Review: Jawbone Icon (The Thinker) Bluetooth Headset by Aliph
When it comes to Bluetooth headsets, most of them promise superior noise cancellation and comfort, but how many actually stand by it? Aliph, creators of the Jawbone Bluetooth headset have been designing headsets now for years, and every time they launch a new model, they seem to get better and better. Over the past month I’ve been testing the new Jawbone Icon headset (The Thinker model), which is a very tiny, feature packing headset. The Jawbone Icon is the first Bluetooth headset on the market to rock a built-in operating system, which allows you to easily upload different voices, languages and applications right to the headset.
Design: I’ll touch on the design quickly… It’s a very tiny headset, that comes in several different colors and designs. The two models of the Jawbone Icon I’ve been testing are “The Hero” and “The Thinker”. The actual headsets themselves are the same, but the designs are different. Below is a picture of the different Jawbone Icon series so you can see what I mean. Also you can browse the different models in the Accessorize Mobile Shop and from Jawbone’s website. The Icon is also the first Jawbone to use a more standard micro USB charger, which is great news for those who have BlackBerries, or other micro USB smartphones.
Voice Quality: A lot of Bluetooth headsets fail when it comes to incoming and outgoing voice quality. Although Jawbone headsets in the past have been pretty decent, I would say the Icon is the best so far. It’s one of those things you really need to test out for yourself, but I think if you do, you would be pleasantly surprised.
Jawbone OS: I wanted to speak a little about the operating system built into the headset. It’s called MyTalk and its compatible with Windows computers. Basically its in early beta stage, and you will have to request beta access, but once you do, you will have access to tons of neat applications (like 411, enhanced voice dialing, voice to sms, etc), plus other voices and even language options.
Other things: One thing I really like about the Icon is when I use it with my iPhone. Once you pair the headset with the iPhone, you will see a battery indicator right beside your iPhone’s battery indicator, and this will tell you exactly how much battery life you have remaining on the headset. You can also find out how much battery life you have on the headset by holding the answer/multipurpose key down for a second. The Jawbone Icon comes packed with several different adapters for ear sizes, a loop to wrap behind ear, and of couse the micro USB charger (which doubles as USB cable).
Overall: The Jawbone Icon comes in at a great $99 USD, and I would say its 100% worth it. In the past I’ve used a ton of Bluetooth headsets, and I can say this is defiantly the first I enjoy using. Aliph says right on their site that most Jawbone users actually prefer talking on their headset, over their phone, and I would almost have to agree. I use the Jawbone in my office, car, and even sometimes when I’m just out and about. I would strongly suggest you check out the Jawbone Icon either in store or order on online today. You will notice we rate all of the products we review out of 5, and I am giving the Jawbone Icon a solid 4.5 out of 5, simply because it is my favorite headset to date, and it works like you would expect. Some people ask me if the headset is too small, but I don’t mind it. Although I do think its my preference. If you don’t like things in your ear I would still recommend a Bluetooth carkit.
Where to Buy: You can pick the Jawbone Icon in all of its flavors from either the Accessorize Mobile Shop for only $99.95, Jawbone’s website, or some of your favorite electronic retailers and phone stores.
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