if you're an audiophile, go for head direct RE0, or as many would probably churn in their stomachs, the Monster Turbine in-ear buds. They retail for $99, they sound great!
and btw, $99 for ear-buds are CHEAP. If you're buying $30 pairs, you're wasting your money. The apple ear-buds sound the same as the $30 pair you purchase.
go to head-fi.org for more ear bud reviews.
OP, did you know if you bring in a broken apple ear-bud to Apple Store, they will replace it on the spot for free.
As a fellow head-fi'er, I'm surprised you didn't mention the NuForce NE-7M in-ears. They have always gotten great reviews on head-fi.org for their sound qualities, and Amazon sells them for $40-$49 regularly. They are at $49 currently I believe. They do have a call/end button and a mic, but not the volume up-down buttons like the latest generation Apple In-ear headphones. For the money, they would be a very good pair for the OP.