I came across the Jawbone website and was immediately impressed with the technology and stylish look. I figured I had to have this – be the first kid on my block as it were It took me a wknd to try different earbuds to see which fit well. The third day was trial by fire.

My work truck is fairly loud (as trucks go) and most often I have to close the window in order to have a conversation on my phone. So I figured it was time to see if the Jawbone holds up to the claims they make. I opened the driver’s window while driving up a hill (5th gear, 1800 rpm) and I phoned my dad. I didn’t have to raise my voice at all to be heard. I used the same level of voice as though we were in a room beside each other. My dad did not hear my truck or any traffic noise. He couldn’t even tell if I was driving.

The next test was going through a tunnel with the window open. I could hear everything echoing, while my dad did not hear a thing. We continued talking while I went over a bridge, and cars were driving by. Once again, my dad did not hear any background noise, my voice came through clearly. I kept talking while unloading my truck. No background sound was heard. On my return trip I came over the previous bridge, driver’s window still open, while cars and trucks drove by. Just before I entered the tunnel I switched to my phone, just for comparison. Every sound was heard. I entered the tunnel, and the sound of my truck reverberated in the tunnel. Halfway through I switched back to the Jawbone, every background sound disappeared. I kept talking in a normal tone of voice, as though we were beside each other. No other sound came through but my voice.

At my next delivery I opened the back door of my truck, inches from my face, and not even that sound came through the Jawbone. There was even some construction going on across the street. When I switched to my phone it could be heard. I switched back to the Jawbone and the sound of construction disappeared.

An extreme test was standing next to a semi-truck with the engine running and hood open. I was four feet away and I phoned a friend. He said the sound was just beginning to fade in and out, but he could still hear me just fine.

The Jawbone is comfortable. In fact I often forget I am wearing it, which is pretty well all the time It is simple to use. Pairing it with my phone was a snap, even after a reset the pairing held. The buttons are discretely hidden below the surface. I have no need to use them, except for maybe a redial. The fact that I can drive with the window open, talk in a normal tone of voice and be heard is quite amazing. My voice comes through clearly, in fact people comment they hear me better, which is why I prefer to use it over my phone. As well, the voice of the person I am talking to is improved.

I would prefer a hard case for it, just for the times when it is in my pocket. Admittedly it is a little on the big side, but considering the technology which is jammed in there. I wonder if it can be made smaller? All in all, I am quite impressed. The Jawbone lives up to its claims. It suits me for what I do.

I recently read that if the Jawbone doesn’t quite fit in your ear canal then the earpieces from Jabra will adapt quite nicely. I’m going to consider that because it does have a tendency to slip out of my ear a little, but I am still trying the different earpieces.

price: $140 US

rating: 9/10

cory photographique
http://www.coryjohnson.net

Yes, Jawbone does an excellent job at blocking out background noise. But, it’s not as good as the video would have you believe. Nothing on the market can reduce background noise 100% and Jawbone is being a little misleading with this video.

I still think it’s a good product. Just not as good as they would have you believe.

If there’s a generation 2 that comes out, I’d be interested in trying it, but I was much happier with one of my sony-ericsson headsets than the jawbone.

http://fakestev...er.blogspot.com

Now I have a plantronics. Smaller, more comfortable, better reaction from business callers. Also cancels noise. Costs about $99 and pairs well with the iPhone.

This would all be pretty simple to fix in terms of replacing but my biggest problem is that I too can’t get the thing to fit right. I must also have a weird head/ear combo as none of the fitting options worked for me. Always falls out after a while and you have to keep adjusting with your hand. Again, it would be great if it had the sponge earpiece like the Shure’s as mentioned above. Make sure to try out on your ear before buying. A mistake I made which would have kept me from buying this earpiece no matter how good it supposedly is.

My one gripe is the earpiece plastic gizmo that is meant to fit in your ear is next to useless, and the metal hook that goes around your ear starts to hurt even after a 10 minute call. I so wish they would use the kind of foam piece that Sure EC3’s use. The unit seems light enough….

After reading the comments I am puzzled: Is this a good or a bad product?

i’ve seen them in the cellphone store and i’ve seen the company’s video but i have yet to see one in public.

i’m not a big fan of wearing these in public but sitting behind a computer in the home-office and freeing my hands up for typing or note-taking or editing while on a conversation is priceless.

joseph hollak
http://blog.hollakmedia.com

Get ready for a revolution in the way you get connected. Flivor requires no downloads and lets you find and interact LIVE with people in your area all through your mobile phone. With Flivor you will be able to experience live streaming video feeds of other members in your locale. You can search, watch and go live yourself all in a matter of seconds.

HOW IT WORKS?

Using WiMax, compass and GPS integrated in the mobile phone, Flivor will connect to users in your area and allow you to video call them without having to share your phone number; it is a live stream IM where you don’t need to add buddies.

Imagine a Friday night where you feel like checking out the latest summer blockbuster. Just click the Flivor icon on your mobile phone, select an activity, in this case “movie” and Flivor does the rest. Flivor’s server searches members in your area and displays those who share your interests. One click will open a video feed between you and the user you choose. If you don’t match up, go back to your list and click on another prospect to watch their live stream. Flivor offer variety of activities such as restaurant, movie, concert, football games, art exhibit and opens up endless possibilities to interact.

Using Adobe Flash player, Microsoft’s new SilverLight player, Quicktime H.264 or Opera’s native flash replacement, Flivor lets you join in on someone’s cam chat or go live yourself. Have a private conversation or a cam party. You can search for other live users and easily hookup with your friends or make new ones. Flivor also delivers premium live video content from music and movies to sports and style. Whatever you’re into it’s on and it’s LIVE. Your live streaming experience is moving outside the box. With Flivor you can access, post, update and watch live video from your computer or your cell phone to any computer, cell-phone or TV.

HOW DO I GET MY FLIVOR?

It’s coming soon…real soon. Keep checking back and we’ll keep you in the loop as we approach the launch date. To get more info about FLIVOR and be part of the private beta contact us, we’ll be happy to fill you in. If you are a content creator and want to know how your shows can be featured on Flivor get in touch with us as well. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll let you know more about the features in our private beta and how we can help you reach an audience.

Flivor™ – Copyright 2007 – Alex Becker – All Rights Reserved

The other issue is charging. Apple integrated the sync cable and dock with theirs and it simplifies things quite a bit. I don’t need yet another cable/charger to manage and/or lose when traveling.

admit it, you have that combination of loathing/laughter when you see some moron walking around the grocery store wearing one of these. like, who is on the phone so much that they need it permanently embedded in their ear?

when people talk on these things they look like they are insane people talking to themselves