Jabra BT3030

Resembling a fashionable dog tag rather than a Bluetooth stereo remote and handsfree device, Jabra's BT3030 certainly lays claim to the mobile phone market appealing to the fashion oriented.

The BT3030 is a device that wirelessly handles both your calls and music playback using Bluetooth. The design is a small pendant shape, consisting of an etched silver front and rear with black, rubber edging. A beaded-style stainless steel necklace means the BT3030 can be worn around your neck.

Pairing the unit to your phone is a simple process; the BT3030 automatically enters pairing mode when it is powered on by pressing the call handling button. Operation is very straightforward; a play/pause button and previous/next track keys handle your music and any incoming calls can be answered by pressing the call button. If an incoming call is made while you are listening to music, the BT3030 automatically pauses the current track and then resumes once the call is ended. There is a few seconds delay in this regard though -- both when answering and ending any calls.

Call quality is notable but not outstanding, though volume is more than loud enough at its highest setting. Our callers didn't complain about not being able to hear us, despite the microphone being a fair way from your mouth if the BT3030 is worn as a necklace. The clarity of incoming voice could be improved though -- at times it sounded distant and echoed.

The included headphones are solid for music playback, but the best feature of the BT3030 is the 3.5mm headphone jack, meaning any regular pair of headphones can be used with the unit. As with call handling, there is a slight delay when skipping tracks and adjusting volume.

Jabra claims the BT3030 provides up to eight hours talk time and seven hours music playback in addition to 230 hours standby time. The unit is charged via a standard mini-USB connection and an AC adapter is included in the sales package.