there's only the one volume button on the top of the headset. To change the volume, you have to cycle through different volume levels instead of increasing or decreasing. We understand the Jawbone Prime has automatic volume adjustment, but we still would prefer a real volume rocker for manual adjustment. The volume button also doubles as the Noise Assassin toggle. We don't know why you would want to deactivate it, but if you want to hear the difference in sound quality without the noise cancellation, you can.
Flip the headset around and you'll find the earpiece covered in a squishy rubber earbud with a loop attached. There's a very slight tip jutting out at the bottom of the earbud that helps it fit better in the ear, while the attached ear loop helps the earpiece fit within the opening of the ear. We really like these new earbuds--it has a nice secure and snug fit in the ear. There's also an optional ear hook if you prefer, but you don't really need it. The Jawbone Prime comes with earbuds without the attached loop as well. There are three earbud sizes in each style included in the package.
Also at the back of the headset is a tiny little white nub that acts as the Voice Activity Sensor, which is used to amplify your voice. For it to work, you have to wear the headset so that the rubber nub touches your cheek, thus detecting the vibration of your voice. With the Jawbone 2, if you couldn't get the nub to touch your cheek, the sound quality would diminish. However, the Jawbone Prime has a new fail-safe feature that will maintain good sound quality even though the nub isn't touching your face. In fact, the audio will sound just like any other noise-canceling headset. Of course, it's still best to have the Voice Activity Sensor touching your face to get the best voice clarity possible. We actually found positioning the sensor properly was rather easy, as long as you have the right size earbud in place.
We paired the Aliph Jawbone Prime with the Apple iPhone 3G. Call quality was definitely impressive, but not as good as the Plantronics Voyager Pro. We tested the calls in a quiet home environment, a moving vehicle, and on a crowded sidewalk. In the quiet environment, our callers said we sounded loud and clear, with a natural sounding voice and a normal volume level. In the car and on the sidewalk, we sounded a tad softer and a bit muffled, and with a bit of a background hiss, but it wasn't too bad.
We also tested the Jawbone Prime in front of an indoor fan at both low and high speeds. Our voice sounded much softer and much more muffled, and the wind noise sounded like water. However, our callers could still hear us and make out what we were saying. We tested this with our voice mail and verified their claims. Still, the wind noise reduction is not nearly as good as the one on the Plantronics Voyager Pro, and we did definitely have to speak much louder to be heard properly. That said, in normal everyday windy situations, the Jawbone Prime will do just fine. As for incoming call quality, we heard our callers clearly, though there was a slight hiss in the background at times. The callers voice did not sound as full as we would like as well, but that's a minor complaint.
The Jawbone Prime has all the typical calling features for Bluetooth headsets such as answering, rejecting, and ending calls; voice dialing support; call waiting support; battery status indicator; call mute; last number redial; and it has multipoint technology that lets it connect up to two devices at once. It has a rated talk time of 4.5 hours and a standby time of 8 days.
User reviews
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Plantronics Voyager Pro is much better for less money!
by Headset_guru on May 15, 2009
Pros: Stylish but at the sacrifice of performance and usability
Cons: -Call quality is worse than Plantronics Voyager Pro
-Confusing buttons are less functional than Voyager ProSummary: My recommendation is to buy both the Jawbone Prime and the Plantronics Voyager Pro from a place that let's you return one of them. That's what I did. ...
Summary: My recommendation is to buy both the Jawbone Prime and the Plantronics Voyager Pro from a place that let's you return one of them. That's what I did.
The call quality Voyage Pro simply sounds much better and more natural in a wider variety of conditions (road, wind, crowd, music, etc). Call and leave yourself voicemails so you can hear for yourself.
Also the battery life is much longer and the buttons are much more straightforward and easy to control on the Voyager Pro.
Still its best to experience these attributes yourself, so again my recommendation is to just try both for a few days and keep the one you are happiest with.26 out of 50 users found this user opinion helpful.
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New fit with better call quality
by cuttacalhoon on May 7, 2009
Pros: I love the new fit ear buds and the improved noise elimination.
Have not used multipoint yet, but definitely a feature that i plan to use a lot, especially when i travel and use an additional phone.Cons: Proprietary charger cable. I can still use the same cable from the previous Jawbone, but if I lose both I need to buy a new one from Jawbone.com.
Summary: If you liked the previous Jawbone, this one is better. It has better noise canceling capabilities, and you now have more options to get a better fit.
Summary: If you liked the previous Jawbone, this one is better. It has better noise canceling capabilities, and you now have more options to get a better fit.
12 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It just works!
by oldgadgetgeek on May 14, 2009
Pros: Folks can't even tell when I am standing on a busy street with buses and heavy traffic.
I like the new ear buds. Very comfortable.
Can actually wear it outdoors (unlike other headsets.)Cons: Agree with may of the comments about battery life but still ok for full day use. Will probably buy the car charger as well.
Wish they would go to standard connector.Summary: I have never really liked headsets until I tried this company's products and they seem to be improving all of the time.
People can hear me outdoors. Crowded streets. ...Summary: I have never really liked headsets until I tried this company's products and they seem to be improving all of the time.
People can hear me outdoors. Crowded streets. Noisy environments (including a busy restaurant I was in.)
I can wear it all day (not because I prefer to but because I forget it is on.)
The battery life is a little short but with the amount of time I talk on the phone it lasts all day. I like the idea of the car charger and will probably get one.
I travel a lot and sometimes I forget my chargers. I am always greatful for devices that have standard connectors so I can buy replacement cables easily. Wish this was one of those devices.10 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome headset with a fashion appeal.
by sailingnuts on May 14, 2009
Pros: Perfect combination of form and function. Sound is excellent and the Noise cancellation is much better than its predecessor, JB2. I also liked the new wind supression. I can actually talk whith the windows down.
Cons: I would like to have a way to put the headset away while I am not actually using it but carrying it. Unfortunately, there are no carrying accessories.
Summary: I was a JB2 user and have upgraded to Jawbone Prime. Prime is a much better product and I love the color selection.
Summary: I was a JB2 user and have upgraded to Jawbone Prime. Prime is a much better product and I love the color selection.
7 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best headset on the Market Ever!!!
by EleetGamer on May 11, 2009
Pros: I love everything about this headset. I can always hear what the person im talking to is saying and they can always hear me weather im in an noisy area or not. I love that it can be charged on an PC or Wall outlet. I also love the Great range :).
Cons: - Hard to Scratch
- Could have taken away USB charger and just have given us Wall Charger and Car charger.
- Worth Every pennySummary: The bottom line is, If your tired of going out purchasing new headsets over and over because you can't find the Perfect One, get this one because it's ...
Summary: The bottom line is, If your tired of going out purchasing new headsets over and over because you can't find the Perfect One, get this one because it's the absolute best one out there. $130 is Really cheap price to pay for this amazing headset,
9 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Huge improvement on Jawbone 2 but not the holy grail
by willmitch00 on May 6, 2009
Pros: 1. They continue to defy the odds with great packaging.
2. I like the new fit options + found a better fit than I did with my JB2.
3. I used to have issues walking to my car due to the wind. For the first 48 hours of use I've heard zero complaints.Cons: 1. Can't they come up with a new design? The colors are fun, but it's fun to see products evolve.
2. BATTERY LIFE.... i k
3. I wish the headset had removable face plates so I don't have to purchase additional colors for $129.Summary: Much improved on the previous Jawbone. I bought this headset and the Q1 (similar looks with a lot of horse power) per the reviews I have read. If this is ...
Summary: Much improved on the previous Jawbone. I bought this headset and the Q1 (similar looks with a lot of horse power) per the reviews I have read. If this is the coke pepsi taste test, I pick Coke and I am taking my Pepsi back to the store. Jawbone is still the winner, but there is still a lot to improve on to make it the best EVER as they claim.
I found it to work amazingly well in wind. I've had essentially the opposite experience as you so far and I've owned both.
Updated on May 6, 20098 out of 13 users found this user opinion helpful.
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NOT user friendly, Who came up with these buttons?
by HVAC_maniac on May 12, 2009
Pros: Sounds good. Looks Good.
Cons: Fashion was apparantly priority over function. Not user friendly at all due to this crazy button approach.
Summary: I'm all for fashion and style but not when it sacrifices function and user friendliness.
Whomever designed this crazy button schemed must have just wanted to look at the ...Summary: I'm all for fashion and style but not when it sacrifices function and user friendliness.
Whomever designed this crazy button schemed must have just wanted to look at the Jawbone Prime, and not actually use it all day. Hiding and minimizing the buttons may make it look more fashionable, but if that's my priority I will start wearing earrings. I need something that makes phone calls easier and more user friendly.
You have to feel around for the main button to push instead of just a quick click. I t does have a bit of a impression there to help but it is still not near as good as a nice easy to push button would be. Meanwhile the process pops it out from your ear and you have to reposition.
Also having one obscure volume button just cycle through all the levels is equally crazy. Just put an up and down button on there so you can raise the volume if its too low or lower it if its too high.
I don't think Calvin Klein or whoever designed this thing has to use headsets all day long.
Call Quality was good so I have to give them that. However I think that others are closing this gap so my advice to Jawbone is to start worrying about user friendliness now.
I'm returning this one and going to try either the BlueAnt Q1 and Plantronics Voyager Pro, or maybe the Sound ID as well and keep which ever does the best.
Will report if I find a winner.12 out of 24 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome product!
by reviewgirl on May 7, 2009
Pros: Wonderful outgoing sound; cancels all backgrouns noise. The best design on the market; I don't feel like a star trek character when wearing it around town. New earbuds stay securely in my ear.
Cons: Sometimes I still hang up on people when adjusting the Jawbone to fit in my ear but this is a much more rare occurrence than with the previous Jawbone.
8 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great fit; the multipoint is key; works better in wind
Pros: 1. The multipoint feature is great
1. More earloops helped me get the perfect fit
2. Love the fact that the technology works when not touching my cheek
3. Friends say they hear me better in wind and in car than with previous Jawbone
3.Cons: Would like to have a larger earloop but am usually able to wear it in my ear without the earloop.
They need to come out with a carrying case that I can use to protect the headset when I travel.Summary: Really like this new Jawbone. The multipoint feature is great as i can use one headset with multiple devices like my cell and Skype.
I saw all the new cool ...Summary: Really like this new Jawbone. The multipoint feature is great as i can use one headset with multiple devices like my cell and Skype.
I saw all the new cool colors on line but I bought the brown one at Best Buy - they were real knowledgeable and helped me with my purchase. Fit is better with wide variety of earloops and it lives up to its billing to be better in wind. Also like that the technology still works when the white bud isn't touching my skin - greatly appreciate that new feature.
Great product and very comfortable.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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well, i thought it would be better...
by MiWolverine96 on May 6, 2009
Pros: earloop is a comfort improvement.
Cons: not as clearer with my Jawbone 2 (J-2)
Summary: okay, i had bestbuy reward points & it only cost me $25 bucks for an upgrade for the j-2 to the J-3 (no brainer). THE EARHOOP WAS THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT ...
Summary: okay, i had bestbuy reward points & it only cost me $25 bucks for an upgrade for the j-2 to the J-3 (no brainer). THE EARHOOP WAS THE ONLY IMPROVEMENT THAT STOOD OUT. i used a razr2 v9m, pared both, one in each ear, called 3 people(all agreed the j-2 was better), 3 environments, walking outside, standing still outside, & driving with both windows down. 1) i sounded clearer (not muffled) in the j-2. 2) they could hear more background noise in the J-3 when i was talking & NOT TALKING. 3) in the car, the j-2 was better.
p.s. it was also better then the Sound ID 300.
on each call, i would turn 1 headset off & turn on the other switching back between the two so the caller wouldnt know which one was on.
hands down the jawbone 2 (j-2) was better. j-2 was better the blueant v-1 also.
im off to try the blueant Q1 (when it hits bestbuy) =]
Updated on May 6, 20096 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: AliphCom
- Part number: 518W
- Description: Aliph, with Jawbone Prime, has once again obsoleted itself with the greatest in NoiseAssassin technology delivering an order of magnitude better noise elimination performance, an integrated digital approach to wind reduction, and a fail-safe solution if the VAS does not touch the face. Jawbone Prime uses an algorithm that digitally fuses together the best audio from its two electret microphones and its patented Voice Activity Sensor to create a single, natural sounding speech signal.
General
- Product Type Headset - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Recommended Use Cellular phone
- Additional Features NoiseAssasin 2.0, Acoustic voice activity detector
Headphones
- Headphones Type Headphone - Monaural
- Headphones Form Factor In-ear ear-bud (with over-the-ear mount)
- Connectivity Technology Wireless - Bluetooth 2.1 EDR
- Active Noise Canceling Yes
- In-Cord Volume Control Included
Microphone
- Type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
Wireless Link
- Transmission Range 33 ft
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable
- Included Accessories Earloop
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Battery Headset battery - Rechargeable
- Run Time (Up To) 4.5 hour(s)
- Standby Time 192 hour(s)
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
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
