Category: 
January 17, 2008
Let me preface this post by stating in no way do I condone the usage of a Bluetooth headset while you walk around the streets. This is a trend that is completely and utterly beyond my comprehension and ranks pretty high up on my “shit that makes me want to hurt people” list. This is something that I have seen countless times in the States and seems to be a growing trend here in Europe these days as well. Typically it is some super Ghetto (yes with a capital G) person or some wanky business man who thinks he is way more important than he really is.
If I hate Bluetooth headsets so damned much, then you may be asking yourself why the hell would I buy one? Fair point.
My reasons for purchasing a Jawbone headset are as follows:
1) I wanted to have a headset for the car so I don’t get pulled over (talking on your phone whilst driving is illegal here - as it should be everywhere)
2) I wanted a headset to use with my slick new little laptop that was wireless (I hate wires!) for Skype calling
I realised that there is an overlap in these technologies and decided to try to find a device that would suit both needs equally well. I wanted to avoid purchasing some large wireless headphones for the laptop because I’m all about slim fitting jeans and what not…
In my research, I found that the Jawbone was a nice sleek product that seemed to have (at least from the demo videos) superior sound quality. Oh and it came in fashionable colours and we all know I’m a sucker for colours.
I did a little research to make sure that is was Skype compatible (oddly enough the Skype founders are investors in the company - so it better damn well be compatible), if it would work with my new Crackberry 8120 and finally I made sure that it was Vista compliant because I didn’t feel like fighting my crappy OS for hours on end to get it paired. All boxes ticked so I busted out the credit card and bought one for £70 online.
The package came today. Yipee!
My initial reaction was - damn this is a big box for a little headset. I unwrapped the padded exterior to reveal a rather attractive and expensive looking packaging. A large plastic box with all my goodies. I have to say - it was impressive packaging.
I charged the headset with the included USB cable for a good 45 minutes (yeah, I couldn’t wait the entire time) and then got to pairing up my devices. All in all it took about 2 minutes to pair the Blackberry and I as off and running with voice dialling and everything. Granted my Blackberry can’t understand what I am saying so I got the correct person about 50% of the time, but this isn’t any fault of the Jawbone.
Arrived home and paired the Jawbone up with Vista, restarted Skype, did a few little tweaks and finally got it working. Test called Bob on his mobile phone with my head under the oven hood on high and, although Bob is pretty deaf, he swears that he didn’t hear the fan AT ALL. Amazing that the noise cancelling works that well, but it DOES.
Overall verdict: Great product thusfar. Easy to configure. Design as cute as can be. Packaging amazing. Nerdgirl gives her thumbs up on this one.
One more notable thing. It comes with a USB charger. God bless any company that makes their products compatible with a USB charger. Thank you and good night.
Horaayy..there are 8 comment(s) for me so far ;)
I have one of these.
It’s difficult to put on my ear quickly. The customer service of the company (for warranty issues, etc.) is severely lacking.
Other than these issues, I’m fairly happy with the headset in terms of sound quality although it’s not really that much better than a cheaper non noise cancelling one.
And the Jawbone totally cuts out in the wind.
You shouldn’t be using this device while driving even if it is hands free. Where is the logic? You are completly tuned out when you are supposed to be driving! I am so sick of stupid people who put my life and the lives of others in danger because they would rather talk about What “Taylor” was wearing instead of driving. OMG!! Like I can’t wait until I get home! So I must drive like an idiot and talk on my phone!
Regarding your opening lines: I fully agree with you, this running around all time with a headset on is so annoying. I heard a nice quote about a month ago: “The mullet of the 21st century is the bluetooth headset.” And i couldn’t agree more.
P.S.: the quote is from the german journalist Mario Sixtus (who made it in german), i don’t want to steal his quote
why does the little ear bud fall off every time u remove from the ear,maybe mines broke or its time for super glue other than that its great……
I love my jawbone. My only concern is that there’s no carrying case for it. It’s so small that I have to toss it in my purse and then hunt to find it when my phone rings. Where can I get a carrying case?
CORRECTION:
If using a Bluetooth headset while DRIVING dangerous; then so is talking to the person next to you, having a child in a car seat riding in the vehicle, thinking of anything else but driving while driving…
I love the jawbone but I think “the whole talking on a cell phone without a headset while driving is very bad,” is just ridiculous. If you use a handset you are holding it with one hand and driving with the other. DRIVING WITH ONE HAND IS NOT THE PROBLEM! If there is a problem it is the distraction from talking to someone. Many if not most people drive with one hand normally. Driving with one hand versus two on the wheel may or may not be slightly less safe but the cellphone has nothing to do with it. If there is a problem, I think simply talking on a phone is the issue and the whole hands free litigation is just plain ignorant. As many people have pointed out you are probably equally or even more distracted if you are talking to a passenger next to you. I’m not saying many people aren’t careless drivers, just that the phones, handsfree or not, have nothing to do with it.
If you cannot drive and talk at the same time, then you should turn in your license and take public transportation.