Jawbone JamBox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker - Black Diamond

 

 

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Often not compelled to write a review, but this fantastic speaker is really so good, I wanted to share my experience with it.

I was looking for a single 'box' speaker that was unobtrusive, and I could move from kitchen table to bathroom, patio etc.

Competition
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I spent some time looking (and trying) Tivoli Pal, Tivoli Model One, lower end iPod docks and even a PicoIR internet radio.

But all I wanted was a *speaker* - I have radio etc via my iPhone - the sound was lovely (esp. Tivoli), but I felt like I was paying for a feature I don't need.

And then I remembered this Jambox device; I'd written it off as gimmicky when it was released. Shows what i know, huh? :)

Audio quality
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This has the same audio performance as a Tivoli, I reckon- a nice, warm sound, which definitely benefits from decent quality AAC/source files - you notice the difference with iPlayer's 'HD' and 320k iTunes material.

The audio is noticeably 'box bound' (depending on the track), but as it's the size of *two Wii remotes* - it's an amazing audio performance for it's size.

If this was simply a mains-powered, smallish speaker, with audio-in, as I thought I wanted, I'd be really happy.

Usage
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But of course, this also has a 10hr battery and bluetooth connectivity (and a headphone-in if you need it), so I can carry it from room to room, with my iPhone (or Mac) left behind (30 feet range - I've not reached that limit yet).

I didn't think I needed this sort of portability, but it's absolutely brilliant - you really do find yourself using it whilst cooking, showering, etc.

I didn't think I'd need a speaker to carry around my flat, away from the phone/mac, but it's really useful.

And it looks pretty cool! It's like a nifty piece of lego...not some horrid nerdy hifi object with flashing blue LEDs. It feels extremely rugged as well; thick rubber on both sides and a meaty metal grille.

**UPDATE**: I've been using this for a week now, and the battery is outstanding - I've charged it once, and used it for: afternoon's loud listening, a movie, an evening's background music, an afternoon's listening, morning's radio. Still reporting 'about 3/4 full', and the iPhone's battery indicator (v. cool) looks about 2/3rds.

It's been a week, and no run-down on the battery whilst idle, either. Absolutely fantastic.

Bluetooth
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It's also a doddle to pair by holding the power switch for a few seconds - I haven't tried more than two devices (iPhone and Mac), but it shows up as a source in every audio-enabled iPhone app I've tried so far.

One thing I was concerned about was the syncing of audio for video playback (I was previously unfamiliar Bluetooth audio), but it's perfect.

Because it's battery+wireless, this has transformed how I watch movies on my laptop (I place the speaker near my head, and the laptop at the bottom of the bed :)

Accessories
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Some thoughtful extras in the box are two lengths of micro USB cable (the shorter one is great for travelling), and a lovely thin headphone-heaphone cable (I suspect audio nerds will detect improved quality sound with this - I couldn't hear much difference over Bluetooth).

But best of all is a really nicely designed 'slipcase', with toughened sides, so you can carry it in a bag.

Note for Mac users
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Word of warning to Mac users - it shows up twice in Sound preferences - the default source is 'headset' and that is really rubbish and tinny. Be sure to select 'Bluetooth Headphones'.

**UPDATE**: I've had some problems connecting my Mac over Bluetooth (iPhone is flawless). I think the Mac has a Bluetooth bug which requires you to wait for 15+ seconds to connect successfully. If you try and access System Preferences > Audio in the first 15+ secs, before the device driver has become active, the Sound prefs hang, or you get a 'can't connect' error.

As the iPhone is flawless, and instant, I'm going to put this down to buggy/sub par BT audio drivers on 10.6.7...I'll just have to learn to be a little patient when using my Macbook :-)

Conclusion
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It's not full-on hifi, but you've probably already got a dock/stereo/whatever for that.

This is basically a near-perfect kitchen table speaker for connecting an iPhone/laptop.

Then it becomes one of the best travel accessories I've come across - the battery and size (and weight) means it'll slip easily into an overnight bag (it comes with a nice slipcase...never suffer hotel room audio again!

If you like well designed, thoughful objects, like good sound, but are willing to compromise a bit for wonderful portability and lots of opportunities to actually use the thing, I don't think you'll regret buying this.

Grt little speaker, was shocked when I 1st opened it by how small it was. However, it delivers amazing sound for such a small unit. I listen to base heavy electronic music and the sound it produces is very good, fantastic for a regular business traveler like myself and I use it for hands free calls and music on the road. No chargers or cables needed is an added bonus - battery stays charged for 12hrs continuous. Syncs perfectly with my HTC android.
However, it is not all great:
1) The price, I think 100GBP would be better aligned with the the product
2) If you have it on full volume on a smooth surface, it bounces around on the base and yesterday it bounced off the sink unit of my hotel room onto a hard floor, ouch! Luckily it is still ok, but I have learnt to place it on a small towel, or something similar to stop it moving

Length:: 1:04 Mins

This small rectangular box makes the most incredible music! Not only that, it synced so quickly that I was shocked! Music began playing and everyone was fighting over MY speaker! It speaks to tell you when the battery is low, it connects and charges quickly, THIS IS THE HOTTEST SPEAKER EVER, and my kids were all over it.
works as a speakerphone which is so much nicer then the one on my ear, the sound quality is so amazing, it's everything and more than I thought it would be.
Fantastic Sound .. Fantastic Box ..so cool

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great product - competitve price
Was toying with the idea of buying this product for ages for two main reasons

1) I spend some time away with work and my laptop speakers are terrible so I wanted... Read more

Published 7 days ago by OisinC

5.0 out of 5 stars Great little Blutooth Speaker
I had been looking for a Bluetooth speaker for to go with my new I-phone 4s for my office and also trips away, staying hotels etc. Read more

Published 18 days ago by PeterMc

4.0 out of 5 stars What a remarkable pice of equipment
It is very easy to use, contruction seems solid, and the sound for the size is pretty good. If you are looking for something for a rave with 100 people this is clearly not the... Read more

Published 21 days ago by Pedro Porfirio

5.0 out of 5 stars Rewiew jambox wi-fi
The Jawbone Jambox Wireless bluetooth speakear it is a very good product, like in description on the site, good quality of sound's, light weight, smart soft, etc. It's fun...

Published 24 days ago by cornell2b

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Portable Speaker
Title says it all!!!! An amazing product.

Pros
- it just works - no problem connecting it
- good battery life
- looks v cool
- for its size a rich... Read more

Published 27 days ago by Mr. M. Bland

4.0 out of 5 stars Shop around
I mostly use this with my blackberry via bluetooth, but have connected up with other mp3 players via the lead. Read more

Published 29 days ago by ESB

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!
Wow wow wow! What an amazing bit of kit! To use via Bluetooth wirelessly is great from my iPhone 4s. To have such a great sound makes it even better! And it's so portable! Read more

Published 2 months ago by Ian

1.0 out of 5 stars 3 Months with music
I bought this product as I wanted a portable cordless speaker which would allow me to have music wherever I wanted it. The device is very neat and works well. Read more

Published 3 months ago by Jose de Abreu

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality product - looks quality, feels quality and sounds quality
For its size the sound quality from this device is excellent. lts bass offering is clearly its special skill and can seem over pronounced on occasions. e.g. Read more

Published 4 months ago by D S Rowe

4.0 out of 5 stars A great (but expensive) speaker
Excellent size and weight with brilliant sound output. I even use it in the car driving on the motorway and can hear both music and speech easily at high speeds. Read more

Published 7 months ago by Francis Muir

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