Jawbone Headset Looks and Sounds Better

by Larry Magid

If you run into me on the street, you’re not likely to see me wearing one of those Bluetooth headsets. I know – they let you use your phone hands-free, which is both more convenient and arguably safer when you’re driving. July 2008, however, I’ll probably have to spring for some type of headset when a California law kicks in that bans talking on a non-hands-free phone while driving.

One reason I don’t use a headset is because they’re mostly ugly and dorky, unless of course you want to look like Mr. Spock from “Star Trek.” Another reason I’ve hesitated is that most of the headsets I’ve tried don’t make the call sound any better on either end. In fact, some make it harder for both parties to hear each other.

But when I was at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this year, I picked up a Jawbone headset from Aliph that not only looks better but sounds better too.

The new Jawbone, which you can purchase at jawbone.com or at Cingular stores for $119.99, contains what the company calls “noise shield technology” designed to virtually eliminate background noise that can make it hard for either party to hear a conversation.

The device gets its name because instead of a normal mouthpiece, there is a sensor that rests against your jawbone to pick up your voice. Built in noise-canceling technology filters out background noise so the person you’re talking to mostly hears you instead of traffic, the leaf blower or someone else’s radio.

I tested it by tuning my radio between stations to generate loud static and then calling several people who all reported that the call was a lot quieter with the noise shield on (you can turn it off if you want).

I then used some professional telephone recording equipment to record my own voice with and without the noise shield and noticed a profound difference in the noise level when the noise shield was on.

Almost as important as the technology is the device’s design which is decidedly “unugly” – a tall order for something you wear on your ear and jaw. It was designed by Yves Behar whom Business Week called “the brand wizard” for his branding designs for Birkenstock and BMW.

Unlike some of my Silicon Valley brethren, I fail to see how wearing even a stylish headset adds to my prestige or status. So if I do wind up using one of these headsets, I plan to take it off when not in use. Still, after looking in the mirror while wearing a Jawbone I must admit that at least I don’t look like an immigrant from planet Vulcan.