Jabra BT8040 Review

[ericc191]

I, like many others with a Kaiser, was sick and tired of the terrible Bluetooth quality on this phone. I have gone through 3 other BT headsets before landing on the Jabra 8040 (http://www.jabra.com/Sites/Jabra/NA-US/products/Pages/JabraBT8040.aspx)

1. Samsung WEP-410 (it was so-so)
2. The Jawbone (terrible fit and terrible volume but less static than 655)
3. Plantronics Discovery 655 (wow this thing snap crackled and popped to no end)

Main Review:

This headset is simply amazing.

I had the problem of static and crackle all the time in my previous headsets and it was so annoying. I did a lot of research before landing on a new headset called the Jabra 8040. I kid you not, this is the best BT set I have ever used. It sounds even better than the Jawbone. No crackle or static. I can leave it in my bedroom and walk to my kitchen with no problems. It has built in DSP, Shock Protection, and A2DP. Yep it has an audio profile setting. Now, of course a stereo BT headset is going to sound better, but this is still pretty cool and I have found myself using it a lot when grocery shopping. Just remember, if you buy this, it has a protective clear cover over the speaker. You need to take the ear bud off and remove the clear cover sticker. If you don't, it will sound terrible.

This headset has been Tested on Alex's v4 Ultra Clean ATT (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=354583) and Q-Mobile 1.2 (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=359263). I am not sure if Alex has the BT Fix in his rom and I know Q does. Either way it worked great on these 2 roms. I will post the BT Hot Fix below just incase anyone who reads this review has not tried it. It has been reported to help with dropped calls and some static and crackle.

Features:
- Auto pairing
- Answer / End call
- Voice dial
- Last-number redial
- Reject call
- Call hold / Call wait
- Mute
- Play music
- Quiet mode (turns light off after 1 minute)

Pros:
- Very nice look and build quality. Very small.
- Fits in ear very snug (Comes with 6 extra ear buds)
- No need for an ear hook. I tested this by head banging while running up and down the stairs.
- Wonderful sound quality. If you're sick of your BT headset always crackling and popping, definitely get this.
- Being able to set my phone down and walk around the house while on a voice call is so nice. It has up to a 33 foot range.
- A2DP Profile
- MultiPoint connects up to 8 devices - 2 at any one time
- Bluetooth 2.0
- Edit: I forgot to mention the battery life is rated at 6 hours talk time. 200 hours standby.

Cons:
- I'd like it if the ear bud went all the way inside. Kinda like Sony's ear buds.
- Even though it is just Single Ear A2DP, I think a tad more bass would have been nice (Or the Sony style ear buds would also correct this)
- Louder than the Jawbone, but some still may feel it could be even louder. (I don't, though)
- The price is a little steep. I paid 79.99 at my local AT&T store.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Pictures:
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/ericc191/IMG_3141.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/ericc191/IMG_3140.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y112/ericc191/IMG_3102.jpg

[MickyMax]

Thank you for this great review :)

[chezzorilla]

I am very satisfied with these, especially after tweaking the bluetooth on the HTC TyTN II with KaiserTweaks!

[Delta_flyer]

AT&T is offering a $30 mail-in rebate on the 8040. Go to their website to print off the rebate form. Offer is good on purchases between 11/4/07 and 1/19/08.

[Xenohan]

Thanks for the review. I went ahead and bought the 8040. Great headset. Just one question... Do you have an issue re-connecting the headset after switching it off or re-charging? I cannot seem to do it. I need to delete the pairing and pair it again. Not too sure what is the issue.

[Xenohan]

Solved the problem. I realised that I had needed to "reset" the headset to wipe off the original pairing, delete the pairing info on the Kaiser and repair again as if starting from scratch. Now it works perfect. Love the 8040!

[ericc191]

Solved the problem. I realised that I had needed to "reset" the headset to wipe off the original pairing, delete the pairing info on the Kaiser and repair again as if starting from scratch. Now it works perfect. Love the 8040!

I'm glad you like it:)

[jakirkla]

I've tried a few others, but I am truly pleased with the performance of this little headset. Amazing range for such a small headset and pairs instantly. Sounds quality is great as well. I definitely recommend the BT8040.

[New2tilt]

I have been using this headset for the past week and love it more than any other. I've had Plantronics, Southwing, Motorola, and Jawbone. The only problem that has came up is when the Jabra 8040 is in stereo headset mode, call waiting cannot heared on the phone or BT. The screen will show a call coming in but no sound notification. I am running Alex's 6.1 Home Open Beta. This is happening on 2 of my friends ppc's also running the same ROM. From what I understand it's happening with all stereo headsets running WM6. Clarity has not been any different than the Jawbone. I would definately recommend it to anyone. I get a solid 5-6 hours of streaming music and voice calls. Volume is great with WM6.1. :)

[Fitipaldi1]

Thanks ericc191 for the excellent review. I'm thinking about picking one up and you answered my questions except for one...can anyone confirm the BT8040 works with M$ Voice Command 1.6? Specifically, I would like to initiate VC with the button on the BT8040 like I can with my JX10.

[NinJak101]

i would like to know if it works with voice command too

AL

[New2tilt]

I am using the Voice Command 1.6 with this headset and have not been able to initiate VC from the headset. It does interupt music and annnounces the message which can be annoying if you text alot, but nice to have if your hands are tied up. Checking the "only during free time" box did not change the announcement function. Other than that, not being able to initiate from the headset is probably my only complaint. I believe this feature worked on my Jawbone before I sold it, but don't remember. Still would recommend to anyone and has great volume. Hope this helps!!! If anyone has a fix, please help. :confused:

[jakirkla]

I am using the Voice Command 1.6 with this headset and have not been able to initiate VC from the headset. It does interupt music and annnounces the message which can be annoying if you text alot, but nice to have if your hands are tied up. Checking the "only during free time" box did not change the announcement function. Other than that, not being able to initiate from the headset is probably my only complaint. I believe this feature worked on my Jawbone before I sold it, but don't remember. Still would recommend to anyone and has great volume. Hope this helps!!! If anyone has a fix, please help. :confused:
I've had no problems initiating VC from the headset. Just hold down the button on the headset for a couple of seconds. VC should start up. If that does not work, delete and re-pair the headset and try again. This may fix it.

[Delta_flyer]

Also, wait for the second tone before releasing the button, then wait for the MSVC "ding".

[Fitipaldi1]

Thanks everyone...I'm going to pick one up tonight.

New2tilt...if you have the stock Tilt ROM with Cyberon VSD (thx jakirkla), have you tried the registry hacks here?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=998205&postcount=9

I couldn't use my JX10 to initiate VC until I applied these changes. Now it works like charm.

[jakirkla]

Thanks everyone...I'm going to pick one up tonight.

New2tilt, have you tried the registry hacks here?

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=998205&postcount=9

I couldn't use my JX10 to initiate VC until I applied these changes. Now it works like charm.
No registry hacks needed. Worked out of the box for me. Has worked with several different ROMS too, just make sure that Cyberon VSD is not installed. It can conflict with it.

[Wam7]

Do you get in coming call announcements throught the bluetooth headset?

[stpgod]

I bought the 8040 yesterday, and have it paired with my T-Mobile Dash (HTC Excalibur) and am not getting any incoming call announcements like I did with my old headsets. I get the generic ringtone, but no Voice Command announcement.

Anyone else having this problem? I need the number or contact announced when people call...

BTW - Voice Command works fine when calling out, all I do is hold the button until I hear the beep.

[nikjensie]

I bought the 8040 yesterday, and have it paired with my T-Mobile Dash (HTC Excalibur) and am not getting any incoming call announcements like I did with my old headsets. I get the generic ringtone, but no Voice Command announcement.

Anyone else having this problem? I need the number or contact announced when people call...

BTW - Voice Command works fine when calling out, all I do is hold the button until I hear the beep.


Try turning off A2DP... that works for me.

//Nik

[stpgod]

Thanks Nik, what do you mean by "disable A2DP"? How do I do that?

[Snowreaper]

How does the noise canceling compare w/the Jawbone? Is it even close? Cause i've heard the Jawbone and it is amazing how good the noice cancelation is.

[Boopman]

I agree that it is great sounding. However; I have had a problem with it staying in my ear. The little loop on the earpiece is designed to fit in one of your ear "wrinkles" to help hold it in. I must have odd ears as it would not catch and stay in. I have tried all the different sizes and it would gradually slip out and fall out. Out of desperation after spending that much on it (I am still waiting on the rebate over 2 months) I cut the little rubber ring off of the earpiece. That seems to have helped as I can now "jam" it into my ear. It still falls out but does stay in longer. My ears may be too "greasy" also. In the pictures, it shows it standing away from your face. Mine angles down and rests on my cheek. Probably need to just drill out my ear hole another 1/4 to 3/8". I'll let you know how that goes!

Edit: I am now happy with my BT 8040. Instead of drilling out my ear canal I purchased these ear gels on eBay. They fit my ears well and the sound is even better. I had tried the Jawbone II but the sound, to me, was just not as good as the Jabra.

Here is a Tilt Photo of the one I used.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110275296133

[nikjensie]

Thanks Nik, what do you mean by "disable A2DP"? How do I do that?

Well, personally I use BatteryStatus TrayIcons which works flawlessly. But if you go inte your BT settings and untick the Wireless Stereo checkbox for the Jabra it should turn off A2DP which will make VC start announcing...

//Nik

[_Alex_]

I am not sure if Alex has the BT Fix in his rom

BT Fix is included in all AT&T ROMs 1.60 and higher (and thus in my AT&T 1.60 v4 ROM). It is not found in any HTC ROM for WM6.0 (e.g., 1.56, 1.81, 1.82 & 1.83). I'm not sure if it's in any of the WM6.1 ROMs.

Great review... Hope this helps!

[Delta_flyer]

BT Fix is included in all AT&T ROMs 1.60 and higher (and thus in my AT&T 1.60 v4 ROM). It is not found in any HTC ROM for WM6.0 (e.g., 1.56, 1.81, 1.82 & 1.83). I'm not sure if it's in any of the WM6.1 ROMs.

Great review... Hope this helps!

Honestly, WM6.1 doesn't need the fix. I've had to turn the volume down on my BT8040 after flashing to 6.1. Before, it was all I could do just to hear the person on the other end.

[ßeta]

Sorry. I had one of these Jabra's for 6 days.. All I had was people telling me the couldn't hear what I was saying.. Also I couldn't hear them.

Got my money back and bought a Jawbone. Now people think I'm in a telephone box or sitting on my couch when I call them, and that's driving with the window down and radio on.

[mtbjoe]

OK, I'm a little confused (or just stupid). Mine just came in the mail and is currently charging. I must have mixed something up with the 8010 because with all the talk of stereo I was expecting another attachable speaker so how does the stereo work in just one ear? Maybe I just don't understand the A2DP technology.

[LouieH]

I have owned this product for approximately 3 months. What a Jewel...tough too

[Browncoat]

Owned the headset for the last 3 months. Had problems with volume being too low before I went for WM6.1 but now it's ok. The only issue that really bothers me, when it's noisy around the person you talk to hears too much background sounds. So it's quite often happens that I have to switch off bluetooth in the middle of conversation and continue talking using the phone itself.

[madcow_x2]

I had this bluetooth headset for few weeks now, like the sounds quality but I have problem with accident redial of last number when it is in my pocket. anyone know how I can disable this function? :(

[Draqula]

I had this bluetooth headset for few weeks now, like the sounds quality but I have problem with accident redial of last number when it is in my pocket. anyone know how I can disable this function? :(

I have the same question. Especially with this headset, as you have to hold the button for two beaps to get to voice dial - accidentally release it between the beaps and it redials.
I doubt that there is a way to disable it since it's in HF hardware...

[acro-ii]

Got the headset yesterday, and like many others I heave read about, I could not get it to feel comfortable in my ear. Tried all 3 sizes that came with it. No success. THEN I remembered about the original Jabra molded ear gels. OH the success!!! Got 2 packs from RS on sale for $1.97 each. Popped on the large right ear gel, and hallelujah. I LOVE this BT8040 now.

If you're having problems with it fitting, try the ear gels.

[nikjensie]

Got the headset yesterday, and like many others I heave read about, I could not get it to feel comfortable in my ear. Tried all 3 sizes that came with it. No success. THEN I remembered about the original Jabra molded ear gels. OH the success!!! Got 2 packs from RS on sale for $1.97 each. Popped on the large right ear gel, and hallelujah. I LOVE this BT8040 now.

If you're having problems with it fitting, try the ear gels.

Hmmmm, which gels are we talking about? The ones that comes with, for instance, the BT250... or some other? Cause the BT250 is WAY too small to fit on this headset...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21STVJ1H0XL._SL500_AA197_.jpg


//Nik

[acro-ii]

Hmmmm, which gels are we talking about? The ones that comes with, for instance, the BT250... or some other? Cause the BT250 is WAY too small to fit on this headset...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21STVJ1H0XL._SL500_AA197_.jpg


//Nik

The ones that are for the original Jabra corded headset. The same ones people put on the jawbone. They are clear if that helps. Not any of those in the pic.

[nikjensie]

The ones that are for the original Jabra corded headset. The same ones people put on the jawbone. They are clear if that helps. Not any of those in the pic.

So.... not the ones in the picture then?

//Nik

[acro-ii]

So.... not the ones in the picture then?

//Nik

THESE:
http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/3078_1b_sm.jpg
The clear one on the sony earbud, not the foam stuff.

[nikjensie]

THESE:
http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/3078_1b_sm.jpg
The clear one on the sony earbud, not the foam stuff.

Aha! I see... Thank you!!

//Nik

[acro-ii]

No Problem!

[twinpeaks]

The volume on this headset is too low. I have the 6.1 with the BT fix. I can barely here the voice announcements especially if someone is talking near me or I am driving >60mph and there's a it of road noise. I was psyched thanks to the review here. I have an old BT800 that has a very weak battery and the volume is fine.

[Delta_flyer]

The volume on this headset is too low. I have the 6.1 with the BT fix. I can barely here the voice announcements especially if someone is talking near me or I am driving >60mph and there's a it of road noise. I was psyched thanks to the review here. I have an old BT800 that has a very weak battery and the volume is fine.

I've had this HS for 4 months and found the volume to be weak, especially when it auto-adjusts. I'm also finding my voice quality isn't great either, this coming from several people I talk to regularly. I recently picked up a Z9 and like it so far, except the standby time is really short, as in 2 days whereas my BT8040 would go all week between charges. BlueAnt is releasing a Z9i soon which I may try.

[epica]

I had bought the jabra BT 8040 for my HTC TytnII and it worked perfectly for one month or so. But then suddenly it stopped connecting. Now I can't find the device when I search for it. How I can solve this issue. Please help!!!

[freecall]

I bought a 8040 because if the great results and the phone volume when in a call is okay for me . But the A2dp volume for postcasts is far too low .. hard to understand a word .

Is this a WM 6.1 issue, a Kaiser issue with all A2DP Headsets or a Jabra issue ? Mono A2DP makes only sense with podcasts ... but for that you need to understand the podcast and have a suitable volume.

Any solution ???


Feecall

[muzikfreakah]

Great review mine just arrived to today, im replacing my very trusted Plantronics 640.

I was tad bit disappointed though but maybe you guys could help.
too cut the long story short heres what I want to do

Phone A: Touch Dual with Toms Rom V2
Phone B: MyPhone Dual Sim with two lines(2 sims simultaneously)

1.) Pair it with two phones. I was successful here.
2.) On phone A listen to music while being able to accept calls from A & B
3.) While on a Call with A and receiving a call on B, I want to hear a beap/tone on the headset so I can put on hold or end the current call and switch to the call on B just by pressing the 8040's button.
4.) While Listening to Music, I accept a call on A, then I get a call on B, so I want to end A, then answer B, then when I end B, I want music to automatically connect to A.

Right now when I answer a call on A, it looses its connection to B, when a call comes in to B, Phone B rings but there is no Beep/tone on the headset so I have to manually end A via headset, then B connects again to the headset.

When I am listening to Music on A, and a call comes in on A, there is no problem, music pauses, I press headset button to take the call, then I end the call again with another press and music comes back on. BUT when I try number, it fails to connect back, music just plays on phone itself not on the headset.

My Jabra 640 has not trouble at all with everything, except for the music part since its not A2DP.

Thanks!

[gwnorth]

I bought a 8040 because if the great results and the phone volume when in a call is okay for me . But the A2dp volume for postcasts is far too low .. hard to understand a word .

Is this a WM 6.1 issue, a Kaiser issue with all A2DP Headsets or a Jabra issue ? Mono A2DP makes only sense with podcasts ... but for that you need to understand the podcast and have a suitable volume.

Any solution ???


Feecall

Do you have the speaker volume on the phone all the way up? That affects the maximum volume possible on the BT8040. I listen to CBC news podcasts every morning on my walk into work and have no problem hearing that when outside on the street.

[DaArtist401]

thank for the great review. Just picked one up not too long after reading this review. Headset is pretty great. I dont have the kaiser but have the hermes. I didnt even know they had single ear a2dp headsets til i read this review. I was gonna get the motorola s9 but at my job, i cant wear a headset so this is perfect. The headset doesnt feel too bad when moving around like many people say. I jogged with it on just fine. It felt like it was gonna fall out, but it never did. I guess the point of it is to stay in your ear but for it not to hurt. Cuz ive wore about 4 or 5 headsets including the s9, and after about an hour of use, it hurts my ears. I've been listening to music/on the phone for more than 3 hours and it doesnt hurt my ear. You just have to get used to it not being so snugged in your ear.

[simonte]

can i use the standard mini usb charger to charge it?

i cant understand from the photo...

[jchap2k]

I can not figure out how to use Multi-pair with this head set. When I put it into pairing mode for the 2nd device, it looses the pairing with the 1st device. How do I get this to work??

[brynwall]

can i use the standard mini usb charger to charge it?

i cant understand from the photo...

No, it is a different type of connector.

I just purchased this headset and I am loving it!

[nirmalts]

Hi..

I bought this HS yesterday. I could pair it and get it working in few mins. Also it works fine with MSVC. The only problem I am facing is, my ears are paining a lot after using it for a while. I tried both medium and large ear gels that came with the HS (cannot use the small one as the HS falls off).

Is this normal while using this type of a HS without a ear strip and will this go away with time?