Jabra GO 6430 – For professionals

Most of the headsets that we get in our labs are made for cell phone users. Jabra GO 6430 is a rare product which can be paired with both computer and mobile phone for VoIP applications and business softphone. The manufacturer says this headset is aimed more towards a cell phone user. It is optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 R2 and is compatible with lots of VoIP applications. The range is three hundred feet. It might not be that good looking or attractive but it is good for office. The cost of this headset is $110.

Jabra GO 6430 is not a simple entry level headset, it is aimed towards the business user and the design makes this clear. The unit is 3 inches long, 0.5 inches thick and 0.7 inches wide. The slender and long headset is twice bigger than a standard headset. The body is made of light and dark gunmetal gray and sleek look will go well with your business suit.

On the front of the Jabra GO 6430, there is a raised long touch sensor which can be used to control the call volume. You have to slide your fingers up and down for this. Double tapping on it during the call will put the headset on mute. We are not big fans of such touch sensor strips but we will make an exception for this case since it is easy to feel. The call multifunction button is small and it is located on the headset’s top.

When you turn the headset, you will find a tiny ear piece which is covered in rubber material. The size of the ear piece could have been more customizable, it is too tiny and popped out of our ear when we were testing it. On the back, there is a ear hook which is sturdy, beefy but still flexible. The hook is not optional and you will need it in order to wear the Jabra GO 6430 securely. The manufacturer also gives you optional wearing styles like neckband or headband.

Jabra GO 6430 comes along with a travel charger which can be used even as a charging dock. There is a Mini-USB port which can be attached to a computer, car charger or AC adapter. The GO 6430 comes with Jabra Link 350 USB stick which acts like a Bluetooth dongle. You don’t have to go through the pairing process, everything is done. All you need to do is plug it in to your computer.

For using the Jabra GO 6430 along with VoIP application or softphone, you will have to install the Jabra PC Suite which comes bundled with the product. After installing it, you can configure the application by selecting it. Additional drivers, if needed, can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s Website.

We paired this headset along with Apple iPhone 3G and also installed Jabra PC Suite for using with a computer. The call quality was good, our friends could hear us very well and there was no static. Voices were natural and clean.

Our friends on the other side said that we were heard clearly but there was apparent background sound. There were a few complaints of static too. But the Jabra GO 6430 could block harsh extraneous noise due to Jabra’s Noise Blackout feature. The manufacuter says that this headset is equipped with SafeTone technology which prevents the hearing through sudden spikes of sound. When in windy conditions, the unit didn’t do that well and our friends kept asking us to be louder.

Jabra GO 6430 comes with lots of applications for VoIP and softphone. Normal capabilities to reject, end and answer calls are all there. You can also redial the last dialed number and mute your calls. The rated talk time of this product is six hours.

Pros

Works with both VoIP applications and cell phones. The unit comes along with a travel charger and Bluetooth dongle. Good call quality

Cons

Fits loose in the ear, a bit bulky

Outcome

Be wary of the bulk, but otherwise this is a good headset for professionals.

Specifications

• Recommended Use – Cellular phone, PC multimedia
• Weight – 0.5 oz
• Bluetooth Profiles – Hands Free Profile (HFP), Headset Profile (HSP)
• Transmission Range – 330 ft
• Connectors – Bluetooth, USB
• USB cable included
• Accessories included – Bluetooth USB adapter, three ear tips, earhook.
• 125 mAh battery lithium ion battery, talk time – six hours, standby time 100 hours.
• One year warranty.
• Additional Features Optimized for Microsoft Office Communicator, Voice Activated Dialing (VAD), Noise Blackout technology, Jabra SafeTone technology, Battery level indication, Noise canceling circuit, Touch sensor operation, Upgradeable firmware, Jabra IntelliPower, Echo cancellation, Answer/end button, Volume control, Tone control, Built-in DSP, Mute button.