Occasionally I’ll answer my cell phone without a headset, but I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to extended use of holding the phone up to my head. I have tended to side with the Europeans who have been concerned about this issue for years. And it wasn’t until recently that the World Health Organization finally released a report listing cell phone radiation as a possible carcinogen.
And though I’m not willing to completely give up my cell phone, I’m a big advocate of keeping it away from my head. Not only does this make me a safer driver, but I’d like to think that it’s helping avoid one more health hazard.
I’ve used a Jawbone headset for years and have most recently been testing out the Jawbone ERA. It’s likely one of the smallest headsets you’ll find and utilizes some very interesting technology that makes it outstanding.
Best features for me?
- It’s a small unit which means that it’s lightweight and barely noticeable when it sits in my ear.
- It comes with 8 earbuds to ensure the perfect fit. 4 have a little loop on the end so that it rests within the ear and won’t accidentally fall out. It also comes with an earloop that you can place over your ear for a little extra hold (I found this to be unnecessary given the loops on the earbud themselves).
- When a call comes through, a voice tells you what the number is of the person calling. You don’t even have to look at the phone to see who it is.
- To answer a call, you simply double tap the Jawbone ERA so there’s no fumbling for the phone.
- Battery life is shown on your phone so there’s no more guessing about how much time you’ve got left to talk (though I’m trying to sort out why the icon for this looks like a pipe).
There are other great features that make the Jawbone ERA stand out:
- It uses military-grade noise and wind canceling technology.
- This same technology also auto-adjusts for the call volume based on background noise.
- It uses HD audio so that if you’re listening to music or a video, it’s sounds great.
The Jawbone ERA is easy to wear for hours making it great for long road trips or listening to podcasts on a bus or train ride.
I haven’t taken this on a trip yet myself but my only concern, really, is that it’s so small and unobtrusive that it could get lost in my luggage or daybag. But if that’s all I have to complain about, I think the Jawbone folks have done something right!
Comes with a carrying case, tiny USB cable and small wall adaptor – all very packable!
My only problem now is convincing Jon to buy his own so mine doesn’t go missing 🙂
Prices start at $90 on Amazon.
Travel Well,
Jessie T says
I just got my hands on the Jawbone Prime actually (my first dabble into bluetooth headsets!). There aren’t too many places that sell them in the UK anymore so I went through these guys. I have to say it’s a pretty nice piece of kit. The design is pretty classy and I love the noise cancellation.
I might upgrade to the Era at some point though, as my daughter has her eye on this one lol… I’m wondering if it really is a step up from the Prime or if I should just stick to what I know…