Review of Aliph's Jawbone 2 Bluetooth headset

Aliph Jawbone 2

Aliph Jawbone 2

Aliph Jawbone 2

Aliph Jawbone 2
Weight	10g (0.4oz)
Body Size	53mm x 23mm x 15mm (2.1" x 0.9" x 0.6")
Talk Time	4:00
Ear Loop	Over Ear, 4
Left/Right Ear?	Both
LEDs	1, Red and White
Pairings	Multiple
Headset Sound	Excellent
Mic Sound	Excellent
Included Accessories	2 leather ear loops, 2 thin ear loops, 3 ear bud covers, AC power adaptor, USB charging cable

Aliph's Jawbone Bluetooth headset burst on to the mobile scene two years ago. With its unprecedented design and technology, the headset managed to win the hearts of headset users everywhere - from grandmothers to road warriors. The main draw was its amazing ability to perform well in any situation - especially loud environments. Its solid voice quality and noise cancelling technology were literally music to everyone's ears. Now almost two years later, Aliph has stepped up to offer its new 2.0 model. The new iteration is almost 50% smaller in size and weight and claims to have the same superior technology as its predecessor. Join us for an in-depth review of the Jawbone 2 and see if its reduction in size translates into a reduction in ability.

The new Jawbone Bluetooth headset has undergone a complete makeover externally. Abandoning the large rectangular form factor its older sibling sported, the new model is less bulky with its smaller form factor and lighter weight. The new look is welcome. Made of medical grade plastic, this slick looking headset uses an diamond pattern embedded across its face that gives it a very sexy and appealing look. Our test model was the matte black version, but Aliph also offers the device in silver and rose gold. When viewing the new model for the first time, users will notice the lack of visible buttons. Hidden beneath the Jawbones fascia, the headset's two main controllers, the NoiseAssassin button and the talk button, are operated by lightly pressing the surface of the Jawbone's outer shell. We found both controls to be extremely responsive. The talk button is located near the middle of the headset and the NoiseAssassin button at the rear. The Jawbone's LED remains invisible until the device is powered on and can be seen near the talk button, just beneath the Jawbone's surface. The discreet LED glows red or white depending upon the task the state of the headset. When the headset needs to be recharged, the LED will glow red in color. With a quick 50 minute charge, the headset will be ready for use. The NoiseAssassin button serves double duty as the volume control, causing the volume level to cycle through several levels with successive presses.

When flipping over the headset, users will immediately notice is curvaceous underbelly. It is there you will find the headset's earpiece and ports for the ear hook that are found on both sides of the headset to accommodate both right and left ear use. Directly behind the earpiece sits the headset's magnetic charging connector, which attaches magnetically. Most importantly, on the underside, is Aliph's patented Voice Activity Sensor, which aids in capturing the users voice. The sensor is a small rubber peg that touches the wearer's cheek and senses vibrations that tell the headset that the wearer is speaking. One of the keys to the Jawbone's audio success is its fit, and Aliph assures that by including various ear hooks and ear buds. Three ear buds are included in the sales package: small, medium, and large. They all sport a traditional round shape and are quite plush when in-ear. We experienced no ear fatigue during our testing. For some users, an ear hook may be needed for extra security and stability, although I never found this to be the case. The new Jawbone 2 is balanced well and sat comfortably and snugly against my cheek.

The battery on the headset is one feature that does cause a bit of concern. Aliph claims 4 hours of talk time for the new Jawbone, which is 2 less than the original, and claims up to 8 days of standby. The decrease in battery life mostly comes from the headset's reduction in size and weight. During our time spent with the Jawbone, it seemed to fall short of its manufacturer claim for both talk time and standby time. The headset ships with a USB charger cable that can also be plugged into an included AC wall adapter.

Aliph Jawbone 2

Aliph Jawbone 2