Aliph Jawbone Noise Shield Bluetooth Headset - Deb's Review

The Jawbone - this Bluetooth headset is on a first name basis with anyone in the know. The high tech look and the high tech features give the Jawbone a drool factor that is above any other Bluetooth headset. It is even pretty in all four (yes 4) colors - black, red and silver and gold.

There are two versions of the Jawbone. The original Jawbone is larger than the Jawbone 2 as well as a bit heavier. The original Jawbone had a shiny machined look with tiny slots cut into the surface where the Jawbone 2 has more of a dimensional diamond design (some say a slight feminine look). As I already mentioned the original Jawbone is available in three colors and the Jawbone 2 is available in 4 colors once the gold was announced.

As with any product there are always complaints from some users. The original Jawbone was too big for some and the fit was not good for others. The new Jawbone 2 has addressed these complaints as well as some other common complaints of the original. 

To accomplish the sleek look of the Jawbone there are no visible buttons on the surface. The "talk" button and the volume button are located in such a way that you have to feel for them. The volume button should not be much of a negative since the Jawbone itself adjusts the volume according to the surrounding noise conditions. The volume can be adjusted manually however by pushing the volume button and adjusting it to your own preference.

Both the original Jawbone and the new Jawbone 2 have the tiny "nub" that fits against your (real) jaw bone. The vibration from your voice is detected by the sensor and this is how the Jawbones work.

Originally the ear hook was a requirement for the Jawbone but not on the Jawbone 2. The rubber ear piece on the Jawbone 2 fits in a more secure manner so the ear hook is not necessarily needed. The package includes a few different sizes of ear hooks as well as rubber microphone covers. Wearing glasses is not an issue when using the ear hooks (some leather - some not) because they are quite flexible.

Two separate microphones work together to give the Jawbone its superior performance. The dual microphones works in tandem to amplify your voice while minimizing surrounding noises such as the wind or restaurant chatter.

It is as important that the person on the other end of a call have as good of an experience the caller. As far as I can discern from reviews there is not many problems with that. No more than a bit of rustling background noises has been talked about.

Call time is rated at four hours and standby up to eight days.

I have thought seriously about buying the Jawbone 2. I have hesitated because I have had such a problem with getting my Motorola H12 (which also fits inside the ear) to fit properly without hurting my ear.

At first I thought my problem was with the size of the rubber ring that fits over the speaker. Then I realized that the shape and or size of the ear hook are really the problem. Since the Jawbone supplies different sized ear hooks the problem may not be so bad.

I have to deal with a lot of noise during the day and I really want a headset that will fit well and will let me hear the person I am talking to. The key may be to buy the Jawbone from a retailer that makes it easy to return it if I cannot wear it comfortably.