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
Jabra BT5010		10 | 300	$75
Qstik EVOQ		5 | 150	$80
BlueAnt Z9		5.5 | 200	$70
FoneGEAR Mini Blu		4 | 75	$50
Aliph Jawbone		6 | 120	$110
BlueAnt T8 Micro		9 | 250	$40
BlueAnt V12 LCD		12 | 360	$75
Argard M10		3 | 100	$120
Bluetake BT400GX		6 | 300	$45
Plantronics Discovery 655		3.5-10 | 80	$80
BluAnt X3 Micro		7 | 180	$50
Logitech Mobile Express		4 | 250	$40
Tekkeon ezTalker ET3000		5 | 120	$60
Jabra JX10		6 | 300	$80
Southwing SH310		6 | 300	$60
Motorola H300		30 | 700	$40
Plantronics Discovery 640		15 | 300	$80
Logitech Mobile Traveller		7 | 300	$80
Southwing SH305		6 | 300	$55
Gennum nXZEN Plus		7 | 100	$115
Bluetake BT400 G5		5 | 250	$40
Nextlink Bluespoon 5G		2 | 100	$250
Nextlink Bluespoon AX2		8 | 1000	$25
Nextlink Bluespoon AX	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.

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HELP SUPPORT

    This item carries a 1-year limited warranty. Support info such as an FAQ, warranty, User Guide and contact info can be found on their support page.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

    size=2>The Aliph Jawbone works with all Mobile Phones that support the headset or hands free profile.

BUGS AND WISHES

   
I liked this unit a lot. My only gripes are cosmetic and operational rather than performance related. The buttons, when you figure out where they are, are a little difficult to press. I would have also liked to have seen miniUSB, it seems to be the industry standard these days. Lastly, there’s no volume up/down, instead you have to cycle through all six options. Granted, it automatically sets the level based on ambient noise, however, I found the automatic setting too low and found myself frequently correcting it.

PURCHASING

   
A search on Froogle reveals that the Aliph Jawbone can be had for about USD$120.

PROS

• Unparalleled call quality
• 
  

  Stylish

• Various fitment configuration options

CONS

• 
  

  Proprietary charger

• 
  

  Buttons hard to find/press

• Must cycle though all volume options

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Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    If you spend your time in noisy environments, then I would definitely give this unit a go. For the most part, it works as advertised. The only time performance dropped was when it was exposed to windy environments, however, other traditional BT headsets also suffered in the same environment. Generally, the Jawbone outperformed the standard mic boom BT headset. The flaws I found were cosmetic, and don’t impact the actual audio performance. Overall, in a sea of headsets, it’s nice to have a bit of innovation.