Customer Reviews

Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset (Grey) [Bulk,Generic Packaging]

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(43)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(17)
1 star:		(28)

 

 

I just purchased the Jawbone this week. I did quite a bit of research before buying. I tend to be pretty skeptical of Bluetooth headsets. I currently own about 6 of them. Two different models of Plantronics, 2 models of Jabra, and 2 models of Motorola. This particular headset was of interest to me because I have a loud car (corvette) and none of my other headsets do an adequate job of cutting out the road and engine noise.

I have only had the headset for a day however, I am impressed. I tried the Jawbone today in the Corvette and it works great. My wife didn't hear anything but me while I was driving, which is pretty amazing considering how loud the car is. I currently have the Blackberry 8830 and it works great with this headset. The voice dialing pops right up on queue, unlike some of the other headsets I have.

So far the only negative is the fit which has been mentioned before. I prefer the in ear variation on the set versus over the ear. (The Jawbone can be used without the ear hook) The fit is not exactly tight but it does seem to work without falling out. I think it will just take some getting used to and playing with the other interchangeable ear adapters.

From a sound level standpoint the unit is great. It is down right loud and I can hear the person on the other end with no problem even with my stereo partly on.

Overall, I am impressed and happy with my purchase.

Update 6/9/07
Fit - After playing around with the different ear ear pieces and hooks, I finally have found a combination that works. I have to use a ear hook, which isn't my favorite but after you get used to it, it isn't too bad. Also, it fits much more securely with the hook and is more comfortable.

Additionally I have spoken with a number of others via the headset and towards the end of the conversation I ask them how I sound and they all have said great.

Update 6/14/07
Well this one is a keeper. Now that it has been a few days I have gotten used to using the headset with the ear hook and it works great. Takes some getting used to and practice to put in on one handed but once you do, it's pretty easy. Call quality continues to be excellent. If I could rate it higher than a 5 I would. By far the best headset I have used.

Update 1/24/08
Well still have the Jawbone and it continues to work great. Use it all the time and continues to operate flawlessly.

Like others, I think the best thing this headset has going for it is its noise cancellation technology. Unfortunately, it seems that Aliph spent so much effort on this part of it that they forgot quite a bit of other qualities that are important in a good Bluetooth headset.

Examples of what's missing:

There's no way to mute a call from the headset. You have to use your phone's mute feature.

There's no audio alert when the headset connects with anything. There is one when it loses its connection, though, which is good.

If you go out of range of your phone and it loses the connection, it makes no attempt to re-connect. You have to turn it off and turn it back on when you get back within range.

The volume control is primitive, and it's obvious this is because Aliph was overly concerned with the aesthetic design of the thing (I happen to think it's ugly, but they seem quite pleased with it). Because the visual design doesn't leave open the possibility of having volume up/down buttons, instead you can only cycle through the six volume levels in order. To go from 5 to 4, you must first go through 6, 1, 2, and 3.

The charger is . . . weird. Lots of people complain about it, and with good reason. It's non-standard, and it doesn't even fit the Jawbone that well. You have to position it *just* right, and then when you set the thing down it loses its connection, so you have to set it again. It's really kind of inexcusable.

It's enormous. This is the biggest Bluetooth headset I've ever owned. That said, it's not uncomfortable to wear - but I do find I have to use the earloop, which I tend not to like so much. I also, like others, don't use the earbuds supplied with the Jawbone; I use a Jabra Minigel with mine instead.

The good:

It's noise cancellation really is pretty good, but it's not as good as their demos make it out to be. I think those demos were very carefully set up to favor the Jawbone, because I've left myself voice mails with various sources of noise in the background just to see how it sounds, and I can generally hear them. They're faint, but they're certainly not gone (I can often clearly hear the lyrics in a song playing in the background, for example).

It also seems to have better range than most Bluetooth headsets I have experience with. I can walk surprisingly away from my phone and still have a connection, and I don't lose the connection if the headset is on my left ear and I put my phone in my right pocket, which is a common problem with many other headsets.

Are these good enough to make up for all of its shortcomings? I'm not so sure. To be honest I'm seriously considering sending mine back where it came from and getting another Plantronics (I was mostly happy with my Discovery 665), or I may do research into some other models. I may also elect to keep the Jawbone, but I'm not leaning that way.

My recommendation is that if you're going to buy this one, buy it from somewhere with a good return policy (like Amazon). You may decide you like it (there are certainly those who love the thing), or you may not.

Update: One thing I meant to mention and forgot to is that, aside from its noise cancellation, this particular headset has about the best sound quality of any I've ever used. They definitely got that part right.

And while I'm here, I should say this: This is widely considered to be the best Bluetooth headset in the world right now, so don't be afraid to try it out. Just because I'm not a huge fan (I don't hate it, though) doesn't mean you won't be. I'm really not unhappy with it, I'm just not as impressed as I'd like to be - but I'm also very picky. Try one out and decide for yourself.

I purchased my JawBone in Feb/Mar 2007 and I am currently on my third device, having had to return my previous two. I am planning on returning this one.

First the positives, the sound quality is tremendous. I was using a Motorola set and it was adequate, but picked up external noise and never fit my ear particularly well.

I use my JawBone with my Blackberry 8700. The first problem I noticed was that (unlike the Motorola), if I happened to not use my phone for, say 2-3 hours, the bluetooth connection would terminate and I would have to manually reconnect it, which was a headache given that the buttons are small and there is a connection delay. After calling Cingular, they said this was not normal and to return the device, which I did.

My next JawBone had to go back within days as the bluetooth connection would drop in mid-conversation and then I'd have to repush the button; after this happens multiple times in one conversation, you finally just give up. I returned the second one and Cingular gave me my third one. As it turns out the bluetooth connection issues are still the same with this third one, but not quite as bad. Unfortunately the recharger plug does not stay firmly on the headset, so I leave the house thinking I'm fully charged, only to lose my headset connection when the power goes out.

Additionally, in pulling out the charger off the headset one day, the entire earpiece falls out as well, connected only by a couple of wires.

For something that I paid $120.00 for, I am pleased with the sound quality (and that's why I endured going through now, my third device)...but the limitations of the connection, very cheaply made construction, and now inability to charge this, make this a purchase I wish I hadn't made. Add this to the hidden buttons, which make it seem like you're pushing your finger through your head, and it certainly seems to me that I can find alternatives.

Personally, my advice would be to find a company with 'noise-cancelling' technology in their headset who has been making these devices longer and with much better construction...that's what I plan to do this weekend.

The Jawbone bluetooth headset is not really made very well and is a lot worse than people seem to give it credit for. Parts fall off after a short time and it is very cheaply made. It looks metal but really is cheap bendy plastic material.

Further, once you set it up, you can only use it on one ear. Other headsets (like Plantronics ones for example) allow you to swivel the earloop to switch ears if you get tired of using it on one ear. The Jawbone doesn't do this.

While the Jawbone's noise cancellation does seem good that's about all it has going for it because your voice still sounds muffled, soft and digital-like. Further, the Jawbone is too big and bulky to comfortably put it into a pocket to take with you.

But my main complaint is with the Aliph Jawbone company customer service itself-they are absolutely horrible. They advertise on their website that the Jawbone has a 1 year manufacture warranty to the end consumer. But, my Jawbone broke and when I contacted them about getting warranty service on it, they rudely informed me that they only provide warranties on units bought directly from their own website. If I bought from some other retailer, it has ZERO warranty! I'm not sure whether or not this is even legal, but do believe it reflects very poorly on the company that they don't even stand behind their own products.

I would never recommend buying this headset or any other made by Aliph.

I had a BT headset a while back but it wasn't convenient and didn't work so well. When I read about the jawbone, I decided it was worth another shot. The price is high, but I don't regret it.

The sound quality is great - It's clear and I tested it by calling others and they said the sound was very clear. I haven't tried it next to a vacuum cleaner or anything, but I don't I'd be on the phone in that situation anyway. I have used it in everyday noise (cafes, office buildings) and the sound quality is better than talking on the actual phone.

I think that the two button system is pretty straight forward and easy once you try it out a couple times. The key might be to use your thumb on the inside of the head piece so you can control the pressure on the talk and noise button. I don't see how having the volume only go one direction is a huge inconvenience, but maybe for some.

The Jawbone fits great and I think that goes a long way to how it performs. I use the large ear loop and once you get it on it's very comfortable. It feels secure and don't have any pressure points that iritate after wearing for a while.

Now 2 things I do find kind of troubling - while the ear piece is extremely comfortable, putting it into place is sometimes an adventure. It never seems to go on the same way given that the earloop swings around. Eventually it gets into place and it's great.

The other things is that the jawbone looks fragile. I wouldn't want to put it in my bag or pocket and I don't wear it all the time. For the price, I think they could provide a little box or case like headphones so that you can put away - if it's always out, you might loose it or someone could easily take it. Who knows, maybe it's tougher than I think.

Those two issues aside, I think it's a great tool and the pros far outweigh the cons.

Pros: great noise reduction, i made calls on a bus with very noisy engine. The other end could not hear any noise at all. However, the other end could hear talkings of other people in the bus. I think Jawbone had good technology differentiating human voice from background noise. It just failed to recognize which voice is me.

The noise reduction is definitely the best in consumer market. It's REAL reduction. Definitely beats my Plantronics 655, which claims to have some "Audio IQ" technology.

Cons:
-No belt holder. I am not the kind of person who can tolerate sticking the headset on me 8 hours a day. However, I do want to use it whever I want. I have Plantronics 655, which has a belt clip and holder for the earpiece. I clip the holder with the ear piece on my pant's belt rings when i don't use it. When someone calls, i can instantly take the ear piece out. This Jawbone by itself is big in size and I really don't know where to put it when I don't use it.

- Requires earloop. My Plantronics 655's ear gel comfortablely hangs on my ear without ear loop. Jawbone's ear bud can't stay on my ear without ear loop. The ear loop makes the device larger and therefore inconvenient to store when not in use.

With all these said, i think Jawbone has great potential. This version is just too inconvenient for me to use. I will give it a try again once they revise the design.

I just purchased the Jawbone this week. I did quite a bit of research before buying. I tend to be pretty skeptical of Bluetooth headsets. I currently own about 6 of them. Two different models of Plantronics, 2 models of Jabra, and 2 models of Motorola. This particular headset was of interest to me because I have a loud car (corvette) and none of my other headsets do an adequate job of cutting out the road and engine noise.

I have only had the headset for a day however, I am impressed. I tried the Jawbone today in the Corvette and it works great. My wife didn't hear anything but me while I was driving, which is pretty amazing considering how loud the car is. I currently have the Blackberry 8830 and it works great with this headset. The voice dialing pops right up on queue, unlike some of the other headsets I have.

So far the only negative is the fit which has been mentioned before. I prefer the in ear variation on the set versus over the ear. (The Jawbone can be used without the ear hook) The fit is not exactly tight but it does seem to work without falling out. I think it will just take some getting used to and playing with the other interchangeable ear adapters.

From a sound level standpoint the unit is great. It is down right loud and I can hear the person on the other end with no problem even with my stereo partly on.

Overall, I am impressed and happy with my purchase.

Update 6/9/07
Fit - After playing around with the different ear ear pieces and hooks, I finally have found a combination that works. I have to use a ear hook, which isn't my favorite but after you get used to it, it isn't too bad. Also, it fits much more securely with the hook and is more comfortable.

Additionally I have spoken with a number of others via the headset and towards the end of the conversation I ask them how I sound and they all have said great.

Update 6/14/07
Well this one is a keeper. Now that it has been a few days I have gotten used to using the headset with the ear hook and it works great. Takes some getting used to and practice to put in on one handed but once you do, it's pretty easy. Call quality continues to be excellent. If I could rate it higher than a 5 I would. By far the best headset I have used.

Update 11/2/07
Still using the Jawbone. Very happy with it. Currently using it with a LG 8350 and it works great.

I bought my Jawbone the week after the iPhone came out. I used it in my office, at home, and in the car for about 3 weeks. Then it just stopped working. I contacted their support and got this response:

"The issue may be with the charger rather than the Jawbone itself. Because of the wide range of usage patterns, we do not cover the charger under the warranty plan. However, as a courtesy to you, we would like to send you a complimentary one-time replacement."

To which I want to point out 3 things:
1. Currently I am in my second week with a useless jawbone and even after I get a replacement cable that might not be the source of the problem (i'll update when I know more)
2. They do not warranty the charger cable. This is ridiculous because this cable is unique to their product. Most companies can make cables that dont fail and/or are replaceable by those of another company. If yours fails you will NOT be able to use any old USB cable. It is a custom cable that only they make. Mine died in less than a month while sitting on my desk.
3. Providing warranty coverage for a product that died within a month should not be presented like they are doing me a favor.

Update: I got a new cable from them and it solved the problem. I also got a response from a different and significantly more helpful CSR who said that they "will be happy to send you another complementary replacement USB cable." if I have another problem. I live about 10 miles from the company's headquarters and was without a cable and way to charge my phone for almost 2 weeks. While I am happy it is now working again, and I appreciate the response from the other CSR, I am no longer recommending this product to friends without caveats.

So far I've had this Jawbone for 5 months. I work in a factory where noise is a mayor factor. I had one of my co-workers call me from the company shop to see if they could hear any noise going thru the phonecall, he was so impressed, the next day he bought a pair.
The only complaint I have is confort can be a little getting use to.
Earpiece is not that loud.
When I use the Jawbone inside the shop with all the noise, the other person on the line can hear me clearly with no sound from the machines, but on the other hand, I have to put a little preasure against my ear so I can hear.
I highly recommend the Jawbone

I got my Jawbone Bluetooth Headset on May 30, 2007. All parts and accessories come in a very nice, rugged plastic case with the headset nicely displayed at the top. It took a few minutes to carefully remove the headset from the display case....it felt like I was going to break it a few times. I would just carefully cut all of the retaining rubber bands if I had to do it all over again.

It took 2 hrs 15 min to fully charge the headset the very first time (it seemed like too long of a wait before I could play with this new toy). I charged the headset via my laptop computer using the provided USB cable. I assume it would have taken just as long if I had used the AC to USB wall charger instead. Pairing up with my Nokia N80 mobile phone was simple and quick. Just follow the provided instructions.

Next came time to customize the fit of the headset to my ear. The headset comes with 2-left & 2-right earloops, and 4 earbuds. After about 30 minutes of trying every different combination of earloop and earbuds I was able to find one that sort of works. I consider myself as having pretty normal shaped ears, and the combination that I found really is not that great. The headset has to fit pretty much perfectly (with the voice activity sensor touching your cheek), otherwise the person on the other end of you call will not hear you properly. And this is why I only give this headset 3 stars. The fit is an issue, and it feels like the headset wants to fall off of my ear every few minutes. I have it installed properly on my ear, but it still happens. A co-worker bought the same headset and is having similar fit problems also.

When the headset is fitting properly to my cheek, the audio is great, and the noise cancelling ability lets your caller actually hear you better and louder. There are many other bells and whistles that make this headset a fun little toy.....6 hrs talk time, 120 hrs standby, last number redial, volume control, rejecting calls, and voice dialing.

In conclusion, this headset is good, but there could be more improvement in the fit aspects.....and that to me is extremely important.

I'm still undecided on if I'll return this headset or not for a Plantronics headset, I have a few more days to decide.
-David