Jaybird JB200 Bluetooth Headset

Final Thoughts

I bought into Bluetooth a very, very long time ago when I purchased a laptop in 2003 which had an $80 Bluetooth module in it. I never used that module, except with a Logitech headset which I purchased from Radio Shack in approximately December of 2004. This headset was large and bulky, using the behind-the-head concept which is now very popular for wired headsets. It was very uncomfortable, and required switching between audio devices within Windows (I was a desktop Windows user in my college days). I returned it within a few days, unimpressed.

However, I'm very impressed with the Jaybird. The adapters mean I don't have to switch audio devices—I can merely plug the 3.5 mm jack module into the front headphone jack on my case and listen away. I can also connect via Bluetooth with ease.

Switching from player to phone is easy, too. It just works. When a call comes in, the headset switches to the phone and when the call ends, it switches back. There was some stuttering here and there with regular playback when connected to the phone and player simultaneously, but it was so rare that I was only slightly bothered by it. Once I disassocated the phone, though, playback was fine.

I seemed to be able to cause some serious interference by enclosing the module in my hand while in my pocket. This, however, is a limitation of the low-power Bluetooth protocol, not of the headset. The manuals for the Jaybird do recommend that the user keep the module in a higher jacket pocket or on an armband.

Most of all, though, it takes time to get accustomed to it. I wrote this review start-to-finish in one sitting while wearing the headset and it's far more comfortable than wearing even my high-end Plantronics headphones!

I really like the Jaybird JB200 and highly recommend it to those looking for a lightweight, high quality wireless headset.

Pros

• Reasonably priced, under $100
• Excellent microphone quality
• Excellent output quality
• iPod and 3.5 mm jack modules enable a wide range of capable devices
• Switching between devices effortless
• Excellent battery life for such a small device

Cons

• Not very tight - a qualitity intrinsic to ear piece units
• The controls are tight and hard to press