I am one of those people for who the stock iPod earbuds NEVER stay in place. I’m sure Apple did extensive research before choosing that shape/size so I don’t know exactly how my ears are different than My Generic iPod owners, but there you go. I’m apparently a freak.
Before now I’ve usually bought a pair of Apple’s canal earbuds as these DO stay securely in my ears and have the added benefit of cutting out most background noise. (If I was a cynical person I’d suggest that it might actually be in Apple’s interests that their stock headphones are a little loose given that they sell a canal version for $30).
The problem with the iPhone however, is that the stock headphones come with a nifty combination mic/button that lets you answer calls with a single press and also doubles as a start/stop/skip control for music. This is a great little feature, though a little startling the first time your music fades out and is replaced by a ringing noise.
Fortunately for my non-average ears, V-Moda have released a new version of their Vibe Duo’s that come with the a builtin mic and control button. I was a little wary about forking out so much for a set of earbuds, but the sound quality is superb and the mic/button function works very well, though is a little stiff at first. Each pair comes with six sets of silicone fittings and you choose the ones that give the snuggest fit. The only downside is these fittings can come off fairly easily, but it’s nothing a dab of superglue doesn’t fix.
Highly recommended.
PS – if you’re going to pick up a pair make sure you are buying the ones with the control button. There was an earlier version that had only the mic and are now selling a lot cheaper as clearance items.
