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Don't enjoy the included earbuds? Try the Apple in-ear headphones...

Hi everyone!

I thought I'd provide some feedback after enjoying the new shuffle for the past couple of days.

I've cast aside the included earbuds in favor of Apple's in-ear headphones. For those that may not yet know, these have the same controls as the included set and are absolutely 100% compatible with the new shuffle. The only difference is that there's also a microphone embedded in the remote but this is simply redundant as far as the shuffle goes (it comes into play with the iPhone, iPod touch and the 4th gen Nano).

The benefit that I've discovered to using the in-ear phones with the shuffle are:

1) You still retain full control over all the functions. At the time of this writing, this is the only alternative set of phones that can do this!

2) They do not fall out while jogging, working out, etc. if this is a problem for you with the existing set.

3) The sound is incredibly detailed and thus you can take complete advantage of one of the main features of the new shuffle - the ability to use lossless tracks. These phones can easily deliver all the extra detail that's available by opting to use lossless tracks. While I admire the ability to re-encode your music to 128k/AAC on the fly for use with the shuffle plus the fact that compression technology is very good for what it is, to my ears lossless is enormously superior to 128k, and I prefer to have 10 albums at amazing quality than 50 albums at so-so quality.

4) Sound isolation is superior, so outdoor listening isn't a problem. I've also tested these on a recent flight, and I found that they hold up extremely well - so much so that I no longer use my active noise cancelling headphones.

So basically, I've discovered that the new shuffle paired with the in-ear phones make a formidable combination. If you are not satisfied with the included phones but still want full control over your shuffle...consider them recommended.

I don't work for Apple - just an enthusiastic customer wishing to share his experiences and help others who may be looking for a solution.

Message was edited by: Michael271

Macbook White 2.4Ghz, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Mar 23, 2009 11:01 AM

Reply
22 replies

Mar 23, 2009 6:56 PM in response to Michael271

While nice, the in-ear headphones are horrible for exercise. Sweat and nasty ear gunk get stuck in them over time. I had some Sony in-ear headphones that were simply disgusting after six months of use.

Can't Apple make an over-the-ear headphone for those of us who actually like to exercise with the Shuffle? The thing is perfect in every other way...

Mar 25, 2009 4:23 AM in response to namonai

Namonai:

I don't know about the Sony ones you had, but the Apple ones allow for cleaning: the rubber inserts are removable and the metal mesh under this is also removable with spares included.

I agree that it will get messy over time, so a clean-out is recommended, and even more importantly, possible.

Message was edited by: Michael271

Mar 28, 2009 5:43 PM in response to cjbiom

Although the price of the in-ears is as much as the shuffle itself, the advantage of purchasing them is that you can also use them with an iPhone, iPod Nano, Touch, etc as well which makes them a much better value.

I think that it's good to have more just the shuffle as sometimes it's good to watch video or have more precise control over your track selection.

Mar 31, 2009 8:46 AM in response to paranoidxe

anybody know if the new in-ear headphones will work with older (5G, 2G nano) ipods? I want a shuffle for working out, as my arm gets sore after an hour of carrying my nano on my arm? i want the shuffle, but only with the in-ear phones. however, I want to be able to use the earphones with my older ipods. I don't care whether or not the controls work, just as long as i get sound.

Don't enjoy the included earbuds? Try the Apple in-ear headphones...

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