John P. Falcone,
Senior Editor
April 6, 2009
Headphones are fairly straightforward products--one earpiece on the left, one on the right, and a headband or cable to connect them together. But there are a handful of headphones that transcend the standard designs found on most models. We've rounded up six of the most unusual headphone designs we've seen to date. Among them: earlobe clip-ons (the Zelco Outis); wireless Bluetooth headphones that can convert to desktop speakers (the Jabra BT803s); and zigzag wraparounds (the Arriva Sports Headphones). Also included: the "cordless" Monster iFreePlay and Arriva In-Ear Headphones, both of which are specifically designed to be used only with the iPod Shuffle.
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| Price | $135.99 to $199.00 | $35.99 to $49.83 | Check Prices | Check Prices | Check Prices | Check Prices |
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| Review date | February 02, 2006 | February 07, 2008 | February 14, 2008 | March 30, 2007 | February 08, 2008 | March 18, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Audio-Technica's ATH-EW9 clip-on headphones combine graceful looks and sonics, but they won't rock your world. | If you have an iPod Shuffle and like the idea of cutting the cord on your headphones--and don't mind looking like a bit of a dork--Monster's iFreePlay headphones are worth a hard look. | If you get the right model to fit your ears--and head--Arriva's "wireless" iPod Shuffle headphones are one of the best (and most liberating) solutions to listening to music while you work out. | If you're looking for a great fitting pair of sports headphones, Arriva's uniquely designed earbud-style 'phones are certainly worth a look. However, those who demand better sound quality should wait for this fledgling company to put out a high-end model. | The Jabra BT8030 is great for those who want a Bluetooth speaker and headphones all in one device, but beware of certain design pitfalls. | The Zelco Outi earphones are best suited to early adopter types who have cash to spare and desire a little extra zing with their music. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Headphones Form Factor | Clip-on | Behind-the-neck | Behind-the-neck | Behind-the-neck | Convertible | Convertible |
| Sound Output Mode | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo | Stereo |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wired | Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 | Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 |
| Headphones Type | Headphones - Binaural | Headphones - Binaural | Headphones - Binaural | Headphones - Binaural | Headphones - Binaural | Headphones - Binaural |
| Product Type | Headphones - Wired | Headphones - Wired | Headphones - Wired | Headphones - Wired | Headset - Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 | Headset - Wireless - Bluetooth 2.0 |
| Recommended Use | Info unavailable | Portable audio system | Portable audio system | Portable audio system | PC multimedia Cellular phone Portable audio system | PC multimedia Cellular phone Portable audio system |
| Product Description | Audio-Technica Import Series ATH-EW9 - Headphones | Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones for iPod Shuffle - Headphones | Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones for iPod Shuffle - Headphones | Monster iFreePlay Cordless Headphones for iPod Shuffle - Headphones | JABRA BT8030 - Headset | JABRA BT8030 - Headset |
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