Customer Reviews

Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Cell Phone Headset (Grey) [Bulk Packaging]

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(10)
1 star:		(13)

 

 

The Jawbone works great. I work at a major airport and commercial jets can be flying over while I'm on the headset and not be heard by who I'm talking to. I can still listen to the radio while driving and talking on the phone now.

The MAJOR PROBLEM with the Jawbone is its fit. To say it is terrible is an understatement. I have adjusted it everyway possible since I have owned it, 3 months now and it does not get any better or ever become totally functional. I have actually had the earpiece fall out of my ear while I'm walking along.

I would not buy this headset again until Jawbone comes up with something better.

I had my Jawbone for about 4 months and at first I didn't see the benefit to it at all, did not noise cancel, hard to find the hidden buttons, hurts my ear. First one was actually defective and they shipped me a new one pretty quick, good customer service. So I went to the Verizon Wireless store and had them show me what to do. First off, I had the noise cancelling turned off, why, because the instructions are unclear and confusing but first learn how to make sure it's on. The next thing is you have to know how to wear it, the little plastic piece that sticks out, sort looks like a microphone is a sensor that must touch your face lightly. If you let it dangle and not touch your face it will not cancel noise effectively. So make every effort to make sure it's on right. As for ear pain, the only way I've resolved that is to buy the BlueAnt Supertooth, doesn't hurt your ear one bit but sometimes you need a headset, sometimes you need a speakerphone.

Once I've learned how to work it properly it truly does work. I can drive our truck with windows open, radio playing and people on the other end don't hear it, just me. But here's where it fails me, i use it on conference calls at the airport. While I'm talking it works great, when I'm not talking, it does start to transmit the noise. There's a mute button but like any button on the Jawbone, it hard to find and pushing it to short or too long does unintended things like turning noise cancellation off.

So conclusion, would I buy one again, probably the newer one, I think it's called the Jawbone 2, mostly because it's smaller. Also I may consider the BlueAnt Z9i. I've been impressed with other BlueAnt products

Quite simply, the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset totally rocks! Believe me, I've gone through quite a few Bluetooth headsets in the last couple of years, and so I have quite a few to compare this one to.

First off, the design of it looks a bit off-putting. It uses military-grade noise reduction technology and the look of the headset makes me believe that this particular headset may have been originally intended for such use. It's not exactly the most attractive headset out there - definitely not the most feminine.

But to be completely honest with you, after trying a number of `prettier' headsets that either break easily, lose their pairing with the phone frequently, or just plain don't work as well I am all for sacrificing form for function.

All that said, while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing Bluetooth headset, it is not the ugliest either. It is interesting to note the design differences in the newer Jawbone model that Aliph just released, however. They've presented a much more attractive version with a sleeker, less obtrusive style, seemingly proving that the manufacturer recognizes the customer's desire, frivolous though we may be, for a headset that is pleasing to the eye.

Now for the important part: how it works. The Jawbone was simple to pair with my cell phone (HP iPaq 6945 Unlocked Cell Phone with Wi-fi, GPS, MP3/Video Player, SD--U.S. Version with Warranty (Silver)), as most Bluetooth headsets are. More importantly, I've paired it once and it has maintained that pairing without issue ever since, unlike the previous headset I owned which lost its pairing at least once a week, usually while mid-conversation. This is annoying, certainly, but for a user that won't use their cell phone while driving without a hands-free device, this is very unsettling. If I wanted/needed to continue a call while on the road, I disconnected the call, pulled over to re-pair the two devices, and then started my call and my trip again. This is a major issue for me, so I am extremely appreciative of Jawbone's reliability.

Next feature: Noise Reduction. Aliph makes a big deal about their noise reduction technology, and having now used it with amazing results, I understand why. They DESERVE to tout their success in this arena. Yeah, it is that good. Watching the videos they have on their website demonstrating the quality made me curious, but I admit to having my doubts that it could really eliminate background noise to the extent that they promised.

I've purposely stress-tested it in some pretty noisy situations. First of all, my own vehicle. I have an older car, and it seems to pick up all of the outside noise there is, even with my windows up. If it is raining, my callers could hear the rain on the windshield when using other headsets. When a semi drove alongside my car, the noise of the big truck distracted my callers from our conversation.

Aliph's Jawbone headset changed all that. My friends and family no longer even suspect I'm in the car when I use it. If they call me while I'm in a grocery store or department store, they hear neither the hubbub of the store nor the announcements over the building intercom. Then I went to my favorite wing restaurant, which keeps the music pretty loud. I stood directly under one of their speakers and asked my friend if she could hear it. She thought she heard some people speaking faintly in the background. She had no idea I was standing under a speaker with music blaring at me.

As for the fit of the headset, it is very secure on my ear. Like most others, it hooks over the ear, which makes it fit a bit oddly with sunglasses or eyeglasses, but it isn't uncomfortable. When I get a new headset/earpiece, one of the first things I do is to put it on and shake my head around a bit to test how securely it fits my ear. This one didn't budge. For me, this is a very important factor. If I can't move my head naturally as needed while driving, then the headset impedes my ability to drive and I won't have that.

Some of you probably want to know about how it charges. I use mine quite a bit for both personal and business, and it isn't rare for me to wear out the charge before the day is out. I've only managed to drain my Jawbone twice, and it charges so quickly that I was able to use it again within an hour or so. It comes with a cable that can charge through an electrical outlet or a USB port on a PC. It does not have a car charger, but since I have a power inverter for my car, I can simply use it to charge it while driving should the need arise, so this isn't a deal breaker for me.

All in all, I highly recommend the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset. When I finally break or lose this one, I will look at replacing it with another Aliph model before any other manufacturer.

Most recent Headsets I've used:
Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset - Black
Jabra BT250v Bluetooth Headset with Vibrating Alert [Retail Packaged]
Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset
Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset

Quite simply, the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset totally rocks! Believe me, I've gone through quite a few Bluetooth headsets in the last couple of years, and so I have quite a few to compare this one to.

First off, the design of it looks a bit off-putting. It uses military-grade noise reduction technology and the look of the headset makes me believe that this particular headset may have been originally intended for such use. It's not exactly the most attractive headset out there - definitely not the most feminine.

But to be completely honest with you, after trying a number of `prettier' headsets that either break easily, lose their pairing with the phone frequently, or just plain don't work as well I am all for sacrificing form for function.

All that said, while it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing Bluetooth headset, it is not the ugliest either. It is interesting to note the design differences in the newer Jawbone model that Aliph just released, however. They've presented a much more attractive version with a sleeker, less obtrusive style, seemingly proving that the manufacturer recognizes the customer's desire, frivolous though we may be, for a headset that is pleasing to the eye.

Now for the important part: how it works. The Jawbone was simple to pair with my cell phone (HP iPaq 6945 Unlocked Cell Phone with Wi-fi, GPS, MP3/Video Player, SD--U.S. Version with Warranty (Silver)), as most Bluetooth headsets are. More importantly, I've paired it once and it has maintained that pairing without issue ever since, unlike the previous headset I owned which lost its pairing at least once a week, usually while mid-conversation. This is annoying, certainly, but for a user that won't use their cell phone while driving without a hands-free device, this is very unsettling. If I wanted/needed to continue a call while on the road, I disconnected the call, pulled over to re-pair the two devices, and then started my call and my trip again. This is a major issue for me, so I am extremely appreciative of Jawbone's reliability.

Next feature: Noise Reduction. Aliph makes a big deal about their noise reduction technology, and having now used it with amazing results, I understand why. They DESERVE to tout their success in this arena. Yeah, it is that good. Watching the videos they have on their website demonstrating the quality made me curious, but I admit to having my doubts that it could really eliminate background noise to the extent that they promised.

I've purposely stress-tested it in some pretty noisy situations. First of all, my own vehicle. I have an older car, and it seems to pick up all of the outside noise there is, even with my windows up. If it is raining, my callers could hear the rain on the windshield when using other headsets. When a semi drove alongside my car, the noise of the big truck distracted my callers from our conversation.

Aliph's Jawbone headset changed all that. My friends and family no longer even suspect I'm in the car when I use it. If they call me while I'm in a grocery store or department store, they hear neither the hubbub of the store nor the announcements over the building intercom. Then I went to my favorite wing restaurant, which keeps the music pretty loud. I stood directly under one of their speakers and asked my friend if she could hear it. She thought she heard some people speaking faintly in the background. She had no idea I was standing under a speaker with music blaring at me.

As for the fit of the headset, it is very secure on my ear. Like most others, it hooks over the ear, which makes it fit a bit oddly with sunglasses or eyeglasses, but it isn't uncomfortable. When I get a new headset/earpiece, one of the first things I do is to put it on and shake my head around a bit to test how securely it fits my ear. This one didn't budge. For me, this is a very important factor. If I can't move my head naturally as needed while driving, then the headset impedes my ability to drive and I won't have that.

Some of you probably want to know about how it charges. I use mine quite a bit for both personal and business, and it isn't rare for me to wear out the charge before the day is out. I've only managed to drain my Jawbone twice, and it charges so quickly that I was able to use it again within an hour or so. It comes with a cable that can charge through an electrical outlet or a USB port on a PC. It does not have a car charger, but since I have a power inverter for my car, I can simply use it to charge it while driving should the need arise, so this isn't a deal breaker for me.

All in all, I highly recommend the Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset. When I finally break or lose this one, I will look at replacing it with another Aliph model before any other manufacturer.

Most recent Headsets I've used:
Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset - Black
Jabra BT250v Bluetooth Headset with Vibrating Alert [Retail Packaged]
Logitech Mobile Freedom Bluetooth Headset
Motorola H300 Bluetooth Headset

Bought this headset as a replacement for a Motorola H700 since the earpiece deteriorated over a six month period.

Read lots of reviews prior, and it seemed that the new Jawbone was more problematic than the old one, cost twice as much and didn't really offer a whole lot more in noise reduction. Opted for the old one.

Noise reduction in my beater, noisy car: excellent. People on the other end say it really works. They only hear sound as I speak. No other noise or conversations. I did read that it doesn't reduce wind noise (actually blowing on the mic) much better than other sets. But, as far as driving at highway speed with the window down, the caller at the other end can barely hear the noise itself.

I think the set stays on my head fine. In a complete kit, you'll get extra earloops of 2 sizes. Had Motorola done this, I'd still be using theirs... Also included are extra earbuds of two shapes. They are adequate.

After reading other reviews, I bought the Jabra ear gels. Three sizes for each ear, total of six, about $8. I use the largest, and it has a portion at the top that kind of "locks" it into one of the canals in my ear (I guess most of us have these...) and is quite secure without even using an ear loop. Much more comfortable, lighter, quick and easy to put on, and the unit doesn't pop off the ear gel as some have said.

Know that the Jawbone must stay in contact with your face (just forward of your ear) in order to work. There is a little silicone tip that extends from the inside face of the earpiece that makes the contact. This occurs easily using only the ear gel. Worked fine with the loop also. I played with it to see what would happen by pulling it away from my face, and the sound immediately goes bad, but, per the person at the other end of the line, it comes right back as soon as the silicone tip comes back in contact with your face.

I did read complaints that it turned off easily when donning. This has not been the case for me. The switches are fairly resistant to pressure, but easy to get used to. You'd have to be a bit of a Neanderthal to accidentally turn it on or off. Dumping the earloops has also solved this possible problem for me.

It is a bit hard to get the charger adapter on and off the earpiece, but it clicks in, and the light comes on to let you know it's engaged. Doesn't really look like it will be a problem.

Paired easily with my iPhone. No problems. Stays connected.

Have only been using it two weeks, but am quite pleased so far. If it lasts more than a year, I'll be happy. I'll probably want the latest thing by then anyway... or last year's version of it. :o)

I don't think you'll be disappointed, and the price is very doable.

The fit of the earpiece does not fit snugly in my ear, which if it did I would get louder sound, but this is the first bluetooth earpiece that I have not had cut in and out on and also have not been told on the other end of the call I was cutting in or out. And I have owned this for about a year now. The sound can seem to sound like you are on speakerphone, but other then that no issues at all. I would definitely buy this again and if they ever advance it or change the earpiece I would probably buy it.

I agree with most of the other reviews: Great sound, outgoing and incoming-pairs easily-I get 30-40 ft. distance from my phone. I just wanted to mention I work around swimming pools and because of the tired fit it slipped off my ear and fell into the deep end of a pool. It was submerged for 30 sec until I could get it out. I let it dry off for a couple of hours and it works just fine again! I really enjoyed my Nokia headset before this one but it fell in a pool and never recovered. I drop a lot of electronic stuff in pools. Matter of fact, if you want to test the waterproofness of your electonic device, send it to me and I'm certain it'll find it's way into a body of water. Or just do it yourself, I guess.

Works great, light weight, but having real issues with the charger disconnecting from the headset. I am concerned that it is going to break soon because of the force it takes to disconnect.

I was very disappointed with the way this product. I received the Jawbone in a small bag with no attachments. Also the part that goes around the ear was glued into the headset. I've been to the stores and have seen that it comes with multiple ear parts to make sure it fits.
This one was glued in & as soon as I tried to adjust it, it broke. Now I have to purchase a new bluetooth and it definitely won't be with Amazon. I didn't know they sent junk to customer in exchange for money.

I will not make another purchase.

This headset is unusable. Everyone I called told me I sounded like I was speaking from underwater. I had to get a different headset. Waste of money.