As I mentioned recently, the Jawbone folks ran a smart marketing campaign at CES: Trade in any Bluetooth headset for a Jawbone. Only problem was, I left my new Blueant Z9 (above left) at home because I haven’t been happy with it.
Fortunately, I worked out a post-show trade and I’ve been using the Jawbone for a few days (with my iPhone and MacBook Pro). I’m very pleased with the incoming and outgoing audio quality (and volume) and, despite the bulk, it’s comfortable. The Z9 handles multiple paired devices better, but clear conversation is more important to me – I’ve finally found a worthy successor to the rock solid Plantronics Voyager 510 (above right).
i got a jawbone in july for my verizon Q, it sounds ok, but i think a lot of the issues stem from the Q, i have never had good quality from headsets. and then there is this on the jawbone support site:
3. Is the Jawbone compatible with the Motorola Q?
Although Bluetooth is a standard, not all Bluetooth is uniformly configured, causing potential compatibility issues between some phones and Bluetooth headsets. Currently, the Bluetooth on the Motorola Q is configured differently than on most phones resulting in compatibility issues with the Jawbone. While we have seen a few encouraging posts on forums regarding the new Q9m, until the Q Bluetooth configuration is closer to other phones on the market, we are unable to recommend our headset for use with it at this time.
I decided on the new cardo s800 since it handles 9 parings — I really need to be able to pair up to my laptop, cell phone, internet tablet, ps3, and desktop. :)
How about something that can do stereo music and pair with the iphone?
Mike, The iPhone doesn’t (yet?) support stereo Bluetooth. And having given it a try on other devices, I still prefer my wired Shures – nothing to charge, no possibility of interference, and I can use them on the plane.
Scott, I ran into Jim Courtney of Skype Journal at CES twice and he was raving about his Bluetooth headset and was going to see about putting me in touch with the manufacturer – I think it might have been Cardo. I could use three pairings to toggle amongst: Main phone, backup phone, and laptop – I have all three with me most of the time, at home and while mobile.
And thanx to you Dave – I caved and got the iPhone too… its awesome!
But did you get a case? I’m not a case guy and a few nights ago a waitress chastised me for not protecting it! I wouldn’t mind a little kick-stand for movie watching on the plane, but I’m not sure about a full-on case.
I read multiple negative reviews regarding ear loop and charger port durability. I’ll be interested to see if you experience these issues.
Does anyone else have pairing problems with iPhone and Jawbone. As a saved device I am still required re-pair the devices ( power cycle iPhone bluetooth and manually enter the pin) each time. Am I alone?
Carlton, I’ll post back if I have any problems/issues. So far it’s been pretty good, other than the pairing issues which leads in to Cory’s question…
Cory, I’m able to maintain a pretty consistent pairing with the iPhone. On a couple of occasions I’ve power cycled the Jawbone to restore the connection, but it wasn’t a big deal and I’m not sure if it’s a Jawbone or iPhone (or both) thing. When trying to switch sources from laptop to phone and back, I have run into the problem you describe. So, for power users with multiple devices, this may not be the best choice – most of my usage will be with my primary phone, so I’m not overly concerned.
Also having issues with mulitple pairing for the Jawbone – the iPhone won’t pick up the headset again, though I’ve removed the Jawbone from the bluetooth devices list on my macbook
Had to return the jawbone, though I loved it dearly, it finally broke. The plastic housing that plugs into the charger broke off and so I couldn’t charge the jawbone headset anymore. Also had numerous poor reception and dropped connection problems. Worst of all the headset just couldn’t fit my ear. After weeks of wrangling with it I was living with the jawbone dangling precariously from my ear. It felt comfortable but looked silly. It just needs to have a solid fit, and needs to be redesigned.
Love the Jawbone and iPhone, but I’ve had to return it 5 times. Odd thing happens. In the middle of a call, the Jawbone just turns off. Others have this problem too. See this link and read 2farrell’s posts near the bottom on 2/15 and 3/3.
http://forum.maccast.com/lofiversion/index.php/t14916.html
If others have this problem, please post so we can get Jawbone to fix this problem.
trying to pair my iPhone with the headset.
I am successful with pairing, the headset turns on then after about ten seconds turns off, never to be activated again. I have soft reset, repaired, everything.
Anyone have any advice?
Dave, not sure what to tell you. I used it successfully with the first generation iPhone for several months. Though it’s bulky and got to be uncomfortable – I’ve since replaced it with the Jabra BT8040 which is more compact and comfortable. Cheaper, too.
I bought a Motorola Active and until now, I found out that my jawbone IS NOT able to work with that phone. What phones are able to connect with the jawbone? I really love my jawbone and like how it works while I am driving in my Jeep!!
Please let me know what brnads of cell phones other than Samsung that are compatibile with my headset.