It matters because the volume control feature on both the 'Apple Earphones with Remote and Mic' and the
'Apple In-Ear Headphones with Remote and Mic' only work with 2nd generation iPod touch, but not the original/1st generation.
The 2nd generation iPod touch has volume control buttons on it's side, the 1st does not. Maybe this additional feature is what allows the external earphone cord volume control to work? maybe something else? I don't know.
Yes, I would have assumed that the volume control is dependent upon the earphones, not the iPod, but apparently that is not the case.
I realize I can contact a manufacturer regarding a specific product.
I am asking, here, the general question, whether earphone cord volume control is dependent upon having a 2nd generation iPod.