BlueAnt Z9i headset first impressions
I’ve only been using it for a few hours but I’ll offer up my initial impressions of the BlueAnt Z9i Bluetooth headset. It’s very small and so light that I don’t realize it’s on after just a minute of putting it in my ear. It comes with two earpieces for a proper fit and a loop over the ear for security. It also comes with a second clear plastic ear loop for those who don’t want others to know they have an ear loop on. There is a tiny A/C adapter for dedicated charging and it also comes with a short USB cable for charging the Z9i on a PC so you can leave the adapter at home. That’s pretty much all there is to tell. The audio quality so far has been good and the dedicated volume buttons easy to use while wearing the Z9i. The ant logo flashes blue when it’s on and connected to a phone. It also shines red when charging until fully charged when the LED goes out.
I haven’t tried the dual phone usage yet but will do so as I use it more. It’s definitely smaller and better looking than the original model Jawbone I have which is pretty big and ugly. I’ll keep using the BlueAnt and report back as time passes.
James, I too am a Jawbone refugee, and my experience with the Z9i has been similar to yours and very positive. To update what I posted on my blog about 2 weeks ago, it remains unclear to me whether the USB connector is micro USB (it isn’t mini USB as advertised) or proprietary. The former would be nice so I wouldn’t have to drag around yet another USB cable. I’ve asked BlueAnt Support and they said they’d get back to me (they haven’t yet). Further, BlueAnt Support has advised me that a firmware update is imminent. Enjoy your Z9i!
Hey James, what’s the battery life on that thing like?
Up to 5.5 hours talk, 200 hours standby.
I bought the Z9 quite a while back and was rather disappointed. It was the original model however, but I found the volume to be a little too low for me. I had issues with the firmware update as well and at the time had issues with their tech support which just left a bad taste in my mouth. I should give it another chance but I find myself curious about the jawbone.
Do you think the volume is acceptable on your old jawbone? I have looked at the jawbone 2 as well, but have read of many complaints about overall quality.
Jasen, I’m no James Kendrick, but I can tell you that the volume on my Z9i is good, better than my old Jawbone. Also, the unit feels very light, yet the fit is solid, unlike my old Jawbone. No complaints thus far except the tech support response time via email is very slow. I just got a response today (June 30) to an email I sent on June 19. But hopefully I won’t need tech support too often.
How is the fit? I have new Jawbone and can not get a good fit, which is essential for the Jawbone to work properly.
Allen, mine fits fine, comfortable and not slipping. You’re right, the Jawbone requires making contact with the jaw but the BlueAnt doesn’t.
Hi all,
How does it handle wind.
I have had big troubles with the Jawbone and wind and are hope that this BT headset will perform better in windy conditions.
So please… is it possible to walk and talk outside when there is a breeze with the z9i?
We need comparison to Jawbone, just about to upgrade to the new Jawbone, as from what I’ve read they’ve done a good job of fixing the issues from the first. How does the Ant compare to the biggest issues with the Jawbone?
- Fit (sounds like Ant is better, though this is also supposedly fixed on the new Jawbone)
- Noise-cancelling (This is hit or miss on my Jawbone, but I assume that’s due to the fit).
- Volume (often hard to hear using the Jawbone, this is my biggest concern with Jawbone 2).
- Charger (the Jawbone is proprietary, if the Ant is micro-USB this is a win)
The charger of the Ant is apparently proprietary, not true micro-USB. The volume is better than than original Jawbone for me.
Does it pair okay with UMPC? Thinking to get one for use with Skype on a Samsung Q1 Ultra.
James is correct about the USB connection being proprietary. Here’s the email I just received today from BlueAnt support:
“Its is a proprietary connection, so it would need to be a BlueAnt cable that is used. Our parts retailer is a company called http://www.mobilecityonline.com and they have these in stock.”
Hope this helps. Jeff
This is an overpriced LOW QUALITY bluetooth headset. The battery life is poor, the range is poor, and the unit does not stay connected well. After two weeks with it I took it back to the store thinking my example might not be representative….but the replacement BlueAnt is just as bad. Save your money and get a Jabra for less than half the price that lasts longer and works better.
James,
How did the dual usage go?
I have had the z9i since December (8 months). It works great with my blackberry. Mid 40’s and my hearing is not what it used to be and I can hear everything clearly on my blueant. I work in IT always on th phone with some tech support group while in server rooms which always have fan and air conditioning noise. I have not had any complaints about background noise. With 2 prior bluetooths (cheaper) I was constantly asked to mute the phone.
The z9i will not pair with the PC for Skype.