12 Comments

Review: Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset

December 29, 2006 by in AV,Entertainment,Gadgets,Tech with 12 Comments

After announcing that the Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset ($120 US) was to be released exclusively by Cingular a few days back, I immediately phoned nearby Cingular retailers inquiring about the expected arrival date. Unfortunately, most of the stores reported having very limited quantities which incidentally sold out within an hour of being shown on the floor.

Not at all surprising due to the promising features which the headset claimed to offer. Fortunately, I managed to locate a single unit and immediately placed it on hold for pick-up. The following are my observations and thoughts concerning the latest bluetooth headset to corral all the recent hype surrounding advanced wireless headsets.

The (Cingular) Aliph Jawbone unwrapped

The Jawbone (as sold by Cingular) comes packaged in a stylish clear case. Unfortunately, most of the case is shrouded in Cingular’s less than stellar “orange”. Quickly removing the orange paper wrapper reveals the simple yet stylish white on black packaging. Included within the package is the actual Jawbone headset, four unique ear inserts, and four individual ear hooks – two left & two right (both small & large), a USB cable which doubles as both a USB charger using your PC / Mac or via the included wall adapter. A great idea to provide charging via USB for individuals who plan to use their headsets with their computers (VoIP, Skype, AIM video chat, etc).

Aliph Jawbone packaging

So what makes the Jawbone headset so appealing and advanced when compared to existing wireless bluetooth headsets? Three key features outlined in the included documentation are:

  • Jawbone utilizes a proprietary voice activity sensor – Why does this matter? Jawbone can separate your voice from background noise.
  • Highly directional microphones and signal processing algorithms – Signal algorithms? Huh? Let’s just say that within each Jawbone headset is a processor which again, extracts your voice from surrounding “noise”. Speak at normal levels without having to raise your voice irritating the other caller or those around you.
  • Dynamically adjusting incoming volume – As your surroundings get noisier, Jawbone adjusts your headset volume accordingly allowing you to remain focused on your conversation.

Build quality, finish, and comfort

You immediately notice the smooth metallic looking slotted “grill”, soft plastic lines & contours, and the soft rubber wrapped metal ear hook. The headset looks and feels solidly built. But how does it feel being worn?

Jawbone profile

Many will argue that the single metal ear hook wrapped in rubber does little as far as acting as a suitable cushion between metal and skin. Personally, I found little to complain about. While the smaller ear hook provided a tiny bit of discomfort (pinching) after a few hours of consecutive use, swapping ear hooks for the larger variant alleviated the pressure. Users will also want to experiment with one of the four included ear pieces – which lock into place rather than simply slipping on and off – for a more customized fit.

Some may immediately inquire: “Can you use the headset without the ear hook?” I experimented by removing the ear hook on a few calls but doing so prevented the activity sensor on the inner side from being in constant contact with the cheek (which the processors require in order to differentiate between voice and background noise). The ear hook insert is spring loaded ensuring that the headset is gently pushed against the cheek.

I found that by swapping the ear hook for the larger size and replacing the standard circular earpiece with the oblong shaped variant, the headset felt as though it were merely “floating”. Take note that this headset is not the kind that can be quickly removed from your pocket and naturally placed on your ear. The combination of the spring loaded ear hook and ear insert require a little finagling in order to situate the headset comfortably. I imagine this headset being perfect for those bluetooth headset office types who strut around the city with their earpiece on despite the fact that no call is being taken.

Performance: I turned the music up, can you hear me?

Jawbone size comparison - Nokia BH-200, Jawbone, and Blackberry 8703e

The combined activity sensor, algorithm processing, and dynamic volume adjustment claim that that headset allows users in noisy environments to speak normally and be heard. Does the headset work as described?

For my initial test, I paired the headset with my Blackberry 8703e and placed a mobile to mobile call. I made sure that iTunes was playing at an irritating level, and that my friend continued to speak in foreign tongue to whomever she had on the phone behind me. During the call, I continued to speak [at a normal level] while increasing the music volume. While the headset volume did increase accordingly in order to allow me to hear the other party clearly, the quality was disappointingly flat and shallow. The second caller reported that the music sounded as though it was playing softly in the background while my audible volume seemed to increase. So much so that the other caller had to decrease their handset volume. In contrast, the very same call made with the same scenario using a Nokia BH-200 bluetooth headset promptly ended with the 2nd caller hanging up due to excessive background noise and muffled voice quality.

For the second test, the headset was paired with OS X and a SkypeOut call was made to a landline. Whereas previous calls using the Nokia BH-200 were reported as being shallow or muffled, the Jawbone delivery a surprisingly clearer and more robust voice quality. Unfortunately, the same flat / shallow incoming call quality experienced during the cellphone to cellphone call was repeated yet again.

The headset has delivered fantastic voice quality for listeners during the morning commute, while sitting next to chatty individuals at the coffee shop, and while listening comfortably to my music library while participating in a group conference call. Thus far, the Jawbone stands prominently atop the rest of my previous headsets which include the Logitech Mobile Traveller, Jabra JX-10, and Nokia BH-200.

Does the Jawbone deliver

At $120 US a pop, the Jawbone headset is definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum. At nearly double the cost of your standard bluetooth headset, many will argue whether added advanced processing “algorithmic” enhancements justify the price tag. Personally, I saw yes. If the idea of ensuring that whoever listening at the other end of your call – be it Skype, VoIP, or mobile – hears more of what you have to say, rather than background chatter, the Jawbone delivers. The Jawbone is surprisingly efficient at filtering your own voice from background noise allowing you to converse at more respectful audible levels.


  • TOm D.

    Here’s a question, how comfortable is it with glasses on?

  • http://thirdstring.com Kibby

    Good question TOm.

  • http://tech.cellfi.sh Tech CF

    Thanks a lot :) After reading this I went to eBay and put in a bid on one.

    Not to many with worldwide shipping available, but I hope to get one.

  • Roy

    I wear glasses, and have the jawbone. there is very little contention between the two. but performance may vary depending on the thickness of frames.

    the thing that sticks into your ear is not as comfortable, so I switched to one of the other [included] ear peices and it seems to be a bit more comfortable.

  • http://is.derekpunsalan.com Derek

    I’ll chime in to answer the question concerning glasses as well. I often wear glasses when I’m home (contacts by day), and my frame probably sits a smidgen higher because of the headset. Nothing at all noticeable while looking through the lenses though (only when I run my finger back across the hook).

  • Buckaroo

    I got my jawbone with my Blackjack. I can not get this thing to sit in my ear right no matter how hard I try. It’s too bad they didn’t spend a little time designing a earbud that would seat into the ear channel a little bit.

  • Sean Bailey

    I agree with the review that the sound quality was great but I have other issues with the Jawbone headset. The functionality of the buttons are very diffcult. I have had issues with answering calls when they come in and disconnecting the call. The buttons are on the shield and don’t respond to my actions. I also have issues turning the volume up. I continue to hit the volume and I only get a beep in my ear but no increase in sound. These frustrations have kept me from keeping the Jawbone on my ear.

  • Mark in Vegas

    I recently purchased my Jawbone and have been extremely happy with the quality of the unit, the people that I am having a conversation with either believe that I am on my phone directly or that I am in a quiet room while talking. The negatives (volume control) are far outweighed by the positives that this Bluetooth delivers. So far very much worth the $120.

  • http://www.uneasysilence.com Dan

    Mark, I just got one…. I hope it is a good as everyone says it is.

    Come on Fed Ex!

  • Tim

    Cingular wireless is best place to get, they will replace and take care of all warranty.
    I(Tim Broadwater) have tried 5 differ bluetooth’s from the award winning Plantronics Voyager 510 (my old gray one w/ the long boom) to the top of the line Jabra JX10 that my wife has, nothing comes close to the Jawbone. Jawbone demo is 100% accurate from their web site. My mother called me yesterday and Kim (my wife) was vacuuming the floor the next to me, I ask if she could hear the vacuum, she said what vacuum, she stated she could only hear me clearly with no noise what so ever.

    Jawbone is the world’s first adaptive Bluetooth headset for mobile phones. Its revolutionary Noise Shield technology combines the latest innovations in acoustics, audio processing and product design to produce a quantum leap in headset performance. Not only does the Jawbone technology virtually eliminate all background noise from your call, but as your background changes it also seamlessly adjusts the speaker output so you can hear your caller’s voice better. Jawbone’s intelligent system of sensors, software, and ergonomic features allows you to use your mobile phone in any environment without shouting or straining to hear.

    Now, normally I wouldn’t be so willing to quote from a product’s marketing copy, but the fact is, it works exactly like it says it does. Indeed, I can confidently claim that the video of the Jawbone in action, is an accurate representation of its capabilities. In fact, I’m at the point now where I don’t want to talk to anyone on the phone unless they’re using a Jawbone on their end; why should they get crystal-clear sound from me while I’m left to suffer?

  • Randy Ogle

    Cingular will not, in fact, take care of any warranty issues, if, that is, the device was not bought directly from them or a corporate store. If it came from an agent of Cingular they will do nothing if it breaks. UPS delivered my jawbone Friday March 30, 2007 at 5:15pm. I read the instructions and it said to charge it for 2 hours prior to first use. I did this and when I removed the charger from the headset it pulled the entire back of the headset off. There is no way to charge the device now that it is broke. I’ve contacted Cingular and they are refusing to replace the defective device, they say it has to come from the manufacture. I’ve paid $119.99 before taxes for this and when it completely dies it is as good as disposable. I so wanted this to work and to last.

  • Todd

    I just picked mine up from a Cingular store. Great sound quality on both ends. I normally hate in-ear devices such as ipod earbuds or even bose in-ear headsets, but this one is very comfortable… even without trying the other ear loops or buds. I even like this headset better than my over-ear plantronics boom mic.

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