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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perealb
25/07/2008, 12:18 AM
rating
3/10
I think this is useless. This is too big and has wires hanging all over you. It's a decayed bluetooth.
Pros: Not exactly wireless.
Cons: Full set of control buttons. It would be nice to have that embedded on the headset.
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Colenso
14/06/2008, 01:01 PM
rating
10/10
GREAT PRODUCT !!!!!
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undrdogb
13/06/2008, 06:14 AM
rating
4/10
All I wanted to know is : how is the sound? do the ear buds stay in during exercise?
Most idiots can decide if they like the style by viewing the thing in its box at the store, eh?
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Project D
12/06/2008, 09:43 PM
rating
8/10
I disagree with the reviewer on the part of remote functionality. The problem here is that many music players and cell phones have different methods of controlling navigation. For instance, many controlls on the older iPods aren't completely compatible with the iPod Touch. Likewise, cell phones aren't going to be navigated in the same manner. The most universal controls for any music player are play/pause, forward, back, volume up, volume down, and those are what are included. Bearing that in mind, I think the device is attractive (I tend to like dog tags, as evidenced by my Robotech Defense Force tags I wear), functional, and a very clever design. I would gladly wear it, as soon as I have a little disposable income.
Pros: *attractive design for those into it
*good visibility of controls
*user-replaceable earbuds give more variety and replaceability (is that a word?)
Cons: *niche product
*slightly bulky
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psify
24/05/2008, 12:17 AM
rating
5/10
i think it would have been useful if all of you actually reviewed the product and not the "reviewer." I haven't trusted sponsored/paid reviewers in years.
Pros: I don't know...don't have it and no one said anything good nor bad other than "it looks hip."
Cons: Apparently it doesn't make a sound of an incoming call unless you have headphones on.
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xceptional
22/05/2008, 01:40 AM
rating
9/10
The review is stupid and obviously doesn’t know anything about fashion. Dog tags are in and have been a trend that's going nowhere for a long time on the hip-hop scene. Don’t believe me? Just Google “iced out dog tag”.
Reviewer here is a crazy idea. How about being non bias and leaving your personal tastes at home and try reviewing items from the perspective of the targeted demographic! The pretty boy at the gym or the brother in the hood it fit's both and is a style adopted by both.
Pros: the design is cool to me
Cons: The reviewer provided very little helpful information. How about testing the durability and how it holds up when getting wet and the battery life like other's mentioned.
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vince
09/05/2008, 08:12 PM
rating
7/10
Indeed the reviewer is an idiot. STEREO is the operative word here and the reviewer should have told us what it sounds like with various headsets. And hey the moron could have used the dogtag for 7 hours and tell us if the battery really lasted as advertised.
Pros: Slim design.
Cons: Moronic review. The reviewer should be fired.
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Giovanna
16/04/2008, 09:33 PM
rating
9/10
I think it's design is awesome. Apity none of the stores I have been to know what I am asking to purchase it from.
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lou m
18/03/2008, 06:57 AM
rating
7/10
only one issue with this item. the dog tag doesn't make any sound of an incoming call. you nust have the earphones in your ears to hear the ring. noear phones and the call goes to voicemail. I had a cardio headset and it played a tune to an incoming call.
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SL
13/03/2008, 09:10 AM
rating
8/10
Well the review is probably right on the style part.. it's a love it or hate it thing.. Though in my case, I can easily see this dog-tag baby hanging off my neck at the gym, and small enough for it to hide inside my shirt's collar or behind my tie when I go to work.. What I wanted to know was a review on the waterproof feature advertised.. will it survive a jacuzzi dunk? I'd love it just so much more if it could.. but I'm not rich enough to dunk $99 cash in a jacuzzi just to find out for my own amusement...
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