Review: Jawbone 2 bluetooth headset

Back in June 2007 I reviewed the original Jawbone bluetooth headset and despite its drawbacks I found it to be the standard by which I judge all other BT headsets. Its military grade noise cancellation is second to none and of dozens of Bluetooth headsets that I've used over the years everything else pales in comparison to Jawbone.Recently Aliph released the successor, the Jawbone 2 (US$129) and I'm happy to report that it fixes almost all the things that annoyed me about version 1 and it's even smaller. Battery life is better, the Jawbone 2 easily lasts for three to four days of light use when I turn it off when not in use. The J2 earloop is smaller and more streamlined, making it easier to pop on my ear when the phone is ringing. The power down sound is also quieter and doesn't deafen you when powering the unit down like the original Jawbone did. Most importantly, Aliph made the rubber earpiece attach more firmly to the body of the Jawbone 2. The old, Jawbone 1 earpiece would constantly wriggle off, promptly me to have to add a dab of hot glue to keep it in place.

Unfortunately,  Aliph continues to use a proprietary power charger with the Jawbone 2 and while it's better than the original – it now connects to the headset via a magnetic latch – it still requires Jawbone's proprietary, expensive (US$30) charger. It baffles me why companies continue to force their proprietary chargers on us when they could easily switch to a micro USB connector. The only factor preventing the Jawbone from being the perfect Bluetooth headset is the fact that they elected to force their proprietary charger down our throats. If you forget the adapter while traveling you're hosed and your Jawbone becomes a brick when it runs out of juice. Unacceptable.