In-Ear Headphones: Still Waiting

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/10/in-ear-headphones-still-waiting/)

Many users have contacted us about the status of Apple's in-ear headphones (http://www.apple.com/ipod/inearheadphones/). Apple announced the accessory (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/09/odds-and-ends-new-shuffles-in-ear-headphones-first-impressions-and-more/) at the September Let's Rock event with an expected availability date of "October."

Today, Apple's site still lists the accessory as "Coming Soon." Readers have reported Apple privately promising various shipping dates, though Apple has yet to publicly comment on the delay.

Article Link: In-Ear Headphones: Still Waiting (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/11/10/in-ear-headphones-still-waiting/)

[stukdog]

It does seem strange to have a product that seems to minor to have such a long delay.

That being said, I'm going to buy one as soon as they're shipping!

[mattwolfmatt]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

[longofest]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

Final Cut Server (http://www.macrumors.com/2007/09/23/final-cut-server-delayed/) comes to mind...

[elmateo487]

This is extremely retarded.

Apple CAN come out and at LEAST say. "We apologize... the item has been delayed", and THAT'S IT! Although not as respectable, its much better than leaving everyone waiting, as they silently keep pushing back the product.

Nice.

[ibwb]

This is extremely retarded.

Apple CAN come out and at LEAST say. "We apologize... the item has been delayed", and THAT'S IT! Although not as respectable, its much better than leaving everyone waiting, as they silently keep pushing back the product.

Nice.

As long as they end up with a product that is better than the old in-ear headphones people will forgive and forget. And it shouldn't be hard...

[canadan]

This is getting so annoying! The Apple Store people tell me sometime this November but who knows. Also, will Apple use their common sense and release an iPhone version for these? Even if they can't have the volume control, I'd still buy them in a heartbeat!

[SkippyThorson]

I'm still waiting on Push. :mad:

September was it? October passed too now, Apple.

Headphones. It's not a new computer. It's a pair of freaking headphones. Is the triangular shaped case causing some confusion for the symmetrical and even design team or what? Too cerebral or are these the best damn headphones Earth has ever seen?

These had better be Bose quality. The last time they put out a uniquely audio product (the iPod speaker dock) it tanked in a hurry. These may do the same before the physical release.

[Fuchal]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

You mean just about every Apple announcement in the past 3 or 4 years?

[wheelhot]

Lets hope its worth the wait, cause I got some voucher from my Apple Authorized dealer because my birthday is coming and I wished to used it on the new earphones.

Lets hope its worth the wait :crossfingers:

[rnwjr]

Will this work with the iPhone 3G?

[JackSYi]

This is getting so annoying! The Apple Store people tell me sometime this November but who knows. Also, will Apple use their common sense and release an iPhone version for these? Even if they can't have the volume control, I'd still buy them in a heartbeat!

Besides the technical reason behind the incompatibilities, Apple might justify the loss of volume control on these headphones because of the external volume rocker on the iPhones. It sucks, I know.

[crisss1205]

Will this work with the iPhone 3G?
I asked an AppleCare tech when I called in about my phone not syncing and he told me that at this point it wont work but he said that with a software update (maybe 2.1) could add the feature if the volume buttons. It says it only works with the Nano 4G, iPod Touch 2G and the iPod classic 120GB.


I have a clipping of the coming soon on my dashboard so I will see when it changes. (Had it up there for about a month now!)

And the picture of how the current iPhone headset and the new in-ear headphones have the same 3.5mm connector.

[jessica.]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

Final cut server
Mobile Me
MacBook Air 120gb hdd models

Apple continues to disappoint.

[Demosthenes X]

These had better be Bose quality. The last time they put out a uniquely audio product (the iPod speaker dock) it tanked in a hurry. These may do the same before the physical release.

Er, why would you want the new headphones to suck? :confused: I wouldn't wish Bose audio products on my worst enemy...

[aznguyen316]

these look cool but if I won't be able to use the remote or mic option on my 3rd gen nano, you guys think there are better options for the price? I don't want to get sucked in on the whole new apple product thing like I usually do..

[overcast]

I'm still waiting on Push. :mad:

September was it? October passed too now, Apple.

Headphones. It's not a new computer. It's a pair of freaking headphones. Is the triangular shaped case causing some confusion for the symmetrical and even design team or what? Too cerebral or are these the best damn headphones Earth has ever seen?

These had better be Bose quality. The last time they put out a uniquely audio product (the iPod speaker dock) it tanked in a hurry. These may do the same before the physical release.
AAAAAaaahahahahahahahah BOSE "quality" ahahahahahahaahah. I am seriously dying right now. That BOSE marketing machine team seriously must be wiping their asses with money. Most successful line of garbage, EVER.

[Klaw]

Final cut server
Mobile Me
MacBook Air 120gb hdd models

LED Cinema Display
"Push" for iPhone apps

Timeliness has not been Apple's forte as of late. And when they HAVE been on time, there have been quality issues (clickpad on new MBPs, MobileMess...)

[crisss1205]

AAAAAaaahahahahahahahah BOSE "quality" ahahahahahahaahah. I am seriously dying right now. That BOSE marketing machine team seriously must be wiping their asses with money. Most successful line of garbage, EVER.
I have the Bose in-ear headphones and they are the best I have ever had, I tried allot of others in the store and the Bose are the best.

[elmateo487]

I have the Bose in-ear headphones and they are the best I have ever had, I tried allot of others in the store and the Bose are the best.

Yeah the people saying Bose is trash, are the same people who say Barrack should be president. Its all opinion, and circumstantial.

and no, i am not making this a political discussion.

[SkippyThorson]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. When you can give me an Apple product that has a halfway decent sound let alone halfway decent speakers, drop me an email. I'll even post about it specifically. My one gripe with all Apple products is that the sound sucks. Sucks. Royally.

I almost appreciated the speakers with the iMac G4, but they don't even compare to my 10 year old JBLs. 2 to 1, everyone I know with an Apple desktop has some other brand of external speaker.

Sound = :apple: < Sony < Bose

Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context.

You go ahead and keep rocking the iMac internals. Rip in Lossless for speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak. When / If these headphones come out and no one can tell the difference between 128 and 320, don't say I didn't say so...

[bmb012]

Yeah the people saying Bose is trash, are the same people who say Barrack should be president. Its all opinion, and circumstantial.

and no, i am not making this a political discussion.

I voted for Audio Technica. Wait...

[Diatribe]

It's funny how this Bose discussion just won't die. Their reality distortion field is almost as good as Steve's. :D

[sycho]

It's funny how this Bose discussion just won't die. Their reality distortion field is almost as good as Steve's. :D

But Apple at least had half decent products that were placed alongside their competitors. You can not ever say the same for Bose.

[overcast]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. When you can give me an Apple product that has a halfway decent sound let alone halfway decent speakers, drop me an email. I'll even post about it specifically. My one gripe with all Apple products is that the sound sucks. Sucks. Royally.

I almost appreciated the speakers with the iMac G4, but they don't even compare to my 10 year old JBLs. 2 to 1, everyone I know with an Apple desktop has some other brand of external speaker.

Sound = :apple: < Sony < Bose

Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context.

You go ahead and keep rocking the iMac internals. Rip in Lossless for speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak. When / If these headphones come out and no one can tell the difference between 128 and 320, don't say I didn't say so...
You've never listened to proper speakers if you believe any of that.

[overcast]

I have the Bose in-ear headphones and they are the best I have ever had, I tried allot of others in the store and the Bose are the best.

I'm sorry for you then.

[James L]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. When you can give me an Apple product that has a halfway decent sound let alone halfway decent speakers, drop me an email. I'll even post about it specifically. My one gripe with all Apple products is that the sound sucks. Sucks. Royally.

I almost appreciated the speakers with the iMac G4, but they don't even compare to my 10 year old JBLs. 2 to 1, everyone I know with an Apple desktop has some other brand of external speaker.

Sound = :apple: < Sony < Bose

Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context.

You go ahead and keep rocking the iMac internals. Rip in Lossless for speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak. When / If these headphones come out and no one can tell the difference between 128 and 320, don't say I didn't say so...


Wow. Anyone who gets that intense defending a pair of speakers needs a vacation!

:D

[.:Meh:.]

For the people who think Bose is God. Here: Click (http://www.mlgpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102915)

[DaftUnion]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else.

Sound = :apple: < Sony < Bose

Have you ever listened to Klipsch ProMedia computer speakers or their reference line of home theater products. One in two movie theaters install their products.

Home Theater Magazine and Audioholics.com also have given Bose speakers the lowest ratings I have ever seen in pro reviews. There's also a reason why they don't show the specifications of their speakers (frequency range, sensitivity, ect.) because it's terrible.

Point being: Their headphones are decent, but Bose home speakers (especially the cube stuff) is terrible. If you think Bose is good you've never heard good speakers. It's almost all marketing and no product.

http://silenceisdefeat.org/~mshea/liquidtheater/editorial_56.html

[SkippyThorson]

Wow. Anyone who gets that intense defending a pair of speakers needs a vacation!

:D

Amen to that, I could use a good 2 weeker.

Have you ever listened to Klipsch ProMedia computer speakers or their reference line of home theater products. One in two movie theaters install their products.

http://silenceisdefeat.org/~mshea/liquidtheater/editorial_56.html

Regardless of some of the heavily toted Bose entertainment systems, and home speakers, which I do admit lack, I stand by their headphones as some of the best. I've never owned a desktop Bose speaker myself, but a relative who does praises it just as much. I'm not a huge fan of them as much as the headphones, but will still say they still sound damn fine.

I've not once heard of Klipsch, but thank you, I'll be giving them a try in the future.

[Jpoon]

I have the Bose in-ear headphones and they are the best I have ever had, I tried allot of others in the store and the Bose are the best.

You poor thing. Clearly you've never had the pleasure of using a fine pair of headphones. Bose is garbage.

[kjs862]

I''m been holding out to see these. I lost my original headphones that came with my iphone 3g and been patiently waiting for these news ones to come out. I might go for a pair of shures though.

[SirROM]

It's pretty clear that the reason these have not yet been released is that they require the 2.2 update for the Touch and iPhone in order to work. There was some mention of the audio-in capabilities of the Touch requiring it. Because the 2.2 update is not yet available, neither are the new headphones. They will be release as soon as the software is finished. I also expect the software to enable the use of the volume buttons on the iPhone at that time, despite it not being listed as compatible right now. It would be silly of Apple to urge people to buy $79 headphones, yet leave a HUGE population of people unable to do so without having the full functionality. They want our money too!

[ryanmcv]

Does anyone know if these in-ear headphones will be compatible with the iPhone? I remember there being some discussion as to whether or not the microphone and remote capabilities would work. The Apple website does not list the iPhone as a compatible model.

[kjs862]

It's pretty clear that the reason these have not yet been released is that they require the 2.2 update for the Touch and iPhone in order to work. There was some mention of the audio-in capabilities of the Touch requiring it. Because the 2.2 update is not yet available, neither are the new headphones. They will be release as soon as the software is finished. I also expect the software to enable the use of the volume buttons on the iPhone at that time, despite it not being listed as compatible right now. It would be silly of Apple to urge people to buy $79 headphones, yet leave a HUGE population of people unable to do so without having the full functionality. They want our money too!

You prob right. Nice one

[yadmonkey]

Bose are overpriced and overhyped, but they're not trash. True, Bose pretends to be high-end and isn't, but really good cans are wasted on an iPhone or iPod, as both contain pretty mediocre headphone amps. Bose may give you lousy value for your buck, but based purely on performance, they're decent mid-ranged products.

[sdschwendener]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. When you can give me an Apple product that has a halfway decent sound let alone halfway decent speakers, drop me an email. I'll even post about it specifically. My one gripe with all Apple products is that the sound sucks. Sucks. Royally.

I almost appreciated the speakers with the iMac G4, but they don't even compare to my 10 year old JBLs. 2 to 1, everyone I know with an Apple desktop has some other brand of external speaker.

Sound = :apple: < Sony < Bose

Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context.

You go ahead and keep rocking the iMac internals. Rip in Lossless for speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak. When / If these headphones come out and no one can tell the difference between 128 and 320, don't say I didn't say so...


Where to start..

Your talking about imac speakers then bring up JBL. Then you speak of apple, sony, and Bose speakers? Next you go on to speaking about speakers that can't even "put out 256 quality at peak." I want to puke after this sentence. I'm confused. Let me clarify everyone.

As we like to say.. and we do. Bose = Buy Other Stereo Equipment.

But he is right about one thing.. if they come out and we cant tell a difference don't say he didnt say so.. cause he is GOD!!

[Tosser]

I voted for Audio Technica. Wait...

Senny HD25-1 and Grados PS1 voter here ...

And yes, BOSE does indeed suck arse quality wise. Cheap quality, non-coated paper mache membranes and so on. Their "top end" products use the same units as the cheapest chinese products.

Me, I consider Avi Neutron IV with amp packs excellent "computer speakers" (I use them as close-field monitors. But Bose? Come now – next he'll tell us that his signal cables are silver and he can tell a difference between that and copper cables on his speakers.

[Quillz]

I've got a pair of Shure SE510 in-ear phones. They were quite expensive, but I really like them. They are among the better in-ear phones, I think. I hope Apple's are good, and with the long delay, they really ought to be.

[dlamin517]

god dam shut up with the bose stuff. some people like bose others dont. its not your money so dont tell other people how to spend it.

on topic:

you would think that apple would have tested the earbuds before they announced them. if they didnt work with the 2.1 fw then why would they announce them?

[gdesalvo@umail.]

god dam shut up with the bose stuff. some people like bose others dont. its not your money so dont tell other people how to spend it.

on topic:

you would think that apple would have tested the earbuds before they announced them. if they didnt work with the 2.1 fw then why would they announce them?

The "turns our you haven't heard everything" title for the headphones on the product page is quite ironic is that's true.
http://www.apple.com/ipod/inearheadphones/

[MacWarrior]

I just got back from South Korea. I was there during the first 2 weeks of October- they had the in-ear headphones for sale there. Interestingly, they also had them for sale for (I think) 39,000 won, which is WAY cheaper than in the US, not to mention the more powerful US dollar. They were in the box, on the racks, for sale.

[jbgh]

Yeah the people saying Bose is trash, are the same people who say Barrack should be president. Its all opinion, and circumstantial.

and no, i am not making this a political discussion.

you definitely are making this a political discussion, how can u make a comment like that and say you aren't being political? what democrats are evil bose-haters? that doesn't even make an sense..

i have a feeling you spent a lot of money on some bose speakers, and really don't like people disagreeing with your purchase. anyone with good ears who knows anything about music knows that bose speakers aren't that fantastic..

[jbgh]

You go ahead and keep rocking the iMac internals. Rip in Lossless for speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak. When / If these headphones come out and no one can tell the difference between 128 and 320, don't say I didn't say so...

"speakers that can't even put out 256 quality at peak" doesn't even make sense

and if you can't tell the difference between 128 and 320 on some ipod earphones now, then you have no idea what you're talking about

[philoscoffee]

It's pretty clear that the reason these have not yet been released is that they require the 2.2 update for the Touch and iPhone in order to work. There was some mention of the audio-in capabilities of the Touch requiring it. Because the 2.2 update is not yet available, neither are the new headphones. They will be release as soon as the software is finished. I also expect the software to enable the use of the volume buttons on the iPhone at that time, despite it not being listed as compatible right now. It would be silly of Apple to urge people to buy $79 headphones, yet leave a HUGE population of people unable to do so without having the full functionality. They want our money too!

I hope this is true. Anything less than full compatibility with the iPhone 3G would seem bizarre given that these headphones were almost certainly in development before the 3G was released. But then why do Apple not list the iPhone 3G as a compatible model? Perhaps they were hoping to release the headphones earlier and hit some problem, or else realised the flak they would get from iPhone owners frustrated that the volume controls (and possibly microphone) on their fancy new headphones don't work!

Either way, I hope that Apple can get it right and release a kick-ass pair of headphones with full iPhone 3G compatibility...

[NewSc2]

For once in my life, I can lend some expertise to a discussion :D

I've owned most brands of hi-fi headphones. Yes, that means I've gone through a few thousand $'s worth of headphones in my life.

I'm looking forward to these Apple In-Ear buds. If they're decent, i.e. Shure mid-range headphones, then I'd probably pick up a pair.

For those of you arguing about Bose headphones, Klipsch, etc., they really aren't that great. They aren't bad at all, but you can find comparable quality for cheaper. I haven't tried the Bose in-ear headphones, but the QuietComfort is pretty similar in quality to Sennheiser's lower-end range. I don't buy into active noise cancellation headphones, that's what my sound-isolating, triple-flange earbuds are for.

I'll spare all of you a long review of the cans I've listened to. Currently I own a pair of Sennheiser HD580's, Sennheiser HD25-1, Grado SR80, Etymotic ER4P, Etymotic HF2, Shure SE-530, and Audio-Technica ATMH50's. There are pros and cons to all, but I find myself going for the Etymotics most, even though the other sets are more expensive. The HD580's come out when I'm in front of my computer, and the HD25-1's when I DJ.

Honestly, I'd been waiting for the Apple In-Ears after my pair of Shures got damaged (the cable started to crack... it's still usable, but I'm sending it in for repair). I got fed up with not having total isolation when I run, and my ER4Ps have been on loan to my sister for almost a year (I've pretty much just given them to her), so I bought the HF2 from Amazon to pair with my iPhone.

Wow, I'd almost forgotten how clear Etymotics were! With a little bit of bass EQ these can go toe-to-toe with the Shure SE-530's ($450 from Amazon). The bass of the triple-driver SE-530's are nice, but the sound is a lot more muddy than the crisp n' clear Etys. I listen to mostly electronic music (house, techno) so bass is a priority for me too.

So anybody who's still out there waiting for the Apple earbuds, I'd recommend taking a look at the Etymotic HF2's. They don't cost that much more, and sound great.

You really need to wear them properly (get a good seal) to make them sound good, but once you put them on right (it isn't hard to do with the HF2's), you're in audio nirvana. But get used to not hearing people scream at you when you're 2 ft. away. You literally cannot hear ANYTHING when you have these on -- the isolation is much better than the Shures and any other headphone I've used (better than the ER4P's iirc).

P.S. To be fair, I've only had one listen to the Klipsch earbuds, and it was in a crowded store. I'll try them out again in better circumstances when I get the chance.

[M. Poirot]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

September for background notification capability for 3rd party iPhone/iPod touch apps springs to mind......it's November now!!!
Apple are getting worse at these things. Don't get me wrong, I love Apple's product ethos and their kit, but their timetables are getting really sloppy. Steve needs to have a word with some of the guys at 'The Loop'

[The Phazer]

This is extremely retarded.

Apple CAN come out and at LEAST say. "We apologize... the item has been delayed", and THAT'S IT! Although not as respectable, its much better than leaving everyone waiting, as they silently keep pushing back the product.

Nice.

Exactly. Just staying quiet shows an amazing contempt for customers.

Phazer

[PCMacUser]

These days I use a pair of Phitek Blackbox noise cancelling earphones, which I bought at the airport before flying 26 hours to London. Worth every cent. They sound better than every other model of earphone I've owned, including a pair of Shure e3c's which cost twice the price.

However, I'm a big fan of the Sennheiser PX100's too. Great sound and they look good too.

[MacTraveller]

Simple explanation: The product is too good to be true.

[Arran]

Wow!

There's more pent-up demand for these headphones than Blackberry's "coming-soon" iPhone killer! (What's it called, again? :) )

[Shasterball]

I've been patiently waiting for these as my old headphones fall apart everyday on the way to work. I'll give them 'till Thanksgiving. After that, I'm getting the Bose buds.

Wow!

There's more pent-up demand for these headphones than Blackberry's "coming-soon" iPhone killer! (What's it called, again? :) )

iPhone 3?

[zedsdead]

If only Apple made any peripherals or cables that actually matched most of their products (being black and silver now), I would actually be happy.

[BMWTwisty]

Forget the Apple whatever or even the Bose. For the best in-ear listening capability do yourself a favor and get a set of Etymotic ER6 or ER6i (slightly wider freq range / beter bass). They offer superior ambient noise reduction as well as music quality playback. I wear 'em to cut wind noise while riding a motorcycle as well as using them to target shoot. You can find 'em online for around $70. Etymotic's customer service is superb, too.

[hihater]

Final cut server
Mobile Me
MacBook Air 120gb hdd models

Apple continues to disappoint.

Continues to dissapoint, some of you must not live in the world, there is something called delays, y'all must think we live in some perfect world where everything is perfect and rolls along.

[TitoC]

. . . I've not once heard of Klipsch, but thank you, I'll be giving them a try in the future.

I'm sorry to hear that. You also might want to take a look at:
Sennheiser
AKG
Grado

. . . and one of my favarites: Wharfedale. I have a pair of 1967 Wharfedale speakers that still kick ass today (I inherited them from my dad). Rich, lush sound. These loudspeakers are cased in cherry wood and if you open the case, you'll see that the speaker cones are insulated with sawdust. Just beautiful.

[overcast]

I'm sorry to hear that. You also might want to take a look at:
Sennheiser
AKG
Grado

. . . and one of my favarites: Wharfedale. I have a pair of 1967 Wharfedale speakers that still kick ass today (I inherited them from my dad). Rich, lush sound. These loudspeakers are cased in cherry wood and if you open the case, you'll see that the speaker cones are insulated with sawdust. Just beautiful.

My secondary set I inherited from my father. Pair of 1976 ESS with the HEIL Air Motion Transformers! The top end is SWEET. I had to refoam the woofers as the rubber they used totally disintegrated. Use them everyday as my computer speakers :D

[jhartung]

Ultimate Ears have done me right (well, after a first pair fell apart almost instantly...but then they sent me a new pair that had been redesigned, and now they're perfect).

Sound is amazing. I'm curious about the griffin in-ears as a cheap backup. Anyone have those?

[odinsride]

I got tired of waiting and ended up buying the Skullcandy FMJ for iPhone...they work great, the mic/button work perfect with the iPhone, and they actually match my black iPhone 3g better than the white apple earbuds (i got the black FMJs)

[czeluff]

my hope is that the 2.2 iPhone firmware allows these headphones to work, since they're not listed as "compatible" on Apple's website.

[LoganT]

I think what Bose has is the best sound to comfort ratio. Yeah I'm sure they're are better sounding headphones than Bose, but the comfort level on these things are the best, especially the in-ear headphones. It's the same thing with the Bose 3-2-1 system, people complain about it sounding terrible but for the people who buy it and just want to get some kind of surround sound without a bunch of speakers lying around, they sound great.

[macmike47]

These delays - push, headphones, etc etc - are because of the new product they're working on. My sources (who wish to remain anonymous) have told me we're going to see a PowerBook G5 at MacWorld. You heard it here first.

[gmeddles]

So anybody who's still out there waiting for the Apple earbuds, I'd recommend taking a look at the Etymotic HF2's. They don't cost that much more, and sound great.

I don't have time to detail all of the different models I've used, but the HF2's are the only ones that go in my pocket every morning and get used 30+ hours a week. There really isn't anything that I've tried that can compare at that price point. If you don't wear them properly they sound funny, but used properly they are fantastic. The triple flanges block outside noise exceptionally well.

Also, the mic is fantastic for phone conversations and does a great job with background noise. I have carried on conversations even while mowing the lawn with them and had the other party understand every word.

[shrub]

Just to add my two pence worth:

I currently use a pair of Grado SR60 headphones with my iPhone. I trialed a range off different headphones from Bose, Audio Technica and Sennheiser and found that the SR60's have far more detail and clarity than any of the others.

The only downsides of these headphone is that the cable is pretty long and they aren't the smallest. There is no way that you would use them whilst running etc. (which is why I want some in-ear phones) but for anything else they are great.

One other thing, i have to totally disagree with the following comment:

and if you can't tell the difference between 128 and 320 on some ipod earphones now, then you have no idea what you're talking about

I have spent quite a long time encoding and then re-encoding my music collection utilising the different codecs that are available and have to conclude that a well encoded 128kbps AAC/MP3 track is almost indisdinguishable from any higher bitrate compression (including lossless formats) when played on the iPhone.

AAC and MP3 are so effecient at compression now that 128kbps offers perceptual transparancy in my opinion.

Have a go for yourself and try either Nero's AAC codec or Lame for MP3 and have a read at the hydrogen audio forums for more info.

Sorry for going so far off topic!

[Xian Zhu Xuande]

I have the Bose in-ear headphones and they are the best I have ever had, I tried allot of others in the store and the Bose are the best.
Haha... you clearly haven't tried true high quality headphones, then!

Bose is 70% marketing, 30% quality.

Do you use Monster Cables too? :p

[LoganT]

I also happen to like Bose because elitist audiophiles don't like them.

[afireintonto]

bose is ok quality, but they are way too expensive for that ok quality, i use m-audio studio monitors. they have a excellent bass and treb response, and there not as expensive as some of the other studio monitors, but i also love my SH HD25-1

[Arran]

... I'm curious about the griffin in-ears as a cheap backup. Anyone have those?

You mean the EarJams? I put a pair of those on my iPhone 3G headphones as an interim measure.

Pros:
1) Cheap ($12)
2) The Apple earphones now stay in my ears (they used to slip out when walking)
3) Sound is okay (but my ears are not as young as they used to be, so it's probably moot)
4) Provide some sound isolation.
5) I can still use the play/pause/back/fwd/mic features of the basic iPhone headset! Yay!
6) Come with a cute little zippered case.
7) Come with plastic 'shells' for both old and new ipod earbud shapes.
8) Come with rubber 'tips' for small, medium and large ears.
9) because of 7 and 8; I (big ears, new earbuds) and my daughter (small ears, old earbuds) benefit!

Cons:
1) Not insanely beautiful. Insane, maybe :)
2) The rubber bits sometimes come off in my pocket.
3) No volume control !!!! ;) That'll cost $79 when the new Apple buds come out.

[overcast]

I also happen to like Bose because elitist audiophiles don't like them.
So not being a brainless consumer means you're an elitist audiophile. Got it.


- Elitist Audiophile

[Arran]

. . . and one of my favarites: Wharfedale. I have a pair of 1967 Wharfedale speakers that still kick ass today (I inherited them from my dad). Rich, lush sound. These loudspeakers are cased in cherry wood and if you open the case, you'll see that the speaker cones are insulated with sawdust. Just beautiful.

I bought a pair of Wharfedale "Laser 50's" back in the 1980's. They were, I think, Wharfedale's cheapo, 'mass market' model back then (hey, it was all I could afford!). They still sound far better than anything I've tried since. I use them regularly.

[9mmCensor]

These had better be Bose quality.

Bose quality? Ha. Haha.

[dubhe]

I note that the microphone only works on certain iPod models, anyone know of any decent in-ear earphones with an in-line mic that works with MacBook? I occasionally like to chat on iChat or Skype but mostly would be using the headphones with my iPod so want small in-ear ones, not big ones that make me look like I work in a call centre...

[LoganT]

So not being a brainless consumer means you're an elitist audiophile. Got it.


- Elitist Audiophile

See, you're proving my point exactly. You're saying someone who likes Bose is a brainless consumer when it could be they just prefer Bose out of personal preference. That makes you an elitist.

[dubhe]

Bose quality is good, but their customer service is excellent, I had a product that was 7 years old and they still helped me fix it!

I also bought my SoundDock in the USA and they sent me a UK and Euro plug for free!

[masse]

I just want them out so I can see whether I should get the $100 shure pair or save some cash and get these.

I do a lot of flying.

[overcast]

See, you're proving my point exactly. You're saying someone who likes Bose is a brainless consumer when it could be they just prefer Bose out of personal preference. That makes you an elitist.

No one prefers BOSE out of personal preference. That name has become synonymous with "quality" by sheer marketing barrage. If any of you actually stepped outside of Circuit City and Best Buy, you'd hear infinitely better speakers for the same price or cheaper.

[masse]

Yeah as far as the bose in-ear headphones. I went to look at them and the guy at the store WOULDN'T let me leave without trying them. So I did, and they sounded worse than my $50 set of Sony in-ear's that I bought 3 years ago. He pumped up the volume nice and loud so it broke my ears in an attempt to mask the 'average' sound output.

Bose suck. the only person I know who loves bose also won the lottery, and therefore bought the most expensive and 'aristocratic' of audio hardware.

[Arran]

I just want them out so I can see whether I should get the $100 shure pair or save some cash and get these.

I do a lot of flying.

Fly a lot too. I bought a $300 pair of Shures a few years ago, but could never get a good seal to block external noise. They also sounded very tinny but, again, that was due to a poor seal. Other people love them however, so I think I just have odd-shaped ear canals.

For now, I'm still with my old sony MDR-NC11's. I hate the heavy inline battery holder, but at least they're pocketable. The huge Bose noise canceling 'cans' that I see a lot on flights are great (sound-wise) but I'm not keen on the "Princess Leia" look! :)

[LoganT]

No one prefers BOSE out of personal preference. That name has become synonymous with "quality" by sheer marketing barrage. If any of you actually stepped outside of Circuit City and Best Buy, you'd hear infinitely better speakers for the same price or cheaper.

I don't shop at Circuit City or Best Buy in fact I don't shop at an big box electronics stores. I've bought Ultimate Ears headphones because of people saying "No Highs and No Lows must be a Bose" "Buy Other Sound Equipment", etc. You know I'm sure Ultimate Ears have fantastic sound quality but they are some of the most uncomfortable headphones I have ever used and when I use headphones for mostly the whole day I like them to be as comfortable as possible. You should probably read this (http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/19/dr-bose-tells-all-company-sercrets-why-they-dont-publish-specs-and-more/) as well. If someone can match the comfort and sound quality of Bose sign me up. No I'm not saying they are the best and I'm not saying they aren't overpriced but people do like them. Because most headphones I see are just earplugs with sound.

[masse]

Fly a lot too. I bought a $300 pair of Shures a few years ago, but could never get a good seal to block external noise. They also sounded very tinny but, again, that was due to a poor seal. Other people love them however, so I think I just have odd-shaped ear canals.

For now, I'm still with my old sony MDR-NC11's. I hate the heavy inline battery holder, but at least they're pocketable. The huge Bose noise canceling 'cans' that I see a lot on flights are great (sound-wise) but I'm not keen on the "Princess Leia" look! :)

Lol. I have a set of sennheiser full headphones (HD280) that do VERY well for the price. Unfortunately I wear glasses to read, which means a worse seal and the frames digging into my head.

[Cousin Dirk]

So wait... are the new Apple headphones better than Bose or not? And will they be compatible with the iPhone 3G with the advent of (maybe) iPhone 2.2?

/also, I have a workmate who used to work for Bose
//I'll have to see what he thinks of them :rolleyes:

[overcast]

I don't shop at Circuit City or Best Buy in fact I don't shop at an big box electronics stores. I've bought Ultimate Ears headphones because of people saying "No Highs and No Lows must be a Bose" "Buy Other Sound Equipment", etc. You know I'm sure Ultimate Ears have fantastic sound quality but they are some of the most uncomfortable headphones I have ever used and when I use headphones for mostly the whole day I like them to be as comfortable as possible. You should probably read this (http://www.crunchgear.com/2007/09/19/dr-bose-tells-all-company-sercrets-why-they-dont-publish-specs-and-more/) as well. If someone can match the comfort and sound quality of Bose sign me up. No I'm not saying they are the best and I'm not saying they aren't overpriced but people do like them. Because most headphones I see are just earplugs with sound.
So where do you demo loudspeaker systems, I'm curious. You seem to have listened to many to come up with your conclusion. And yes, I've read that article, it's a bunch of nonsense. They don't publish specs because the frequency response curves would be embarrassing at best. Obviously specs aren't everything and speaker selection is a totally subjective experience. But there is a limit to how well garbage can sound.

[jhartung]

You mean the EarJams? I put a pair of those on my iPhone 3G headphones as an interim measure.

Pros:
1) Cheap ($12)
2) The Apple earphones now stay in my ears (they used to slip out when walking)
3) Sound is okay (but my ears are not as young as they used to be, so it's probably moot)
4) Provide some sound isolation.
5) I can still use the play/pause/back/fwd/mic features of the basic iPhone headset! Yay!
6) Come with a cute little zippered case.
7) Come with plastic 'shells' for both old and new ipod earbud shapes.
8) Come with rubber 'tips' for small, medium and large ears.
9) because of 7 and 8; I (big ears, new earbuds) and my daughter (small ears, old earbuds) benefit!

Cons:
1) Not insanely beautiful. Insane, maybe :)
2) The rubber bits sometimes come off in my pocket.
3) No volume control !!!! ;) That'll cost $79 when the new Apple buds come out.

I was actually thinking about the TuneBuds Mobile

[Arran]

Lol. I have a set of sennheiser full headphones (HD280) that do VERY well for the price. Unfortunately I wear glasses to read, which means a worse seal and the frames digging into my head.

Sennheiser's were the first active noise canceling headphones I ever tried out. It was only in an airport store, mind you, but I was hugely impressed with the noise cancellation. They were open (on ear) and collapsible (good!), but unfortunately had that heavy inline battery holder that just sort of hangs there, or catches on things.

[LoganT]

So where do you demo loudspeaker systems, I'm curious. You seem to have listened to many to come up with your conclusion. And yes, I've read that article, it's a bunch of nonsense. They don't publish specs because the frequency response curves would be embarrassing at best. Obviously specs aren't everything and speaker selection is a totally subjective experience. But there is a limit to how well garbage can sound.

I don't have a loudspeaker system. I bought some Altec Lansing FX4021 computer speakers that I connected to my TV and those are fine for me.

[Mackilroy]

Like masse I have a pair of HD280s, and I love them. They're big, but that's fine because they're nice to just sit back and relax with. :)

[overcast]

I don't have a loudspeaker system. I bought some Altec Lansing FX4021 computer speakers that I connected to my TV and those are fine for me.
Thus proving my point. You don't care about sound quality.

[LoganT]

Thus proving my point. You don't care about sound quality.

How so?

[overcast]

How so?
.
I bought some Altec Lansing FX4021 computer speakers that I connected to my TV and those are fine for me.

[LoganT]

.

The TV is in my bedroom I don't need and can't fit big speakers in there. I just wanted something better than the speakers that came with my Vizio. They sound pretty nice for being only 85 dollars. Have you listened to them?

[dlamin517]

The TV is in my bedroom I don't need and can't fit big speakers in there. I just wanted something better than the speakers that came with my Vizio. They sound pretty nice for being only 85 dollars. Have you listened to them?

i think you just proved his point...again

[Chicane-UK]

I've tried out a variety of Bose headphones now - sound cancelling ones, in ear ones - and I just couldn't bring myself to get excited about them at all.

I have a set of entry level Beyerdynamic cans which cost me $20 and for all the testing I did with the Bose sets, I think these sound better not even taking their outrageous pricing into consideration.

Bose does sound a HELL of a lot better than the standard / basic stuff out there. But there is a lot better stuff than Bose out there, which doesn't cost anything near what Bose does.

[LoganT]

i think you just proved his point...again

Unbelievable. What don't you get about having a small space and not needing huge speakers in order to get good sound?

[overcast]

Unbelievable. What don't you get about having a small space and not needing huge speakers in order to get good sound?

What does sound quality have to do with the size of speakers?

[LoganT]

What do large speakers have to do with good sound?

Nothing. Listen I would of bought the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 but at the time they were sold out. Besides Altec Lansing are underrated for what you get and the price you have to pay for it.

[overcast]

Nothing. Listen I would of bought the Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 but at the time they were sold out. Besides Altec Lansing are underrated for what you get and the price you have to pay for it.
So what exactly are you trying to prove? That your selection criteria was a small range of computer speakers, and that BOSE was the best out of them? Got it.

[SkippyThorson]

But he is right about one thing.. if they come out and we cant tell a difference don't say he didnt say so.. cause he is GOD!!

:D Oh, I love me.

[LoganT]

So what exactly are you trying to prove? That your selection criteria was a small range of computer speakers, and that BOSE was the best out of them? Got it.

You're really cocky you know that? Where did I say I bought Bose computer speakers?

[crisss1205]

Who here has, lets say a Bose Lifestyle System in their home? And use the ADAPTiQ to calibrate it?

[cheekybobcat]

It does seem strange to have a product that seems to minor to have such a long delay.

That being said, I'm going to buy one as soon as they're shipping!

Hopefully Apple is perfecting the headphones. From what I've read, I'm expecting great things from Apple for this one. Although every company use fancy words and wow us with technical phrases, Apple's headphones seem genuine.
Whether I will cough up the $79 for them, I'm not sure. Cheap for what seems like a good pair of headphones but I hate spending money nowadays.
Honestly, I'll probably end up getting a pair eventually though.

[wpc33]

There have been so many great suggestions here, for apple-alternative headphones, which will sound better, but are there any other in-ears that have the remote control? play/pause/next etc?
I love my Grado SR-80's, but the size, and especially the open-air nature, make me want a back-up. I'm also tired of bringing along my Apple radio-remote. More cables!
Thanks.

[jhartung]

There have been so many great suggestions here, for apple-alternative headphones, which will sound better, but are there any other in-ears that have the remote control? play/pause/next etc?
Thanks.

Both the ultimate ears and the griffin tunebuds mobile do

[Arran]

My guess is that they'll ship along with iPhone firmware 2.2, which will (surprise, surprise!) support the volume control.

I also suspect they're ready to ship now, but Apple are holding fire to delay their competitor's attempts at reverse-engineering them - specifically how the volume UP/DOWN signals are sent down the wire.

So the 'buds will come out alongside 2.2 (whenever that's ready) and the hordes absolutely dying for headphones with a full remote control (inc volume) will have only one place to buy. Clever.

[yadmonkey]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium. And like the Bose arguments, they are right and wrong and it really comes down to personal preference.

Again, Bose is not garbage, as some have suggested. They may have a lousy bang:buck ratio, but so do many Apple products, yet we choose them because of less quantifiable values - great resale, we prefer the OS, we *gasp* like the design... but it can be equally argued that you can get a PC for half the price which can do everything the Mac can do and more.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. I know I paid too much for my Bose in-ear buds, but they are supremely comfortable and sound good enough with a mediocre-sounding product like an iPod or iPhone. After all, I have some great AKGs and a good headphones amp for more ideal home listening. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.

[Tosser]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium. And like the Bose arguments, they are right and wrong and it really comes down to personal preference.
Actually, I'm using Avi Neutron IVs with external amp packs as my close field monitors, and currently looking to buy some very expensive (to me) speakers (Beolab 5s –*yes, that's a whole 'nother can of worms) and yet I say that BOSE is hyped among consumers, that they are overpriced for what you get, and that you can do better both in audio quality and build quality, for less. Isn't it funny, how that works out?


Again, Bose is not garbage, as some have suggested. They may have a lousy bang:buck ratio, but so do many Apple products, yet we choose them because of less quantifiable values - great resale, we prefer the OS, we *gasp* like the design... but it can be equally argued that you can get a PC for half the price which can do everything the Mac can do and more.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. I know I paid too much for my Bose in-ear buds, but they are supremely comfortable and sound good enough with a mediocre-sounding product like an iPod or iPhone. After all, I have some great AKGs and a good headphones amp for more ideal home listening. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.

You also paid a whole lot for less than comparable build quality.

[dlamin517]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium. And like the Bose arguments, they are right and wrong and it really comes down to personal preference.

Again, Bose is not garbage, as some have suggested. They may have a lousy bang:buck ratio, but so do many Apple products, yet we choose them because of less quantifiable values - great resale, we prefer the OS, we *gasp* like the design... but it can be equally argued that you can get a PC for half the price which can do everything the Mac can do and more.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. I know I paid too much for my Bose in-ear buds, but they are supremely comfortable and sound good enough with a mediocre-sounding product like an iPod or iPhone. After all, I have some great AKGs and a good headphones amp for more ideal home listening. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.

I was just about to say that lol. Funny how mac owners say bose are overpriced, yet clearly macs are overpriced as well, considering the fact everything costs double. i bought my macbook for $1400 and could have gotten the same specs for $700 on a pc. but i was willing to pay double for convienece, elegance, and leopard. its just personal preference.

[overcast]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium. And like the Bose arguments, they are right and wrong and it really comes down to personal preference.

Again, Bose is not garbage, as some have suggested. They may have a lousy bang:buck ratio, but so do many Apple products, yet we choose them because of less quantifiable values - great resale, we prefer the OS, we *gasp* like the design... but it can be equally argued that you can get a PC for half the price which can do everything the Mac can do and more.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. I know I paid too much for my Bose in-ear buds, but they are supremely comfortable and sound good enough with a mediocre-sounding product like an iPod or iPhone. After all, I have some great AKGs and a good headphones amp for more ideal home listening. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.
Except the one important detail you left out. If you want to use OSX legally, you don't have any other choice. I have a choice not to buy garbage speakers.

[wpc33]

Both the ultimate ears and the griffin tunebuds mobile do
The Griffin's don't sound very good to me, and should easily be beaten by the new Apple ones...Which Ultimate Ears do you mean? Their website is a mess. Thanks.

[LoganT]

Overcast do you have some personal vendetta against Bose? Did your girlfriend leave you to go work for them?

[rneglia]

This is extremely retarded.

Apple CAN come out and at LEAST say. "We apologize... the item has been delayed", and THAT'S IT! Although not as respectable, its much better than leaving everyone waiting, as they silently keep pushing back the product.

Nice.

I second this.

Balls

[rneglia]

There have been so many great suggestions here, for apple-alternative headphones, which will sound better, but are there any other in-ears that have the remote control? play/pause/next etc?
I love my Grado SR-80's, but the size, and especially the open-air nature, make me want a back-up. I'm also tired of bringing along my Apple radio-remote. More cables!
Thanks.

I have the Grado's too.

Wicked, but won't fit over a posh fedora!

http://www.busywithstyle.com/50226711/fedora.jpg

[QCassidy352]

I don't understand the people who bash Bose. If it sounds good to someone else, why are you trying to convince them that it doesn't sound good? :confused: Not only is it something you really have no stake in, it doesn't even make any sense. How can you tell me something doesn't sound good if I think it does (FYI, I don't own any bose products, but I've heard their earphone before and I do like the sound)?

I currently use V-moda duos with my iphone and they sound really good (at least to me - but maybe my ears deceive me :rolleyes:). But my complaint is that the cord/mic tends to catch on whatever I'm wearing, whereas the supplied apple buds never did, so I would like to give these new apple earphones a try if they ever get released.

[wpc33]

Not to fan the flames, but my local Apple store actually showcases Bose headphones. Every iPhone on display has a pair of them plugged in. Considering the "overpriced!" baggage Bose has on its image, not a good association for Apple to encourage.

[Apple Ink]

Wow....

I love how we move from discussing Apple in-ears in first 10 posts to all audio gadgets EXCEPT Apple's in the rest!

LOL

[yadmonkey]

The other part of the anti-Bose irony which I've touched on... you need a decent headphones amp to drive decent headphones. For testing purposes, I just connected my AKG studio headphones to my iPhone and iPod and of course those devices just can't drive them. The max volume is limited and sound quality is a joke compared to what a real headphones amp offers.

So really, when it comes to a mediocre-sounding product like an iPhone or iPod, it's kinda silly to buy really good headphones because you're limited by the sound source. But it's not silly to buy headphones which offer you the greatest comfort, which Bose products excel at. I've tried plenty of other buds and phones which sound better, but none more comfortable.

But I'm a musician, not an "audiophile". The best sound systems I've ever heard are my acoustic instruments. I wonder if they would sound real enough for some so-called audiophiles. I also wonder if the audiophiles who are so worried about maximum audio fidelity really hear the music behind the sound. When I hear a thin-sounding old jazz record on a mediocre iPod through mediocre headphones, I get goosebumps. Of course I prefer my more ideal home setup, but the day I stop getting goosebumps in the less-than-ideal situations is the day I stop being a musician. Maybe then I can fill the black hole in my soul by obsessing about fidelity and talking trash about lesser audio products on internet forums.

[teflon]

Fly a lot too. I bought a $300 pair of Shures a few years ago, but could never get a good seal to block external noise. They also sounded very tinny but, again, that was due to a poor seal. Other people love them however, so I think I just have odd-shaped ear canals.


Maybe you should try getting custom IEMs? $300 can get you a pretty decent custom these days.

Btw, for those comparing Bose to Apple, the argument does not even stand. Bose does not have a superior design, quality or ease of use, nor do they give you less headache by eliminating viruses. Bose is comfortable, but by no means the most comfortable IEMs, and their design is nothing to write home about. They are far smaller, more elegant designs out there. Plus, what is so convenient about Bose earphones?

[yadmonkey]

Yeah, I'm not going to argue that Bose compares to Apple in terms of overall value and quality... I guess I'm more reacting to those who describe their products as garbage. Overpriced? Yes. Overhyped? For sure. But garbage? No way. I really have nothing against most audiophiles, but there's a certain contingent of audiosnobs I have difficulty stomaching.

[jbgh]

and have to conclude that a well encoded 128kbps AAC/MP3 track is almost indisdinguishable from any higher bitrate compression (including lossless formats) when played on the iPhone.

Maybe people who love to play and listen to music disagree with you, and can tell the difference.

I think everyone here who really know what they're talking about would agree with me that 128kbps aacs or mp3s are more than distinguishable from higher bitrates on an iphone

[Stuipdboy1000]

I hope they really hurry up with these. My old headphones are on their last legs.

I reckon any day now because the new iPod nano update (1.0.3) added support for them.

[Diatribe]

Maybe the iPhone update 2.2 will add support for them? Would be great especially if they sound any decent.

[hierobryan]

These had better be Bose quality.

:rolleyes: If they're Bose quality I will NOT be buying them. I think you meant to say Ultimate Ears quality.

[dlamin517]

Sounds like the 2.2 fw is whats going to do it for the headphones. Apple just released a patch for the nano that will enable the headphones to work. probably same for the iphone/touch

[nanvinnie]

I've been reading a lot of comments about the sound quality of different ear buds and how these new apple ear buds will compare. I can appreciate good sound quality, but all these super-nice cans and sets don't have that mic and volume control do they? That's what I'm really looking for. Decent sound and the mic/controller. I bought a pair of Sen CX400s. They sound great to me but no mic/controller. I bought the igriffin mic but it's really inconvenient having 2 separate cables and having to deal with that. I do hope that the new apple ear buds work with the iphone. As mentioned before, the apple site doesn't mention any compatibility to the iphone at all.

[X5-452]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium. And like the Bose arguments, they are right and wrong and it really comes down to personal preference.

Again, Bose is not garbage, as some have suggested. They may have a lousy bang:buck ratio, but so do many Apple products, yet we choose them because of less quantifiable values - great resale, we prefer the OS, we *gasp* like the design... but it can be equally argued that you can get a PC for half the price which can do everything the Mac can do and more.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. I know I paid too much for my Bose in-ear buds, but they are supremely comfortable and sound good enough with a mediocre-sounding product like an iPod or iPhone. After all, I have some great AKGs and a good headphones amp for more ideal home listening. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.

Thank you. You so eloquently put into words what I had been thinking throughout this entire thread...

[yadmonkey]

I've been reading a lot of comments about the sound quality of different ear buds and how these new apple ear buds will compare. I can appreciate good sound quality, but all these super-nice cans and sets don't have that mic and volume control do they? That's what I'm really looking for. Decent sound and the mic/controller. I bought a pair of Sen CX400s. They sound great to me but no mic/controller. I bought the igriffin mic but it's really inconvenient having 2 separate cables and having to deal with that. I do hope that the new apple ear buds work with the iphone. As mentioned before, the apple site doesn't mention any compatibility to the iphone at all.

Actually, this is something I've wondered about... I think most decent headphones devices lack inline volume because they're potential for signal degradation at any interruption point. But Apple's unit looks like it might be different - that the headphones themselves might not change the volume, but simply signal the device to do so. Pretty neat, if that's the case.

X5-452, cheers!

[NewSc2]

Fly a lot too. I bought a $300 pair of Shures a few years ago, but could never get a good seal to block external noise. They also sounded very tinny but, again, that was due to a poor seal. Other people love them however, so I think I just have odd-shaped ear canals.

For now, I'm still with my old sony MDR-NC11's. I hate the heavy inline battery holder, but at least they're pocketable. The huge Bose noise canceling 'cans' that I see a lot on flights are great (sound-wise) but I'm not keen on the "Princess Leia" look! :)

I'd give the Etymotics a try. I have both -- a pair of Shure SE530's and Etymotic HF2. While there's a difference in sound between both (Shure's are more bass/boomy, Etymotic are more clear/less bass), they're both sound very good. The Etymotic, though, is much easier to fit in and get a good seal. The Shures actually seal pretty well when the triple flanges are used, but still not as well as the Etys.

[Diatribe]

Please make them work with the iPhone and let them be decent because the new Vibe IIs look like crap.

[SRSound]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. ... Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context."

About that... you might want to read the following article, but I'll quote the highlights.

"Bose has a long history of not disclosing specifications of any type; This reluctance to publish information is due to Bose's rejection of these measurements in favour of 'more meaningful measurement and evaluation procedures.'" However...

"A test of Bose's Acoustimass system's cubes showed by far the worst frequency response I have ever seen: 280 Hz to 13.3 kHz at? 10.5 dB"

"Only Bose truly knows the true reasons it does not publish specifications, but given how ridiculous it would look if it did ... [this columnist] thinks it is hiding something."

The fact of the matter is Bose products are no better (often worse) than the no-name brands you can buy for nothing at Costco. They simply slap "BOSE" on them and charge twice as much. Read on - http://www.smarthouse.com.au (http://www.smarthouse.com.au/Reviews/Accessories/C5G6Q7A6?page=1)

EDIT: If it makes a difference, the LE Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10vi (http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/triplefi/triplefi10vi_description.php) are most likely the finest quality iPhone headphones available - I say that as a professional audio producer/engineer.

EDIT 2: I see now that my point has been made several times over already... oops.

[hierobryan]

Bose hands down takes all other sound equipment behind the local bankrupt Circuit City and puts them on their knees. Bose kills all else. ... Contradicting arguments are unnecessary and false, simple as that. I love Bose speakers, and those that hate them say so in envy, because they don't or can't get them for themselves - by whatever means in whatever context."

OMG! Another typical ignorant consumer blinded by the Bose bullshpit.

[yadmonkey]

OMG! Another typical ignorant consumer blinded by the Bose bullshpit.

Actually I suspect it was nothing more than troll bait.

[RamblinWreck]

I use a set of Shure's. Sound quality kills the Apple headphones, but every time I use them I miss the playback controls on the iPhone headphones....that, and the fact that the Apple headphones have a super slim cable which I like compared to the big bulky one on the Shure's.

So I'm kind of interested in how the sound quality will turn out on these.

[dlamin517]

The control are whats gonna do it for me

[coachingguy]

Call me a Noob, but I just picked up some Maxell squishy in ear plugs for like $12 and I'm really happy with them. They don't come out and they don't hurt my ears which were the two biggest problems I had with Apple's 'phones.

Does that mean I won't jump on Apple's new 'phones? Nope, I'll be all over them especially if they work with my iPhone.

I'm one of those guys who have wanted to be blown away with Bose, but every time I try them on, use them or borrow them I just come away being underwhelmed. My father in law had an expensive pair of Bose cans, after he passed away I got them. I didn't really like them much and gave them to my nephew. I've really wanted to be blown away by Bose so I could rationalize the expense - even more so the for their "Wave systems". Maybe I'm not sensitive enough to appreciate the nuances. I can live with that.

To each his or her own.

Coachingguy

[Nickwell24]

These had better be Bose quality.

As a professional audio technician I laugh when people say this. Bose is nothing but consumer hype, if you want good quality headphones get the MDR7505. or a good pair of sehnheizer. The only nice thing about bose is the noise cancelation and comfort level, sound quality though is a joke. Save you $300 and but a pair of pro studio speakers to get a good spectrum of quality sound.

[fr33 loader]

I find the anti-Bose sentiment to contain a hint of irony... overpriced, overhyped, you can do better for less. All of these arguments are used by people who bash those of us who choose to pay the Mac premium.

It can also be argued that when you're buying a Mac, you're paying a premium for design and marketing... just like with Bose. Did I pay more for fancy design and marketing? Yes, but I own Macs too.

There's a big difference between the two. I don't have a choice for me to use Mac OS other than to stick with Apple and pay a premium. I would gladly use a Dell or other cheaper generic computers if they would run OS X decently. I'm not a techie person thus won't buy into a Psystar but I do hope Psystar wins and maybe opening up a new market of cheaper computers running Leopard (heck, even Tiger) natively without modifications. As for the Bose, I do have a choice and need not be sucked in to pay the premium. I'm not saying Bose is crap but we have to stop putting it up in a pedestal, like it's the end of the line for the audio world. There are better and far cheaper alternatives out there if people are willing to explore (I know you did).

As for the Apple IEM's, I was planning to buy Ultimate Ears for my iPhone the day Steve announced those new headphones and decided to wait for a review about this new puppies. I have been waiting for quite sometime now and my patience is wearing thin. A statement from Apple that it was gonna be delayed or if the project is still being pushed through would have been greatly appreciated.

[nanvinnie]

why design the new in-ear's to specifically not be compatible with the iphone? what is that all about?

[yadmonkey]

why design the new in-ear's to specifically not be compatible with the iphone? what is that all about?

I think speculation is that the reason it's taking so long to release the headphones is that they're making the iPhone compatible and waiting for the 2.2 software. I hope so - seems kind of silly to target this towards only iPod users when the number one market for it would likely be iPhone users, considering the microphone.

[Brandonmeier]

For the people who think Bose is God. Here: Click (http://www.mlgpro.com/forum/showthread.php?t=102915)

Nice seeing some MLG action up in here... good read to.

[wheelhot]

Okay, so in terms of headset brand, you can't go wrong with either Shure or Sennheiser rite? Or is there some model we need to stay away from?

[sangosimo]

Okay, so in terms of headset brand, you can't go wrong with either Shure or Sennheiser rite? Or is there some model we need to stay away from?
no problems with those guys. very good headphones.

[nanvinnie]

Okay, so in terms of headset brand, you can't go wrong with either Shure or Sennheiser rite? Or is there some model we need to stay away from?

i have sennheiser's and they're great!

[macbookairapple]

Nothing wrong with Bose, they have good quality stuff, sure there is cheaper stuff out there but why should it concern you what others do with their money and they also have good design. Some people say Apple is kind of like Bose, there are cheaper options than Apple's stuff but people still keeping buying em'. :p

[oyebto]

i dun think buying Bose is a waste of money. its just that the money is going to the design, not the sound thats all.

[fr33 loader]

i dun think buying Bose is a waste of money. its just that the money is going to the design, not the sound thats all.

The only design they do is how to make the word "BOSE" bigger and stand out in their headphones so that everybody in the whole room could read them. That makes the wearer appear cool and richer than others.:D

[wheelhot]

thanks, cause I'm thinking of getting one of them. I am currently waiting for Apple in-ear's and I will be waiting for its review (hopefully it lives up to its expectation), but if its not out by this month, then I'm getting either Shure or Senn.

[Sesshi]

I'd give the Etymotics a try. I have both -- a pair of Shure SE530's and Etymotic HF2. While there's a difference in sound between both (Shure's are more bass/boomy, Etymotic are more clear/less bass), they're both sound very good. The Etymotic, though, is much easier to fit in and get a good seal. The Shures actually seal pretty well when the triple flanges are used, but still not as well as the Etys.

Did you open the Fit Kit at all? There are much better-fitting foams inside.

The only design they do is how to make the word "BOSE" bigger and stand out in their headphones so that everybody in the whole room could read them. That makes the wearer appear cool and richer than others.:D

And this from an Apple user. I'm LMFAO. I use Bose, there are limited situations where it works better for me than some others despite it's compromises, even if I do use stuff a heck of a lot better under most other situations. Much like a certain computer maker.

[fr33 loader]

And this from an Apple user. I'm LMFAO. I use Bose, there are limited situations where it works better for me than some others despite it's compromises, even if I do use stuff a heck of a lot better under most other situations. Much like a certain computer maker.

I use Apple because Dell, HP or Gateway won't give me cheaper computer with OS X installed on it. :(Let me know if you have a cheaper alternative that are not hacks and I'll buy it. I could give you a lot of alternatives for your Bose headphones though that can sound equal or even better at a lesser pricepoint.:rolleyes:

[Sesshi]

I use Apple because Dell, HP or Gateway won't give me cheaper computer with OS X installed on it. :(Let me know if you have a cheaper alternative that are not hacks and I'll buy it. I could give you a lot of alternatives for your Bose headphones though that can sound equal or even better at a lesser pricepoint.:rolleyes:

I'll take you up on it:

Let's not pile on the pressure with 'lots' - I'd like just two examples which weigh in the same class, provide the same or better level of isolation, the same level of compactness, similar levels of efficiency, the same level of circumaural comfort and better sound quality than the Bose Triport AE - for cheaper. It's something I've been looking for. Short or convertible cables would be nice - the Bose is annoying in that respect.

[guyverzero]

These headphones will never come out.


Ever.

[dlamin517]

These headphones will never come out.


Ever.

They will if apple knows whats good for them
;)

[bimal4]

is it gna work wit the iphone 3g

[PCMacUser]

is it gna work wit the iphone 3g

yo mn, u ned 2 chk the websyt, gizzle the drizzle?

[Krafty]

yo mn, u ned 2 chk the websyt, gizzle the drizzle?Fo shizzlez.

[shigzeo]

im looking forward to these: if not just to review at headfi.org. at their price of 79$, they are cheaper by half than any other dual armature based phone on the market. perhaps apple know that these may sell as they have a market somewhat cornered, have the hype and more so, a handle with certain companies to get very good deals on items they cannot produce: ie, armature drivers.

even if they sound only decent, im sure they will be worthwhile. mic, remote and dual armature would price a shure upwards of 400$, a westone (would never come out aka westone 3). i am excited. im sure the cable etc will be rubbish compared to the lovely audio technica ck10 or westone series and the bass will not be phenomenal like the futuresonics atrio m5, but for the price, they have no market competitive colleague. indeed: bring them on apple!

[MikesGravity]

I agree with Skippy for the most part (but not making Bose THE BEST). Bose is great and you all know it, just very over-priced.

[sycho]

I agree with Skippy for the most part (but not making Bose THE BEST). Bose is great and you all know it, just very over-priced.

Just stop it already. Most of us know what you don't know, and are too stubborn to understand, and there is no reason to start a flame war with us.

Some people think Bose is good, lots of people know they are not. Leave it at that.

[hierobryan]

I agree with Skippy for the most part (but not making Bose THE BEST). Bose is great and you all know it, just very over-priced.

Bose is straight butt-ass crappola, relatively speaking of course. Not relatively speaking, Bose is an audio orgasm inducing dildo for your ears. My point is, if you like Bose, you're just ignorant to all the better stuff out there.

[Stuipdboy1000]

After a conversation I just finished having with an Apple rep on the store-chat-thing, she told told me that an internal newsletter going round says they will be available in the next few days.

[nanvinnie]

nice! any word on iphone compatibility?

[scott523]

Wow... I can't believe they didn't release the headphones today. But does anyone think that the delay could be the fact that there's compatibility issues with Macs in addition to the iPhones/Touch?

[carlgo]

I also happen to like Bose because elitist audiophiles don't like them.

That's smart thinking. If you appear to be elitist, the other people in the trailer park will turn on you.

[yadmonkey]

That's smart thinking. If you appear to be elitist, the other people in the trailer park will turn on you.

Wow, mention Bose and it really brings out the worst in people.

First of all, one of my best friends (and bandmates) lives in a trailer park. He's a genius musician who has dedicated his life and energy into the pursuit of his craft rather than selling out to some cheap capitalist model. Thus he lives in a trailer park. He's both humble and wise and obviously, not at all materialistic.

You should be ashamed, carlgo - this guy would give you the shirt off of his back and he sure as hell would never have the money for a really expensive set of headphones. But he's a master musician, not a pretentious audiophile, and he never seems to mind listening to music on less than ideal equipment. In fact, listening on standard fare audio equipment moves him in ways which you'll probably never understand.

I'm lucky to play music with him and even more lucky to call him my friend. You would look down on him for living in a trailer park, but he's a modern artist in every best sense of those words. I think he's better than elitist, materialistic lowlifes with fancy gadgets who troll around on forums trying to make people feel bad for their arguably poor choice in audio equipment.

And now I can see your defense - "I was just responding to bla bla bla..." Doesn't make it better. I don't know why trailer parks have become fair game when ethnic slurs are taboo. Do you really think it hurts less to be called poor white trash than to be called one of those other words? This is the product of a deranged society which worships money and looks down on people of lesser means. Of course trailer parks often have unsavory elements, but there are some real gems to be found there too. And of course much of the white trash of this world is rich. I know you didn't use the word "trash", but you were close enough to invoke a prejudice which is wearing thin.

[JackSYi]

So...going back to the topic, it is almost DECEMBER and still no headphones.

[scott523]

Went to the Apple Store for the third time and once again I get an "I have no idea all I know is it's coming soon" answer.

[fr33 loader]

I'll take you up on it:

Let's not pile on the pressure with 'lots' - I'd like just two examples which weigh in the same class, provide the same or better level of isolation, the same level of compactness, similar levels of efficiency, the same level of circumaural comfort and better sound quality than the Bose Triport AE - for cheaper. It's something I've been looking for. Short or convertible cables would be nice - the Bose is annoying in that respect.

Maybe you can start here. Cheaper ones can be found in Amazon.
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/ear-pad-type/

You can also check your how beloved headphone fare and get lost on myriad of other headphones on this site.
http://www.head-fi.org/

On topic.... I'm curious about the sound quality of two speakers at this price point. I'm not getting my hopes up but I do hope it does sound good. A cheaper alternative and hopefully some other makers would lower their prices as well because of the new competition. Does anybody know if it also comes in black?

[Sesshi]

Maybe you can start here. Cheaper ones can be found in Amazon.
http://www.headphone.com/guide/by-headphone-type/ear-pad-type/

You can also check your how beloved headphone fare and get lost on myriad of other headphones on this site.
http://www.head-fi.org/

On topic.... I'm curious about the sound quality of two speakers at this price point. I'm not getting my hopes up but I do hope it does sound good. A cheaper alternative and hopefully some other makers would lower their prices as well because of the new competition. Does anybody know if it also comes in black?

Obviously guides can be found elsewhere. I'm asking you specifically to name two given your opinions. I'm curious to see what you'll come up with, and whether your opinions actually are worth anything.

[i.maverick]

okay.. so the to the people who thought that 2.2 was holding up the in-ear headphones.. guess that's not it.
waiting myself!!
dunno what;s taking them soo long!!
:confused::p

[mknawabi]

I want these, but something tells me all the buttons aren't going to work with the iPhone.

[X5-452]

I've come to the conclusion that these headphones don't exist. :eek:

[alphatectz]

I'm still waiting on Push. :mad:

September was it? October passed too now, Apple.

Headphones. It's not a new computer. It's a pair of freaking headphones. Is the triangular shaped case causing some confusion for the symmetrical and even design team or what? Too cerebral or are these the best damn headphones Earth has ever seen?

These had better be Bose quality. The last time they put out a uniquely audio product (the iPod speaker dock) it tanked in a hurry. These may do the same before the physical release.

I've waited to long, so I decided to invest inthe v-mods head phones w/ mic. It's a great headbaer nut once the apple in ear headphones come out I'm surely will buy a pair.

[jhartung]

The Griffin's don't sound very good to me, and should easily be beaten by the new Apple ones...Which Ultimate Ears do you mean? Their website is a mess. Thanks.

http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/superfi/superfi4vi_description.php

I will say, however, that my second pair are starting to crap out in one ear. Nobody seems to make very durable headphones anymore.

[VenomousSVT]

http://www.ultimateears.com/_ultimateears/products/superfi/superfi4vi_description.php

I will say, however, that my second pair are starting to crap out in one ear. Nobody seems to make very durable headphones anymore.

i have beat my shures to death... i have 2 pair. I have an older set of e2c's and have a set of SE210MPA's that i use daily now.


SE210MPA (http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.107538000)

replacement for the old e2c's (http://store.shure.com/store/shure/en_US/DisplayProductDetailsPage/productID.105432000)

[psingh01]

Is there precedent for this? Apple promising a date and then that date silently passes?

I would say 3GHz G5 PowerMacs...that date went by, but it didn't do so silently...:)

[shadowmoses]

These look awesome I am sure apple are just ironing out kinks and we should see them shipping in time for christmas.....Well lets hope....;)

ShadoW

[wheelhot]

I want it to be before Dec starts, my coupon is only valid on the first week of Dec and it will save me 1 quarter of the new earphone price. So make it quick Apple!!!, they have missed their deadline for almost 2 months.

[jcandrada]

I can't believe it is taking so long to release the earphones! come on, they are just earphones! it's not a Boeing 787!!

[Chundles]

I can't believe it is taking so long to release the earphones! come on, they are just earphones! it's not a Boeing 787!!

Hah! Now THAT is a delayed product.

[jcandrada]

Hah! Now THAT is a delayed product.

haha I know, but it is a NEW airplane with a lot of new technology, not an ear-phone!!

[wheelhot]

Aaargh, its reaching December already, when is Apple releasing it!!!! Anyone tried email S.Jobs yet?

[alphaod]

If the headphones are as good as (or even close to) the $300+ headphones at a $79 price, I'd think Apple is waiting for the 22nd century! :p

[Stuipdboy1000]

Aaargh, its reaching December already, when is Apple releasing it!!!! Anyone tried email S.Jobs yet?

I did try about a week ago but I have had no response as of yet.

[brucebrendon]

Headphones dec1?

[wheelhot]

Headphones dec1?

Ooooh please let it be the earphones, then it should be in Malaysia by this week :D providing SIRIM doesn't do a super long inspection like the iPod Touch which came in 2 months late

[guyverzero]

The US store is up again....still "coming soon"

My votes are still for these things not actually existing. Its just something that Jobs does to keep his freaky Apple mind control over us.

[wheelhot]

This is crap....

[jcandrada]

will this earphones work with the iPhone?? Here is what it says in the product description:

"Compatibility Information

The remote and mic are supported only by iPod nano (4th generation), iPod classic (120GB), and iPod touch (2nd generation). Audio is supported by all iPod models."

Will the mic work with the iPhone?

[BWhaler]

I just hope the quality is good. Quality has been Apple's Achilles heal for the past few years, and it's getting old, fast.

I hope they make these work for the iPhone. It seems very odd that the "best iPod we've ever made" doesn't work with their premium headphones.

[joelypolly]

Perhaps they suddenly discovered that the headphones were just too good and gave the iPhone/iPods a bad name in terms of sound quality.

I know when I put on my Westone's I can definitely hear a faint hiss coming from my iPhone but the iPod seems to be ok. Normal headphones are ok too

[aaquib]

will this earphones work with the iPhone?? Here is what it says in the product description:

Will the mic work with the iPhone?

It'll work for audio, next track, previous track, play/pause, and the mic. What it is not confirmed to work for, is the volume controls.

[Chwisch87]

WELL i am currently in the market for a new set of headphones but if apple doesn't come out with these soon i am just going to have to go to a competitor. (i would of course wanna see a review of these first ... whenever they come out ...)

[hierobryan]

IMO they announced them too soon and realized that all other two-driver headphones shat all over the Apple ones. So now they're holding them back to figure out how to somehow better the sound quality. That's the story my mind came up with.

[spellingerror]

Just saw this on the Apple Store U.S.

Ships 7-10 Business Days...

[Schnebar]

YES!!!

I will be at the Apple store the day they actually come out.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDg0NQ&p=2&s=topSellers

[dlamin517]

Just saw this on the Apple Store U.S.

Ships 7-10 Business Days...

thanks GOD!

[guyverzero]

So...lets do Apple math real quick!

they said october, so thats a month. They're releasing them in december, so thats +2 months.

Now, 7-10 days....doing my apple math (haven't actually thought of a formula) I'm guessing they'll be out around the 17th-20th

[dlamin517]

im assuming they release them tomorrow(apple likes to release stuff on tuesdays)

[jcandrada]

Just saw this on the Apple Store U.S.

Ships 7-10 Business Days...

FINALLY!

[pianoplayer1]

Yay - I was just about to get the normal Vibes for $50, but now ill get this...

no buy button - im sure it will appear tomorrow

[masse]

I just wet myself.

wonder how long until some useful reviews pop up..

cnet? engadget? hopefully not another week.

[dlamin517]

i just want to make sure they work with my precious (iphone)

[Sehnsucht]

These puppies are soon to be in my hands along with my much-awaited 32GB iPod touch. :D However, I'll still be keeping the old ones with me when at work so I can still hear noise from my surroundings. Walking around deaf in a Wal-Mart full of last-minute Christmas pyschos is a good way to get mangled by a shopping cart. :D :apple:

[masse]

ha, do you really want to 'hear' them that badly?

[Stuipdboy1000]

Every store seems to be shipping them in 7-10 days apart from the UK one. :mad: I want. Now.

[spellingerror]

Looks like it's true! The all-important "Add to Cart" button has been added...

[dabt216]

Does anyone know when these are going to pop up in stores like Best Buy? :D

[diamond.g]

Sigh, still not iPhone compatible... What is going on Apple???

[nanvinnie]

Sigh, still not iPhone compatible... What is going on Apple???

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=6699176#post6699176

Read the convo on this thread. It seems like APPLE doesn't even know why.

[spacecadet610]

looks like some prelim reviews are out on the tech sites. looks promising..

[mdwsta4]

still waiting for in store.... no where around LA as of yet.

[Malcster]

First Hands on (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10113368-1.html)

' We're happy to see that the headphones work just fine with the iPhone, despite the fact that Apple's online store doesn't advertise the product as iPhone-compatible. More specifically, we found that the headphones and microphone are compatible with the iPhone 3G (we'll have to dig up a first-gen model), but the clicker and volume controls don't seem to cooperate.

(Update: On the iPhone 3G and first-generation iPhone, the headphone clicker seems to work fine for playing, pausing, and skipping tracks, as well as answering/ending calls, however, the headphone volume control clicker is unresponsive. For the first-gen iPod Touch, the headphone's clicker, mic, and volume controls are useless, but the headphones themselves work just fine.) '

[richard.mac]

^ sounds like a software update will fix this…… 2.3 on the way already?

[Mister9]

I could be mental but I swear when I ordered mine it showed "24 hours" for shipping..

I tried making a few calls with just my headphones using Fring to some friends of mine and the quality was pretty ******. Anyone else come to this conclusion?

aaaaaannnnnnnd I mine as well throw this question in here- has anyone 'returned' an app after purchasing it? I bought Beejive without paying attention to the price and.. well I want my first born child back.

[ballyhoos]

Sigh, still not iPhone compatible... What is going on Apple???

personally I believe that there is going to be a new iphone model based on the touch technology, because I believe that the touch is the test environment for the iphone. You can tell that there are major hardware differences between these products. Also remember that 12 months after Apple release the 1st phone that they only added 3G to the existing model(no changes really, remember that they could have planned for this in the start,1st model, to "bolt on" 3G after release), there would be no way to release a completely new hardware modified phone within this period. It just would not be possible with all the design, development, testing etc involved. This period when we saw the new touch model would be more feasible. This would explain why these headphones would not work. The current iphone in Apples mind is an old technology of about 3-5 years(taking into account pre-release design and dev.)

So be ready for a new model. my gut feeling. and don't expect those headphone ever to work with the 1st generation iPhone both 2G&3G, as I class these as the same model.

[diamond.g]

personally I believe that there is going to be a new iphone model based on the touch technology, because I believe that the touch is the test environment for the iphone. You can tell that there are major hardware differences between these products. Also remember that 12 months after Apple release the 1st phone that they only added 3G to the existing model(no changes really, remember that they could have planned for this in the start,1st model, to "bolt on" 3G after release), there would be no way to release a completely new hardware modified phone within this period. It just would not be possible with all the design, development, testing etc involved. This period when we saw the new touch model would be more feasible. This would explain why these headphones would not work. The current iphone in Apples mind is an old technology of about 3-5 years(taking into account pre-release design and dev.)

So be ready for a new model. my gut feeling. and don't expect those headphone ever to work with the 1st generation iPhone both 2G&3G, as I class these as the same model.
Interesting theory. I wonder what kind of change they could bring that wouldn't sacrifice the ease of use of the existing models.

[yadmonkey]

personally I believe that there is going to be a new iphone model based on the touch technology, because I believe that the touch is the test environment for the iphone. You can tell that there are major hardware differences between these products.

When? While a new iPhone model is inevitable, I doubt we'll see it soon. The current 3G model is selling like hotcakes, so why release a new one soon?

Also, what are the major hardware differences you mention? The iPhone is a phone - of course it has major hardware and design differences.

Also remember that 12 months after Apple release the 1st phone that they only added 3G to the existing model(no changes really, remember that they could have planned for this in the start,1st model, to "bolt on" 3G after release), there would be no way to release a completely new hardware modified phone within this period. It just would not be possible with all the design, development, testing etc involved. This period when we saw the new touch model would be more feasible. This would explain why these headphones would not work. The current iphone in Apples mind is an old technology of about 3-5 years(taking into account pre-release design and dev.)

So be ready for a new model. my gut feeling. and don't expect those headphone ever to work with the 1st generation iPhone both 2G&3G, as I class these as the same model.

I'm not sure what you're getting at here. The headphones do work with iPhones, with the exception of the volume buttons.

It's not Apple's M.O. to release new hardware quickly when sales of the old hardware are hot and the profit margin is high. I'd guess if there's a new model, we'll see it next summer at the earliest.

[Mr. Giver '94]

Hey, has anyone seen them in stores? I was in the Northridge Apple Store yesterday and there weren't any. I'm sure that they'll sell out fast when they do get shipments.

[mdwsta4]

nope. been calling a bunch of stores around LA and nada.

Hey, has anyone seen them in stores? I was in the Northridge Apple Store yesterday and there weren't any. I'm sure that they'll sell out fast when they do get shipments.

[NC MacGuy]

None of the stores here have any yet.:mad:

[JackSYi]

I got mine this morning. Very happy with them so far.

[guyverzero]

Some stores have them, others don't (ie were most probably too lazy to check and unpackage their shipments today)

Everyone should have them on shelves by the weekend

[minik]

Some stores have them, others don't (ie were most probably too lazy to check and unpackage their shipments today)

Everyone should have them on shelves by the weekend

Will check them out tomorrow.

[jessica.]

Yeah I called Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, & Costa Mesa. No in-ears to be found. Between that the the MB Air ... :mad:

[Mr. Giver '94]

I got mine this morning. Very happy with them so far.

How's the sound quality?

[JackSYi]

How's the sound quality?

I had a pair of the Shure E4's and it sounds just the same. One thing is that I wish Apple would reinforce the cord, the quality is just the same as the stock iPhone headphones.

[Knoxville3G]

Ordered my in-ear's from Apple the night they were released. Got mine today from FedEx and I've got to say.....they're pretty darn good. I agree with the earlier post that the cord quality is the questionable since it's the same as the stock ipod earphones. However, for $79 these headphones are pretty freakin sweet in regards to sound quality. I also have a pair of the Bose In-ears.....and bought them for $99. I personally think the Apple In-Ears are better than the Bose (and $20 cheaper). If you use the right size ear pieces on the Apple buds, they make a great sound isolating seal in your ear so all you hear is your music. Another note....the Apple buds are VERY clear. Nice highs, very crisp. Decent bass response (but not for the people who love bass-heavy music who expect the sound of a subwoofer from their car in their ears).....and I've cranked them as loud as my iPod classic gets, and they DO NOT distort. I'm very happy with them so far. The only concern I have is the longevity of the cord seeing as it is coated with the same rubbery white plastic as the stock headsets. Bottom line, grab a pair when you can. I really think you'll love them.

[berkleeboy210]

I called the Boston Apple Store (on Boylston) this afternoon, they said they had a "ton" of them in. I get there a few hours later, and they're gone, and I wasn't the only person in there looking for them either. Seem to be very popular, and people want to get their hands on them.

Funny thing, I called the store after I left, and said "Do you have the In-Ear headphones in?" and they said "Yes". hmmmm

I'll be by there a few more times this week, so hopefully i'll score a pair. I cancelled my online order this afternoon, b/c it wasn't suppose to ship until Christmas Eve.

[spacecadet610]

Nice. I may have to give these a shot since i've been suffering with the original buds for a couple years now.

But what are the chances that Apple bundles these with a new 32gb iPhone (which can fully accomodate the controls) comes January?


Ordered my in-ear's from Apple the night they were released. Got mine today from FedEx and I've got to say.....they're pretty darn good. I agree with the earlier post that the cord quality is the questionable since it's the same as the stock ipod earphones. However, for $79 these headphones are pretty freakin sweet in regards to sound quality. I also have a pair of the Bose In-ears.....and bought them for $99. I personally think the Apple In-Ears are better than the Bose (and $20 cheaper). If you use the right size ear pieces on the Apple buds, they make a great sound isolating seal in your ear so all you hear is your music. Another note....the Apple buds are VERY clear. Nice highs, very crisp. Decent bass response (but not for the people who love bass-heavy music who expect the sound of a subwoofer from their car in their ears).....and I've cranked them as loud as my iPod classic gets, and they DO NOT distort. I'm very happy with them so far. The only concern I have is the longevity of the cord seeing as it is coated with the same rubbery white plastic as the stock headsets. Bottom line, grab a pair when you can. I really think you'll love them.

[Knoxville3G]

Nice. I may have to give these a shot since i've been suffering with the original buds for a couple years now.

But what are the chances that Apple bundles these with a new 32gb iPhone (which can fully accomodate the controls) comes January?

That's a great thought....BUT.....I highly doubt it since they'd have to charge an even higher price for the upgrade. I think Apple will actually start supplying the new version of traditional white stock headphones with the volume rocker button (that ship in 3-4 weeks according to the Apple store online). So, honestly, I'd say it's safe to grab a pair of the $79 In-Ear buds now and don't hold your breath for them to be included with the possible 32GB iPhone that's possibly (read: very likely) going to be announced at MWSF '09. Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and just to confirm....the In-Ear headphones DO work with my iPhone 3G.....but just as described by Apple's support doc online, the volume rocker on the cord does NOT control the volume. Everything else works just dandy. So we can put that argument to rest.....please.

[dlamin517]

That's a great thought....BUT.....I highly doubt it since they'd have to charge an even higher price for the upgrade. I think Apple will actually start supplying the new version of traditional white stock headphones with the volume rocker button (that ship in 3-4 weeks according to the Apple store online). So, honestly, I'd say it's safe to grab a pair of the $79 In-Ear buds now and don't hold your breath for them to be included with the possible 32GB iPhone that's possibly (read: very likely) going to be announced at MWSF '09. Just my 2 cents.

Oh, and just to confirm....the In-Ear headphones DO work with my iPhone 3G.....but just as described by Apple's support doc online, the volume rocker on the cord does NOT control the volume. Everything else works just dandy. So we can put that argument to rest.....please.

thanks for that.

[JackSYi]

Personally, the volume rocker incompatibility with the iPhone is not a big deal; I use the rocker on the phone anyways, since it tends in my front pocket.

[explodingboy]

5th Ave store currently has some in stock.

[minik]

I picked one up at the Apple Store (Bellevue Square) this afternoon.

[spacecadet610]

Buy from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001N9YIJG?ie=UTF8&tag=technblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001N9YIJG) to avoid tax, get $5 in MP3s and mail in $8 Wired subscription rebate.

[wheelhot]

Okay for those who got their in-ears. Can you guys tell me if it will work with the fatboy nano? What function will you be able to use or you will only be restricted to listen to music?

And since the new in-ears came with mic, it make me wonder, will it work with the SR MBP? As in you plug in your in-ear earphones and use the mic? Or you it will work if you plug in the headphone into the mic port to use the mic feature and vice versa?

[dlamin517]

just got these at my apple store in cal.

they pretty much suck in terms of audio quality. for two drivers at least

[NC MacGuy]

Okay for those who got their in-ears. Can you guys tell me if it will work with the fatboy nano? What function will you be able to use or you will only be restricted to listen to music?

And since the new in-ears came with mic, it make me wonder, will it work with the SR MBP? As in you plug in your in-ear earphones and use the mic? Or you it will work if you plug in the headphone into the mic port to use the mic feature and vice versa?

The only chubby function is listening. Sorry. I was a wee bit bummed.

[clin86]

yea i just got them today too. i think california gets them in stock faster than the rest of the country

[jcandrada]

I just went to the Apple Store in Emeryville, CA and they don't have them yet...

[Sockin]

The Apple Store in Oak Brook IL had them for 3 hours and sold out of them yesterday, I got the last one according the employee that sold it to me.

[afes]

I called the Boston Apple Store (on Boylston) this afternoon, they said they had a "ton" of them in. I get there a few hours later, and they're gone, and I wasn't the only person in there looking for them either. Seem to be very popular, and people want to get their hands on them. :eek:
I'll be by there a few more times this week, so hopefully i'll score a pair. I cancelled my online order this afternoon, b/c it wasn't suppose to ship until Christmas Eve.
;):eek:
i ordered mine on the 4 and wasen't suppose to get them til the 30 of december and was bumbed out big time but today i got an email saying they shipped today and would arrive tommarow!!!!!!!! on the 12 by 430pm

also i had called about getting them expedited and they said there was nothing they could do, except i paid for 2 day deliver and were to recive them on the 31 or but got them upgraded to next day deliver which would put them on the 30th just for calling the 1800 my apple number!!!

so give them a call and see if there are nice to you and upgrade the shipping for free!!! yay so much for that 2-3 weeks shipping ********

[genereyes]

I know I shouldn't be bummed, but I am. I ordered on the 2nd and selected 2-day shipping, and mine still hasn't shipped out. Does say it should deliver between the 15th and 18th, and I can wait until then for mine to be delivered, but I wonder...

How does Apple decide whom/where to send preorders to? Seems like people have found them in stores and people who ordered after me have theirs en route, but mine still hasn't shipped..

[PieMac]

I called Apple to check on the status (ordered 12/4) and they did upgrade me to two day shipping; however, he told me that they were shipping from overseas...anybody here get their's directly from Shanghai?

[genereyes]

I got confirmation earlier today that mine had shipped! :) According to FedEx's tracking page, mine should be here by the 17th.

PieMac, on that FedEx page, my package is listed as picked up from SHENZHEN CN and has made a few stops already. So no, it's not coming direct, and it's not coming from Shanghai.

[JackSYi]

I called Apple to check on the status (ordered 12/4) and they did upgrade me to two day shipping; however, he told me that they were shipping from overseas...anybody here get their's directly from Shanghai?

Mine shipped from China. Overnighted them and received it a day before the scheduled delivery date.

[techie44]

My order info:
Order Date: Dec 3, 2008 at 09:50 AM PST
Status: Not Yet Shipped

Yet a lot of people who placed their orders couple of days after me, received their orders or are at least in the process of receiving their orders, i am happy for them, but i am still patiently waiting... I realize it takes 7-10 business to ship the order, i am on my 8th day, hopefully they will ship mine before the 10th day.

[spydr]

Mine has gone from Shenzen to Anchorage... another couple of days before it arrives into my ears!

[techie44]

I was wondering, when did you place your order online?

Mine has gone from Shenzen to Anchorage... another couple of days before it arrives into my ears!

[techie44]

Status has been changed to "Prepared for Shipment", HURRAYYYY!!!!!!! :apple: :)

My order info:
Order Date: Dec 3, 2008 at 09:50 AM PST
Status: Not Yet Shipped

Yet a lot of people who placed their orders couple of days after me, received their orders or are at least in the process of receiving their orders, i am happy for them, but i am still patiently waiting... I realize it takes 7-10 business to ship the order, i am on my 8th day, hopefully they will ship mine before the 10th day.

[Psycdude]

I just picked up a pair in Santa Monica, CA. If you're trying to get them at most Apple stores in Southern California, morning is the best time to pick them up.
My initial impressions are:
-Amazing sounds, especially high and mid tones, I'm not an audiophile, but these things make my music feel like it's coming from 3 dimensions instead of the flatness in the standard ones. (There is a little bass).

-Much better quality sound than the other apple "in ear" earbuds, and these seem to fit better without giving my head that suction feeling, while cutting down on back round noise.

-The quality of the cord leaves is a little scary at $80 bucks, It's hard to feel safe just wrapping them around the iPhone and shoving it in my pocket. The case they come with is not really practical, it's very time consuming to get them in correctly.

-As for compatibility they work great with my 1st Gen iPhone, all features except for the volume control work great (skip forward, reverse, calls, etc).

Overall I am pleased, especially if apple replaces them should they break in the next year...

[genereyes]

Ordered on the 2nd, got shipment notification on Sat, and delivered to me before I headed out to work this morning!!! :D

Amazing that it made it halfway around the world in about 48 hours!!! :cool:

I agree with Psycdude's impressions. All of the features work as advertised on my nano 4G, only the volume controls don't work w/ my iPhone first-gen, and they are only headphones w/ my iPod touch 1G and iPod nano 2G.