!#8# iPod Headphones - What You Need to Know

!±8± iPod Headphones - What You Need to Know

Have you just bought, or are you ready to go out and buy a new iPod but are concerned about the type of headphones that come with your device? You're not alone in your concern. Many people fear that the complimentary set accompanying their device will not be up to par with the musical quality they hope to attain from their headphones. The bad news is it is possible that your cute little earbuds are not the quality pair you'd hoped for. However, there is good news accompanying the bad, which is you can find a great pair of iPod headphones amidst the dozens of varieties available. So let's look at the basics of these phones, as well as the reason it isn't a bad idea to consider buying a new pair.

IPod Headphones

Just to set the record straight; there are iPod earbuds and then there are iPod headphones. The earbuds are typically what come as a complimentary gift with the device. Most likely, the sound quality is decent, but not great, and they are only good for people who don't exactly want great sound but instead want to hear something coming from the device to keep them company.

The headphones, however, don't come with the device unless you add them as a part of your package (the earbuds will still come with the device too, most likely). Buying a pair of headphones means you are intending on hearing a great sound come out of your iPod, not just noise. The people who go the extra mile to buy the headphones are usually picky and want to choose the best ones on the market, either in their price range, or overall.

If you don't like your complimentary pair of earbuds that come with the device, many would suggest you pitch them (or give them to a younger person who doesn't care as much about quality) then buy a quality pair. There are tons of manufacturers who create all kinds of unique iPod headphones, including those that can be controlled right from the headset. So let's look further at the many ways you can now enjoy your new device and the music that comes out of it.

Wireless

Buying wireless iPod headphones are great if you are a person who loves to get out an exercise. Why, you ask? Well, think about it; if you are a gym rat who can't help but do 4-5 days a week in one of the many sweat factories around the country, you are probably one who needs to keep music with you to keep you company. Carrying your iPod works great if you're walking on the treadmill because you don't have to move around at all (that is, unless you're breaking your neck to take a peek at the hot body that just walked by). But once you start moving around to different equipment, you may be required to twist and turn or make sudden movements. After a while, the strain of your movement can either pull the headphones out of the jack, or worse, tug on the cord until it shorts out.

Another reason wireless phones are great is that they allow you to sit your device down in one place in the house while you move around independently. I know that the iPod is convenient in that it is smaller and isn't much of a hassle to carry with you, but when you get to your destination, you still need to clip it to your body somehow and then make sure to not make sudden movements to avoid straining the cord. For example, if you want to vacuum your home, or mop the floor, you have to twist and turn to reach hidden corners. If you have on your wireless headset, you are able to avoid pulling on the cord.

Noise Cancelling

If you've never heard of noise cancelling headphones, it's possible you've been hiding under a rock for the past year. These cool headsets are all the rage among music lovers because of their ability to improve sound quality, even with a lower volume. The headphones are a part of a new technology that reduces ambient noise by the speaker and eventually produces what is called destructive interference. The interference (in this case, not a bad thing) brings about a very clear sound that is so perfect that you don't have to turn up your volume to hear the pin that dropped in the studio during the recording your favorite song.

Many people are finding that these noise cancelling iPod headphones are a great alternative to their complimentary earbuds, and are quickly becoming one of the more popular choices among headphone junkies.

IPod Headphones Popular Brands

Now that we've talked about a few choices that will assist with headset functionality, let's look at a few of the more popular headphone brands.

Logitech - Logitech has headphones that come in standard and wireless, some designed especially for your iPod. The special version they created for your device are Bluetooth-enabled (wireless and able to communicate via infrared technology) and have integrated controls that allow you to manage volume, change songs, and stop the player. They have internal, rechargeable batteries and are said to put out a much better sound quality than the complimentary earbuds.

Bose - While they definitely have a bulkier look than the Logitech phones, the Bose TriPorts are still rather light and are said to be top-of-the-line in their price range and perfect for use with your new device, or even with a home stereo. Since they are high-end noise-cancelling phones they will definitely give you the sound quality you're looking for from you iPod. However, they are probably not the best choice for exercising or cleaning up around the house, as they don't allow you to maneuver as much, and they cancel out noises you may need to hear around you. These are recommended instead for long flights where you need to tune out an annoying baby or chattering couple.

There are many more brands of iPod headphones out there to consider; you simply need to do a little more research to find them. But the good news is, you don't have to ever be concerned that there are none out there for you. You can rest assured that as long as there is a device in existence, there will be more companies creating great iPod headphones to match.