My Headset is Listening to My Cheek (1/2)
Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset
INTRODUCTION
For a new Bluetooth headset to be really noticed, it must be a different. Enter the Aliph Jawbone: it's a headset with a twist. Building on their older products, the latest iteration claims to dramatically increase call quality through noise canceling technology they call "Noise Shield." How did the unit perform under testing conditions? Did it perform as advertised? Read on as the Aliph Jawbone is put to the test!
WHAT'S HOT
The Jawbone improves the Bluetooth headset experience in various ways: rather than transmit voice through a boom mic, the wearer's voice is picked up via a small contact that rests on the users cheek. The headset also relies upon a patented noise canceling technology, which it uses to enhance incoming audio by reducing environmental noise (through intelligent adapting).
Bluetooth Headset
|
Our Rating |
Talk Time | Standby (hours)
|
Street Price |
| Bluetrek Metal |  |
5 | 180 |
$50 |
| Jabra BT8010 |  |
10 | 300 |
$70 |
| BlueAnt Z9i |  |
5.5 | 200 |
$70 |
| Aliph Jawbone 2 | |
4 | 192 |
$119 |
| iqua BHS-303 | |
6 | 150 |
$35 |
| Gennum nx6000 | |
6 | 75 |
$110 |
|
10 | 300 |
$75 | |
|
5 | 150 |
$80 | |
|
5.5 | 200 |
$70 | |
|
4 | 75 |
$50 | |
|
6 | 120 |
$110 | |
|
9 | 250 |
$40 | |
|
12 | 360 |
$75 | |
|
3 | 100 |
$120 | |
|
6 | 300 |
$45 |
|
|
3.5-10 | 80 |
$80 |
|
|
7 | 180 |
$50 |
|
|
4 | 250 |
$40 |
|
|
5 | 120 |
$60 |
|
|
6 | 300 |
$80 |
|
 |
6 | 300 |
$60 |
|
 |
30 | 700
|
$40 |
|
|
15 | 300
|
$80 |
|
|
7 | 300 |
$80 |
|
|
6 | 300 |
$55 |
|
|
7 | 100 |
$115 |
|
|
5 | 250 |
$40 |
|
|
2 | 100 |
$250 |
|
|
8 | 1000 |
$25 |
|
unrated |
4 | 200 |
$40 |
Compared to the other headsets we've reviewed, the Jawbone features mediocre battery life and one of the highest street prices.
SETUP
Setup was straight forward, after an initial charge of two hours, the unit was ready to pair. This was achieved by pressing the noise shield button for three seconds. Pairing with a Windows Mobile device was obtained via the standard method, share code was the usual "0000".
Here's a look at the Jawbone within the Bluetooth neighborhood. Naturally, it is listed as "Jawbone".
PRODUCT FEATURES
The device is pretty straight forward, on/off plus a noise shield button (noise shield is on by default). Volume can be cycled by continuously pressing the shield button.
The Jawbone ships in a unique case, inside it's mounted on a small plastic stand. Very cool.
Here's another look at the mounted Jawbone.
Here's a full view of the box.
Removal of the outside sleeve reveals the extras that ship with the headset: four different earhooks, plus five different earbuds. A USB/AC charger is also included, and a User's Guide.
Here's a look at the unit with the default earhook installed.
Belly-up. Here you can see the "prong" that makes contact from the headset to the wearer's face.
Back in black, here's the unit next to the T-Mobile Dash. It's larger than it looks.
In order for the prong to reach the side of the wearer's face, the unit is quite deep; here's the side perspective.
Another topside view. There are two buttons on the top of the device, can you spot them?
As mentioned, the Jawbone ships with additional earhooks and buds. A nice addition, allowing for greater customization.
The Jawbone charges via USB or wall outlet, unfortunately the jack is not of the miniUSB variety.
As mentioned, the Jawbone uses a proprietary charging solution. Here's a look at what you can expect.
In terms of sound, the Jawbone does an outstanding job. The new technology really does make a difference; callers were able to hear my voice loud and clear. The only time the unit struggled was when it was exposed to a windy environment. I tried some downhill riding and the clarity seemed to suffer. Note: I tried the same test with a mic boom headset and voice clarity was degraded even further.
In terms of customization, voice shield can be toggled (on by default), plus earhooks/buds can be interchanged for that "perfect fit". I seem to have small ears (or so I am told) so I used the smallest possible combination of buds and hooks. The fit was snug and comfortable.
