Digital Trends

Jabra JX10

July 16th, 2006 | by Brandon King

Features and Design

There are three camps in the battle of the Bluetooth headsets. Some offer only the basics wrapped in a moderately pleasing package. Others cram as much functionality as possible into an earpiece. And still others throw their money into offering the sleekest design possible, while attempting to avoid compromises in functionality. Unlike other gadgets that generally find one company supporting a single class, many Bluetooth headset makers span the gamut, offering at least one option in each category. Our earlier review of the Jabra BT800 provided some insight into that feature packed offering by the headset giant. Now we get to see what happens when Jabra sports their Sunday best. The JX10 is the result of Jabra's technical know-how and world famous designer Timothy Jacob Jensen's industrial design skills.

The JX10 headset sports the most elegant style of a gadget in this category. At 1/3 oz. and 1.5 inches it is easy to forget you're wearing this headset. While it's not the smallest headset on the market, the JX10 can easily be mistaken for keys in a purse or pocket. The body of the unit can be used alone, or with the provided flexible rubber ear hook. Being able to remove the hook allows the wearer to switch ears. We found that once the ear hook was removed, it was generally difficult to reattach securely, even when properly latched. When used without the ear hook, the JX10 feels slightly awkward, as if it could fall off (even though we had no problems keeping it anchored). A ring of rubber material increases friction enough to keep the headset in place, even during the dreaded “shoe tying test.” We were able to crouch down, with our head 90 degrees to the floor without the JX10 falling out. In either configuration, once acclimated, the JX10 is a pleasure to wear.

There are only three everyday use buttons on the JX10. Answer/end, volume up, and volume down are all the user needs to worry about, making this one of the simplest interfaces of any Bluetooth headset. A tiny, frosted triple LED window indicates the status and battery level of the headset. Along the inside edge is an extremely small pairing button. We were glad to see that the button is very hard to press accidentally, but didn't require a custom tool or paperclip. We were somewhat disappointed that there was no mute button, as it looks like there could have been a button placed along the top edge. Using the JX10 involves ‘tapping' and ‘pressing' the answer/end button. For instance, to answer a call on call waiting, press (and hold for 1 second) the answer/end button to switch between conversations, and tap (brief press) the same button to end the active conversation.

Next to the volume buttons is a concealed charging port. The JX10 ships with a stylish, solidly built charging dock that makes the charging headset look more like a work of art than a gadget, especially when the ear hook is detached. When away from home, the supplied micro USB charging cable can be used to charge the integrated lithium polymer battery via laptop. Jabra advertises 6 hours of talk time and 200 hours of standby. We found standby time to be approximately 8.5 days, or 204 hours. Similarly, we managed to eek out 5 hours of talk time. When not in use, the JX10 can be stored in a carrying pouch, also supplied by Jabra.

Jabra JX10