Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset (Grey) [Bulk/Generic Packaging]
See it at Amazon.com for $70.38Average Customer Rating
(3.5 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First
(5 out of 5)One of the Best I have used/own.
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.
(1 out of 5)Jawbone is not really that great
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.
(1 out of 5)Excellent Sound Quality Overshadowed by Extremely Poor Durability/Function
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.
(1 out of 5)Beware - lacking customer support and faulty cables
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.
(4 out of 5)Great device, but...
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.