Okay Geek Farm
Jawbone Jambox Review
Ricardo Trejo
Back during the 80’s I clearly remember watching in movies kids carrying around boomboxes on their shoulders while strutting through their school’s halls. Not sure if that’s historically accurate or what, but Jawbone has played off that idea and released a much smaller, protable version known as the Jambox. It’s wireless, bluetooth enabled, and sexy, what’s not to love?
Features
- 85dB volume output
- Frequency Response: 60 Hz - 20 kHz
- 10 hours of continuous play
- Bluetooth wireless range of 33ft.
- Built in microphone for speakerphone capabilities
- Includes carrying case, stereo cable, wall charger and Micro-USB cables
- Updateable via Micro-USB for optional personalized apps
- Available in 4 colors: Black Diamond, Blue Wave, Grey Hex and Red Dot
Our Impressions
Audio is something we like to pride ourselves in here at Okay Geek; We’re really passionate about enjoying our music in the best possible methods available at an affordable price. The Jambox, while price tagged at $200, is actually a bargain if you can believe it. As soon as you unpackage it, see it and hold it for the first time you might be underwhelmed, but don’t let its appearance fool you. This small box packs enough punch that it might just scare you, literally. Let me explain.
Packaging contents
First off, within the packaging (which resemebles a shoebox) you’ll find quite the assortment of accessories for the titular product; coming fully equipped with a wall plug, carrying case, 3.5ft. stereo cable, 2 Micro-USB cables (one 1ft. and the other 5ft.), along with its user guide. Now you might be asking yourself why they’d offer two Micro-USB cables when one is enough — well, eletrical outlets aren’t built in the same places for all of us, unfortunately. And so for those who want to charge the Jambox on their kitchen counter directly next to their outlet don’t have to stare at the rest of an undone 5ft. cable, while those who have their outlets far outside the reach of mortal man can use the longer cable for convenience.
As for the Jambox itself, its clean and modern design speaks volumes. It isn’t meant to impress or even make your friends do a double take. It’s plain and it does the job. At 12 oz. it weighs less than an iPad and it’s only about an inch and a half longer then an iPhone. In other words, it’s quite small. Inside its guts are 2 tweeters and 1 woofer, a feat only outdone by its performance. On top of the Jambox you’ll find a call answer button for phone calls, and a plus and minus button for adjusting the volume. On its side you’ll find the on/off toggle switch, a stereo 3.5” plug input, and Micro-USB input meant for charging the device or connecting to your computer of choice. There’s also an option to add personlized apps, such as a speed dial feature and voice to text using the MyTalk software on Jawbone’s site.
Features and Connectivity
When the Jambox is first turned on and held in you’re hands you just might flinch, as I did, not expecting that much power to come from such a tiny speaker set just for its start up jingle. Connecting via bluetooth is easy; just turn it on and it’s automatically looking for devices to pair with. We used an iPhone and within seconds we were connected — a seamless transition from iPhone to Jambox. Now this is where it gets really interesting; the Jambox can play continuously for up to 10 hours straight on only a 2 - 3 hour charge. We’re talking about a fully wireless experience for almost half a day’s worth of daylight (or moonlight)! Once paired, just pick it up and place it in the most convenient spot and you won’t have to think about it again. As with most bluetooth devices, you can adjust the source volume (iPhone) as well as the volume on the Jambox itself. And if you’re worried about its battery life you can easily take a quick glance at your iPhone and monitor how much juice its got left in the tank in the upper right corner.
Sound quality
In terms of audio quality, it can easily light up any average sized room when set to about 75% volume, though if it’s ever turned up to maximum you can expect to be blown away by its outstanding 85dB’s! The downsize of a louder volume however, is undoubtedly a lack of clarity when it comes to bass heavy tracks, as is the problem with most portable all-in-one speakers. Though our experience playing Daft, Deadmau5 and Breakbot was nothing short of stellar, but we weren’t able to test this out in a party setting where you might need it louder than usual. But don’t let that discourage you. When it comes to other uses, for instance listening to podcasts the Jambox is leaps and bounds above the competition. As a replacement for desktop speakers for your computer, or even mediocre laptop sound, you might consider this as the ultimate, cheap alternative to having to buy an expensive set up. Not to mention if you ever want to share some sort of media with those around you, with the Jambox they can actually hear what’s going on instead of crowding around the computer.
Overall
At $200 it may feel like you’re buying the farm for something that’s so small but I’m here to let you know that this is not money you’ll regret spending. For its highly portable build, strong performace capabilties, and multi-tasking self (speakerphone calls and MyTalk apps), the Jambox is certainly a deal. The clean and modern look and easy to use connectivity should disuade you from looking anywhere else. It’s rare that we like a product this much, but I think it comes down to the impression it left on us since I personally wasn’t expecting so much to come out of this tiny box.
Pro’s
- Unobtrusive and clean design
- Charge time and battery life are jaw dropping
- Pleasantly suprising audio quality from such a small device for size
Con’s
- Distorts at louder settings
- A little pricey
Where to buy
MSRP: $199
This review was done by Ricardo Trejo, who was provided a Jambox by Jawbone. Photos by KayakLeader of Flickr.
