The Jawbone Era Bluetooth headset stands out for its compact size, comfort, superior noise-canceling capabilities, and excellent audio quality. Its small, inconspicuous design makes it ideal for public use without drawing unwanted attention. The state-of-the-art NoiseAssassin 4.0 technology and the user-friendly control button further enhance its appeal.
Design and Setup
The Jawbone Era boasts a sleek, minimalist design, almost 1.5 inches long, which integrates seamlessly into the user's appearance. Setting up the headset involves selecting the right ear gel size and updating the firmware to unlock additional features like voice configurations and caller ID. The companion mobile app offers customization options for the command button's functions, voice prompts, and meeting alerts.
Comfort and Performance
Designed with user comfort in mind, the Jawbone Era is a suitable choice for various users, ranging from commuters to professional bike racers. Despite its compact size, the device delivers impressive audio quality with effective noise cancellation and microphone performance. It can be used for listening to radio, podcasts, and music, providing a safe and convenient hands-free experience.
Advanced Features
The Jawbone Era integrates well with virtual assistants like Siri and Google Now, enabling hands-free access by pressing and holding the multifunction button. The headset supports voice control for dictating text messages, triggering calls, setting alarms, and sending emails. While it lacks a dedicated volume control button, it features automatic volume adjustment, ensuring optimal sound levels during use.
Battery Life and Comparisons
One downside of the Jawbone Era is its relatively short battery life, offering 3-4 hours of talk time. However, this can be extended with a separate charging case. Compared to other Bluetooth headsets like the Jabra Motion and Plantronics Voyager Legend, the Jawbone Era falls short in battery life but compensates with its secure fit, simplicity, and fast charging capabilities. For users needing more than 4 hours of continuous talk time, carrying a backup headset could be a practical solution.
| Feature | Jawbone Era | Jabra Motion | Plantronics Voyager Legend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Compact, sleek, minimalist | Ergonomic, over-the-ear | Classic, over-the-ear |
| Noise Cancellation | NoiseAssassin 4.0 | Wind Noise Reduction | Triple-mic active DSP |
| Audio Quality | Excellent | High quality | Excellent |
| Battery Life | 3-4 hours | Up to 7 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Siri, Google Now | Siri, Google Now | Siri, Google Now |
| Automatic Volume Adjustment | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Case | Optional | Included | Included |
| Price | Moderate | High | Moderate |
Social Perception
Despite the technological advancements in Bluetooth headsets, some users still face negative societal reactions when using devices like the Jawbone Era in public. The author's personal experience highlights feeling awkward and receiving odd looks, suggesting that the social stigma around wearing headsets persists despite their growing utility and functionality.
Final Thoughts
The Jawbone Era is recommended for users who prioritize voice communication and discretion. Its superior design, comfort, and advanced features make it a top choice for hands-free communication, despite its limitations in battery life. For extended talk time and enhanced call quality, alternatives like the Jabra Motion and Plantronics Voyager Legend are worth considering.
