I stopped using bluetooth headsets about 5 years ago for several reasons. I was recently talking to Robb Dunewood about needing a new headset and he asked what I disliked about BT headsets. I went on my normal rant and he called me out. His point was valid considering I had not really used a BT headset in the last 5 years. I purchased the jawbone Icon Hero. Robb gave me the best endorsement of this product, this winter he was actively snow blowing while talking to me on his headset, and I could not hear the snow blower. I have owned Jawbone, Jabra, and Motorola bluetooth headsets in the past. Jawbone had the best noise reduction but just did not fit my ears. Jabra had the best fit for me. Motorola just did not have a comfortable fit. Here is my short list of issue with bluetooth headsets:
- The need to charge yet another device. I have yet to find a headset that could last a business day on a single charge.
- I wanted to listen to my podcasts then transition to a phone call. I will get to A2DP shortly (so for all the geeks give me a moment).
- When I travel I do not want something that requires yet another custom charging dock or connection.
- I know I keep going back to power but having a dead headset is worthless
- Unlike most people I really need my headset in every place other than my car as all my cars have bluethooth handsfree options.
- The curse of the BT headset is the size. They are just so easy to lose or misplace
- Repairing the devices to get them to work again
- Some devices don’t allow you to pair them to multiple mobile phones thus if you switch phones often this requires repairing
How was the Headset
Let me get right to it. The audio quality on the Jawbone Icon Hero is insane. I talk to a group of people that will complain about audio quality at the drop of a dime and none of those knew when I was testing out the Jawbone, they just assumed it was a good call. I don’t know how the others stay in business because the Jawbone call quality is flawless.
I like that the headset talks to you. For example a single click on the Jawbone tells me the number of talk hours remaining. Inbound calls read off the inbound caller number, I wish it could read off the name of the caller assuming it is in my contact list.
The Downside
My ears must be designed wrong because the only way I can wear the Jawbone is with the behind the ear hook and that feels like it is about to fall off. I tried every fit and not one was the perfect fit for me. Despite the audio quality, the Jawbone is not the right headset for me. Here is the funny part, after I had the Jawbone back to the out of the box configuration my wife picks it up and slides it on her ear for the perfect fit. So much for returning this headset, she just got a new bluetooth headset with amazing noise reduction. Since she has the kids in the car with her most of the time it will be extremely handy.
I am holding off on buying another corded headset as I am going to test out several bluetooth headsets over the next couple weeks. Next up the MotoROKR 29-HD because is has A2DP allowing me to stream Bluetooth audio (ie podcasts and music).
Update: After talking to Robb Dunewood he could not believe the headset would not fit. We went over it several times and like magic it fits. I was making the smallest mistake and that was the difference between success and total frustration. Jawbone will be one of my keepers. YES!!!