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iPod Special Report: Complaints about Apple earbud quality; alternatives
Simone Manganelli describes a problem with making his iPod's earbud headphones that developed over time and eventually ruined their functionality:
"I've had a perpetual issue with my iPod earbuds, and I'd like to see if anyone else has had this problem.
"I've had 3 pairs of iPod headphones (the original version that came with the original 5 GB iPod, and 2 pairs of the new version that came in the $30 box with the remote). All three pairs have now gone down the same path -- where the 2 wires that go to the separate earbuds converge into one wire, the plastic comes out of the little plastic (part) that holds the two wires together. The result is that the actual wires that go to the earbuds get exposed, and after a while get frayed, and then the earbuds stop working and I have to get a new set.
"I really like the iPod earbuds, and I can't possibly carry around regular headphones. I talked to a genius at the Palo Alto Apple Store a few days ago, and he said that the headphones are 'accidental damage' and so are not covered under warranty. It seems to me that they haven't really made the earbuds that well if they keep fraying for me. Today I talked to a second tier Apple specialist through Apple's technical support line (1-800-275-2273), and they basically said the same thing."
Our own Dan Frakes wrote a comprehensive piece for TidBITS detailing a number of the best headphones on the market for use with the iPod and your Mac.
Also, a Wall Street Journal article [paid subscription required] notes some users' dissatisfaction with the earbuds, and offers a variety of alternative headphones with prices ranging up to US$500.
Index- When songs won't play
- Warning about Windows DRM and the iPod
- Using Apple's Disk Utility, other disk tools to solve iPod directory/permissions problems
- USB 2.0 synchronization/data transfer problems
- Audio dropouts, pauses
- Revitalizing a frozen/unresponsive iPod
- Sudden, Unexpected Resets
- Repair difficult, replacement often cheaper: Cracked LCD screens and more
- Quirkiness when synchronizing with high-power USB 1.1 ports
- Mac freezes when going to sleep with iPod connected
- iTunes-purchased tracks won't transfer to iPod
- iTunes crash on iPod connection; solutions
- iSight interference
- Falling Asleep (appearing off) suddenly
- iPod-stored tracks cannot use some iTunes features
- Updater software issues
- Shuffle USB connectivity issues
- Remote Control problems
- iPod not showing up in iTunes
- Batteries: Charging, maintaining capacity, maximizing life; more
- Preferences not sticking
- Extracting files from an iPod to a Mac
- Distorted/static sound
- Dealing with Smart Playlists
- AppleCare for iPods
- Complaints about Apple earbud quality; alternatives
- Data loss -- Music disappears from iPod
dissatisfied with the ones that came with my iPod. They are terrible! They have
these caps which are supposed to fit into the opening of your ear canal. Problem
is, none of the caps they included would stay in my ears, or my wife's ears. Once
in place, they fell out with any tug on the wires. That makes them useless if you
want to walk or run with them on. In fact, no one we asked could make the caps
stay in their ears. The sound isn't any better than the stock headphones, either.
(I think it's hilarious that the vast majority of iPod users use the horrid default iPod in-ear buds. They won't stay put in your ears, and they sound like crap. And they can get you killed in New York City. It's like advertising "GEE, I'VE GOT AN iPod ON ME, COME HOLD ME UP".)