MP3 Player Articles

There's no doubt that the earbuds that come packaged with the majority of MP3 players are subpar in both fit and sound quality, but it's tough to drop more cash on a new pair to go with a just-purchased device. The good news is that there are options that won't cost you a cent over $20. One such example are the new Auvio Pearl Buds, a colorful set of earbuds that will set you back only $15. Auvio is Radio Shack's latest foray into the earphone market, and the Pearl Buds represent the bottom of the … Read more

I've always been reluctant to buy accessories for my iPhone 3G. This is because most of them are designed for a specific model of the phone (or the iPod) and would be useless when I move on to another. However, now there's something that will fit almost all Apple's handheld products.

On Wednesday, iPhone and iPod accessories maker iLuv unveiled its newest audio solution, the iMM9400. This product belongs to the company's next generation of Vertical CD/MP3 accessories for the home environment.

The iMM9400 is sleek and modern. What I like the most about it, … Read more

To really be a Jedi-level iTunes guru, you must master the art of the Smart Playlist. The most enlightened of all the playlists (don't let Genius Playlists fool you), Smart Playlists can be used to quickly create genre playlists, sort out your least favorite tracks, or keep your kid's insipid music from infecting your iPhone.

To help you on your way toward total playlist domination, I've put together a little video and a slideshow to get the ball rolling. If you've got a favorite Smart Playlist tip to share, please be kind enough to drop it … Read more

Some people prefer earphones that blend in so much no one can tell they're even being used, while others like their gadgets to stand out from the crowd. If you fall into the latter crowd, the Skullcandy iCon Soft headphones might be right up your alley.

This on-ear model lists for $34.95 and has Skullcandy's typical eye-catching design. The earphones offer some nice extras, but the fit and sound quality won't impress many users.

Read the full review of the Skullcandy iCon Soft headphones.

Two new iPhone 3GS-compatible headsets from iLuv are poised to go on sale in August. The iLuv iEP515 ($59, shown above) and iLuv iEP315 ($29) both include in-line microphones, a remote clicker, and volume controls that will work with the latest crop of iPods and the iPhone 3GS. There's still no volume remote compatibility on older iPhone and iPod models, but iLuv also sells a similar set of earphones without the remote.

Aside from cosmetic differences, it's unclear what specific technical advantages distinguish one pair from the other. We do know that both models are built around a … Read more

With the number of people listening to music on the go, it's no surprise portable headphones are flying off the shelves. For those who are looking for extreme portability, the obvious choice is earbuds, but certain users are uncomfortable sticking things in their ears. For them, there are compact on-ear models like the Phiaton PS 320 Primal Series headphones, a lightweight set that can be worn for extended periods without discomfort.

This $199 set of earphones is a good option for travel hounds and commuters who are looking for an alternative to standard earbuds, but the set is relatively … Read more

Are you looking for a stereo Bluetooth headset that works as well for music as it does for calls? After spending a week with Altec Lansing's $99 BackBeat 903, I think I've finally hit on a Bluetooth headset that can successfully juggle both tasks without breaking the bank or making me cringe.

It's hard not to be picky when it comes to technology you wear on your head. Some people can't stand headsets that pinch their ears or rub against the neck, or they hate designs that make them look like blinking Bluetooth cyborgs. There's … Read more

Digital music aficionados who are constantly behind the wheel are often faced with the dilemma of how to connect their MP3 players to their car stereos. The lucky ones have head units with direct line-in ports, and a few may even be driving around in vehicles old enough to sport the good-old cassette deck.

Either instance requires a simple wired attachment, but for those who aren't blessed with such accouterments, playing MP3 audio in the car is a little more challenging. Two options remain: custom install a hardwire connection or play music over often-spotty FM transmitters. Thankfully, there are … Read more

Boom box designs typically go to masculine extremes. Products like the Sony Xplod or Altec Lansing iM7 look like they belong on Vin Diesel's shoulder launching rockets at enemy helicopters. Even classically styled boom boxes like the Lasonic i931 are purposely designed to be unwieldy, oversized contraptions that require a gym membership and an unhealthy appetite for punishment.

The iLive iB109 strikes a retaliating blow against the male-centric design of these beat-blasting behemoths by mimicking one of the most emasculating objects ever devised--the purse. With its flexible strap, glossy finish, and iPod-matching color schemes, this portable speaker system is … Read more