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Functions
In addition to all the standard functions of most Bluetooth headsets such as call answer, call waiting, volume controls and call reject, the Jabra BT8040 offers MultiPoint technology. This feature allows you to connect to two different Bluetooth enabled devices such as two phones, or a phone and a media player. This means busy people with personal and company phones can easily switch back and forth from soccer coach to business client at a touch of a button. It also lets you pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices at a time, with the use of two devices simultaneously.
For those that simply can't live without music, the Jabra BT8040 boasts digital sound enhancement via Bluetooth A2DP technology for streaming music. The streaming music is interrupted when a call comes through, so rather than just sporting a headset while commuting, the Jabra BT8040 allows you to stay available for conversation while passing the time with music. Not having a compatible media player to test this feature or the desire to listen to music through only one ear, I was unable to verify the sound quality of this function. I gave some thought as to why anyone would even want to listen to music this way, then realized it would actually be ideal for news radio, podcasts, or other talk formatted media.
Sound Quality
Good sound quality is a must for any headset and the Jabra BT8040 stands right up there with even higher priced models. Having tested this in a variety of settings, it performed well with clear audio on both outgoing and receiving ends. It features what Jabra calls Digital Sound Enhancement via DSP technology that offers noise reduction, noise dependent volume control, automatic volume adjustment for incoming calls and acoustic shock protection.
Compared to a couple of other headsets of equal and even higher price ranges, the Jabra BT8040 came through with flying colors. Reception was good and my callers noted that my voice clarity was strong and easily heard without a detached or "far away" sound quality. In most cases, I could hear my callers loud and clear even in situations with moderate external noise.
Range
Jabra maintains that the range of the BT8040 is 10 meters or about 33 feet. As with most headsets I have tested, this is questionable at best. In fact, the manual states that for best performance, you should have your phone in a pocket on the same side of your body as the headset. Stepping a few feet away from my phone made the sound from the headset start to crackle and break up. If the phone or other device is kept in close proximity to the BT8040, then range should not be an issue.
Conclusion
Overall, the Jabra BT8040 exceeded my expectations in both style and functionality. After a bit of getting used to, comfort was a non-issue and it became quite convenient to be able to just grab the headset and insert it right into my ear without having to bother with positioning a loop or hook. Noise reduction and sound quality were surprisingly good compared to other headsets while the small design and two tone housing offered discrete style. Its functionality does offer a variety of features for those that have multiple Bluetooth devices, but as a stand alone unit, the Jabra BT8040 is a solid, stylish and affordable headset.
Pros
Cons
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