Amazon.com Customer Reviews
Reliable Bluetooth headset with fantastic noise reduction capabilities! - Review written on July 25, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
3 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.
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
Reliable Bluetooth headset with fantastic noise reduction capabilities! - Review written on July 25, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
5 customers found this review helpful.
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
Reliable Bluetooth headset with fantastic noise reduction capabilities! - Review written on July 25, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
2 customers found this review helpful.
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
Works great! (and girls like it too!) - Review written on July 17, 2008
Rating: 4 out of 5
I'd seen the Jawbone commercials - you know, the guy with all the loud yard equipment in the background, and wondered if the noise reduction you REALLY got was as dramatic as the commercial would have you believe.
NOISE REDUCTION:
Well, not quite, but it DOES reduce background noise for the person on the other end of the connection, NOT you. I tried switching from noise reduction enabled to disabled while standing within earshot of a busy expressway). My calls could all hear the background noise when noise reduction was enabled (the default state), but disabling it caused the noise they heard to be so great they couldn't understand me. I can't say that noise reduction was 100%, but it was pretty darned good.
FIT:
I was a little uncomfortable with the fit at first - it seemed too loose to me. The unit comes with several ear loops and ear buds, and I tried them all before settling on the loop and bud that came installed out of the box. As I've grown accustomed to the unit, though, the 'looseness' no longer bothers me, and I find I can wear it the entire day without discomfort. In noisy environments I find I have to press the earbud deeper into my ear to drown out ambient noise. This hasn't been a huge inconvenience, because I don't spend that much time in high-noise environments, but I could see it being a major annoyance if I did.
APPEARANCE:
I've seen plenty of grey and black Jawbones (even one that was painted with shimmery pink nail polish), but have never seen another red one like mine. I get a lot of positive comments on both color and appearance.
I really like the appearance of the unit. It's distinctive; clean lines, no visible buttons. It just LOOKS easy to use.
BLUETOOTH:
I've used several Bluetooth headsets, with varying degrees of ease in pairing the unit to my phone. This one was one of the easiest and quickest setups I've done. My phone is a Blackjack II, using Windows Mobile 6.
PRICE:
I've wanted a Jawbone for some time now, but wasn't willing to purchase one until the price fell under $80. Of course, that was only because Jawbone II was recently released. I don't know that I'd invest in a full-priced Jawbone or Jawbone II, but it was definately worth what I paid for mine.
I highly recommend this product.
Total frustration & a waste of money - Review written on July 17, 2008
Rating: 1 out of 5
I'm not one to give a negative review lightly - I research the product well before I choose to buy it, but I misjudged this Jawbone headset big-time! After over a month of use, I have to say this is the worst bluetooth headset I've ever had the misfortune to own.
The fit is terrible - none of the ear inserts feel comfortable or stay in my ear more than a few minutes, causing me to continuously fiddle with it trying to get the thing back in my ear while on a call. This causes a great deal of noise, interrupts the flow of the call, and is incredibly frustrating at the very least, not to mention requiring me to use my hands while on a "hands-free" call - totally negating the purpose of using the headset in the first place.
The ear wire is awkward to put on, and no matter which size I've used the thing will inevitably fall off my ear the first time I make a movement - and I'm not talking about throwing my head about wildly here - I mean normal natural movement. That puts the damper on using this while driving - I don't need it flying off when i turn my head to see oncoming traffic.
Yes, the call does sound good, although I can't really say I've noticed the noise shield feature making any difference, but it definitely doesn't sound so much better than the previous units I've owned to warrant the high price tag. Maybe I was lured in by the spiffy red ultra-elegant look, maybe it was the glowing review by a friend, but either way this headset has been a total waste of my time and money. I only wish I was able to give it 0 stars instead of 1 star.
The good, the bad, and the ugly - Review written on July 16, 2008
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Good: Everything you may have heard about the sound quality of this headset is probably true. After many people I calld complained about noise or not being able to hear me when I used my Motorola 700 I decided to bite the bullet and try a different headset. The Jawbone solved the problem for people I called beautifully. Not a single complaint, no strugling to be heard, no static/hissing, and I could actually wear my phone on the opposite side of my body with no loss of quality. (The Motorola couldn't be used in the right ear if the phone wasn't on the right side of me within two feet of the headset.)
The Bad: Don't believe statements claiming the Jawbone is good for use in loud environments. It may or may not work for you. Although the touted sound quality was there for the people I called, I often could not raise the volume of the earpiece loud enough to hear them. This may be due to the fact that I couldn't find a combination of the five differently shaped ear inserts and two ear clips that fit me well enough to block out ambient noise from my ear. For me, the Jawbone was half a solution.
The Ugly: Make no mistake about it, the Jawbone is fragile. It should be fine for people who can put it away in a purse or attache case (maybe a suit pocket?) when not in use, but forget about putting it in the pocket of your jeans while you work or play. The ear clip that fit my ear broke in less than two weeks of use, and the second ear clip was so tight in the Jawbone socket that it was bending as I tried to put it in. I returned the unit.
I'm still looking for a satisfactory Bluetooth headset.