Bluetooth headsets have become increasingly popular over the years as the convenience of hands-free mobile phones grow. The technology is designed to allow devices to communicate at relatively short distances from one another. In this case, the headset and the mobile phone exchange encrypted data. Once the signal from the headset is received by the cell phone, it is then sent to the cell tower and vice versa. This technology prevents the strong cell signals from being located directly next the the user’s head. It should be noted that Bluetooth signal strength is orders of magnitude weaker than the cell signals, thereby greatly reducing the magnetic field exposure to the user. Leveraging from Bluetooth and advanced signal processing, Jabra’s new JX10 represents what can be accomplished with today’s cutting edge technology. The stylish JX10 was created by world-renowned Danish designer Jacob Jensen, offering users a sleek and compact solution to their headset needs. This JX10 headset weighs less than 1/3 oz (10 grams), making it feel virtually non-existent on the user’s ear. Utilizing sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, the JX10 automatically adjust the volume level based on the surrounding environment and significantly reduces background noise for increased performance. The unit is simple to operate and provides the user with operational status through the multi-color LED indicator. The JX10 headset comes with an AC adapter, charging cradle, USB cable and carrying pouch.

Even from the box it’s clear that the JX10 is a design focused product. The box features a cut out circle with the headset dramatically enclosed. With its blacks and greys, curves and angles, at first glance I could immediately tell that the designers of the JX-10 had taken their design cues from Bang and Olufson, the well know Danish AV manufacturer. I was proved right as on the box is states, ‘Design by Jacob Jenson’, who actually designs B&O gear and Gaggenau kitchen appliances in case you’re interested.

Wider at one end and tapering at the other, to my mind the JX10 looks like an angular fish with the microphone giving the appearance of a mouth. The distinguishing feature is a stripe running down the middle featuring the Jabra logo. Whether the headset actually looked good split opinion in the office. Personally I like the delicate, stylised look, but it does look like it’s going after say, the BMW or Porsche driver – I can’t see it really suiting white-van man.

At one end is a small light that glows red when charging, blue when in pairing mode. It flashes blue slowly when connected to a phone via Bluetooth and fast when in conversation. It also flashes red when it needs charging, which is the one feature I wish my own Motorola HS-850 has. At the rear of the device when you’re wearing it are the volume buttons, labelled plus and minus. Right next to this is a small charging port. This is quite delicate and the supplied charging cable has a large yellow label attached warning users to take care when hooking it up otherwise damage could occur.

The Jabra comes with multiple options for charging the JX10. Most bluetooth headsets come with a standard AC Adapter, but the inclusion of a USB Charging Cradle was a nice addition. The cable length was very short. Some will find this a good thing as it’s one less long cable hooked up to your PC or Mac. This cable would be useful for road warriors - allowing them to charge the JX10 from their laptop during flights, on the train and so forth. It also makes it easy to pack into a laptop case. If you have USB ports on the back of your home computer, it renders the dock useless without some type of USB extension cable. I have options to plug-in to my monitor and keyboard, so it’s a non-issue for me. Those without this type of USB access should take notice.

The Jabra JX10 also comes with a pouch case. I don’t see this as being very useful. If you did use the pouch, it would be difficult to have quick access to your Bluetooth headset when a call comes in.