When testing the Jabra BT3030 we realised quickly that the important question at hand was one of style over substance. As a Bluetooth hands-free device the BT3030 performs as advertised, but does this mean you'll be strutting down the street with a large military-style dog-tag around your neck?
Design
You're either going to love it or hate it, there's really no middle ground on this one. The official press describes the dog-tag design of the BT3030 as "... urban and edgy", and maybe it is, we're hardly the fashion police here at CNET.com.au.
As you may expect with dog-tags the BT3030 comes with a metal chain lanyard to wear the device around your neck. There's also a clothes clip in the box in case you like the function of the device without wanting to make too great a fashion statement.
Cut into the metal face of the BT3030 are controls: six buttons for controlling your media player and answering the phone. These controls are back-lit with a bright blue light which helps to identify whether the BT3030 is switched on and currently paired with another device.
Performance
The BT3030 proved a competent performer during our testing. It paired easily with our Bluetooth devices -- Nokia and Sony Ericsson mobile phones -- and call quality through the provided headphones was clear. There was some minor disturbance when the phones were moved to two metres or more from the dog-tag -- standard Bluetooth range is 10 metres -- but it certainly won't be an issue for people intending to keep their Bluetooth enabled devices as close as in their trouser pockets or purses.
As a remote for your music player the BT3030 offers limited functionality. On the face of the device are play, back, forward and volume keys. This is fine if you have created playlists before leaving home, but you'll have to tug your phone out of your jeans to switch artists and albums.
Overall
OK, the truth is we think the dog-tag is a tad daggy. Sure, it beats the pants off those "Star Trek" inspired hands-free ear-pieces we see around, but unless you're a muscle-bound German weightlifter or shop at military disposal stores then you'll probably agree with our assessment. It's just not out idea of "urban and edgy".
With the issue of design aside, the BT3030 worked well and sounded good. As a remote for your music player its functionality is limited, but there's probably not a lot you could add without doubling the size of the device. We're happy to recommend the BT3030 as a hands-free mobile phone accessory, but not as a fashion accessory.
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