iPod Shuffle Wireless Headphones

[renderboy]

A Simple Contained Listening Solution For Exercise or Around the House

I just picked up these Best Buy store brand (Dynex®) behind-the-ear headphones that let the 2nd Gen iPod dock directly into the left side earpiece. And because the iPod Shuffle is so light it doesn't make the headphones seem lop-sided at all.

Initially, I was at Best Buy to pick up a shuffle for my walking and exercising because I didn't want to fuss with a heavier device. Yes, even my iPod Nano 3rd Gen flops around when clipped to my shorts. And I didn't want to throw it in my pocket because my Nano protective silicone case would get all linted up.

When I stopped to browse the iPod accessories section I happened upon these docking headphones for the shuffle. I thought to myself…what an ingenious solution! Like Bluetooth headphones without the extra weight of Bluetooth headphones or the higher cost. A simple contained listening solution!

HIGHLIGHTS
• Eliminates headphone cord, and thus no cord slapping around during exercise.
• Light weight of iPod Shuffle doesn't make headphones feel lop-sided
• Headphones fold up to smaller size for travel packing or storage
• Shuffle controls are easily accessible on left ear side (though it docks upside down)
• Audio quality is very clear and loud with no distortion, but won't recreate deep bass notes like more expensive headphones
• Headphones can only be used with iPod Shuffle
• No batteries needed (headphones run off Shuffle power)
• Headphones stay on nicely, even during a full run
• Price: $19.99 US Dollars (instore sale price, online is $28.49)

Amazon sells the Monster iFreePlay which is almost identical to the Dynex, but twice the price. The Arriva cordless iPod Shuffle headphones ( Amazon) are around $40 too and even more low profile.

If anyone has any similar brands like this, please post your experience with them (pics too).

Tom
"Your Intrepid iPod Accessories Reviewer since 2003"

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j284/pixelpics/BB_Shuffle_Headphones.jpg

[Eric Lewis]

Im kinda laughing now...

Those are not really wireless headphones...there just headphones that your iPod conects too..

but they seem wireless...cause there is no cord

I have used those..but I found it a pain....

[renderboy]

[EDIT NOTE: I changed the title from "Wireless" to "Cordless" to better reflect the product features - Thanks Eric!]

Yes, wireless as in no cords. Wireless doesn't necessarily mean Bluetooth. And unlike Bluetooth headphones these ingenious Dynex headphones are lighter in weight because they don't need batteries like Bluetooth headsets…the Shuffle powers them. The sound is quite loud too, not underpowered at all, though deep bass is not there like more expensive headphones. But, I only use these for exercising and working around the house. I use my better Koss headphones when I'm seated at my computer at work where cords are not an issue.

I've found these to be lightweight, and fun to use, with no more battles with cords getting caught by my swinging hands or such. In fact, I just went back to Best Buy again today to get a pair for my wife. I had her try mine out for her daily morning walk and she liked the convenience and stay-put form factor so much she wanted her own too. If you knew my wife and how frugal she is about spending money, you'd know she must have liked these.

It does takes a short time to get used to pushing the buttons, without looking at them, on an upside down Shuffle docked in your left earphone…but the lack of cords makes it a worthwhile effort to learn to do it.

Eric, please share your experiences with these.

Tom

[Eric Lewis]

Eric, please share your experiences with these.

Tom


1) I didnt like having the iPod on my ear! I like it clipped somewhere or in my pocket
2) It looked wierd walking or doing whatever with them on..

Its more of a personal preference for me...

So people may like them and people might hate them...

At least you can return them if you dont like them...you have 30 days


ALSO: you know that those headphones have huge markup..the cost is likely like $3 dollars....because its DYNEX (best buy brand...) It may seem good at $20 but still it is over marked up...(source: i was an best buy employee)

[renderboy]

Eric, I understand what you're saying. If you're partial to a slimmer form factor, you'd probably like the Arriva® headphones instead. Though sounds like you're not as bothered over cords as I am. I was working in the garage one day and my iPod buds cord dipped in the motor oil catch tray when I leaned over it. My hate of cords started that day.

All electronics & accessories are way marked up. Though for $19.99 US Dollar for these I felt the price was pretty reasonable. If I can find an online company selling these (or similar) direct for less, I'd like that too. But at $19.99 it can be an impulse buy that you won't feel guilty about. I also have the Best Buy Reward Zone card and get a $5 coupon fairly often that I use against these small purchases.

Tom