Apple in-ear earphones with Microphone for iPod

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This time I will try and analyze the two models of iPod headphones with microphone and controls offered by Apple headphones with remote control and microphone and headphone plug for Apple. These two pairs of headphones for iPod are also notable for having a capsule in the control of the headset cable that has three buttons to control volume and playback of music and a microphone.

The two headphone models are designed for two audiences differ. Some are a replacement for the earphones included with the iPod, while maintaining the design and sound quality to which we are accustomed, but the added functionality of the microphone and comfort control. The other model of headset is intended for users who want a better sound quality, and also include a microphone and control.

Compatibility

Controls and the microphone of the headset is compatible fourth generation iPod nano, iPod Classic 120GB and the second generation iPod touch. But the sound of these headphones work with any iPod (or other device that has a standard headphone jack).
These two models of headphones can also be used with an iPhone, original or 3G. With an iPhone you can use the microphone and button to switch songs or attending a call, but do not operate the two buttons to increase or decrease the volume. That means doing everything they can do with the iPhone headset.

Presentation and Content

The box of the headphones with remote control and microphone for the Apple iPod is cardboard black, elongated and not very big. It has a discreet design and traditional which is also used in other accessories for Apple iPod. In the front is a picture of the headphones and remote, and the name of this product. The reverse has the name of this model of headphones in different languages and below the compatibility information from them.

The box opens from the top and inside we find a small manual, warranty and an envelope containing the headphones. The envelope is opened by breaking one end so as to remove the headphones.

For its part, the box plug headphones Apple has a much more original and higher quality. It is a white box inside a transparent plastic box. In the front you can clearly see a triangular sheath that contains the headphone plug from Apple and a capsule containing two sets of silicone cushions. In the upper left corner of the front of the transparent outer box is printed the logo of Apple, and is the only detail you have. This box opens the top and remove the cardboard box with white lid is where all the content.

The transport case with the headphones and the dish with additional pads are located in two cavities and can be removed easily. Below the box with the headset is a round hole that overlooks a tongue, pulling it closed the base of the box and access to a compartment where there is a small rectangular cardboard box containing the manual and two grids replacement.

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IPod headphones with remote control and microphone
Headphones with remote control and microphone are exactly the same design as the headphones included with all iPod models released after September 2006. These headphones are headphones and classic white and gray and a big round grill. There are no surprises in terms of audio quality, which is essentially identical to that of the headset with your iPod.

The difference between these headphones for iPod and what you have is having a capsule in the control cable of the headphones with buttons to control volume and playback of music and a microphone. If you are looking for something other than the headphones that come with your iPod, either from a higher quality sound or a different design, then maybe you should think of other headsets such as the headphone plug from Apple. That I am not saying that these or the standard iPod earphones are not good, it's more, with so many years using the headphones that come with the iPod I have used so much that I resolved to change it very difficult for any other model.


The Apple headphones plug

The first thing that caught my attention the headphone plug from Apple is that they are small, much smaller that I expected. Its size is smaller than the standard iPod headphones, but its color and design has lines that do not have one that is dudad headphones for iPod.

The body of the headphone plug is white bright. The design highlights the rounded lines and semitransparent silicone pads and white. The tip of the headset is of polished stainless steel, and although this point is almost entirely covered by the pads, there is a visible ring of metallic color. These iPod headphone plug, the body is refined until the connection to the cable. In this union between the earphones and cord, about the last inch of rubber is gray instead of metal. The cable of these headphones at first glance no different from the cable of the headphones included with iPod, with the exception of the capsule with controls and microphone. The cable is thin, white and gray that has identified the iPod from the beginning. The difference is inside, because each cable contains two independent drivers, one for bass and treble. This cable with two conductors is one of the secrets to the sound clarity and balance of these headphones.

The cables are technically superior, but probably because they are so thin as those of the standard iPod earphones are just as fragile. The good news is that with the headphones include a carrying case which can be stored in safety. The box has a triangular shape, with a white base and a transparent cover. The earphones are placed in the center and the wire is wound with ease around the base. Plugs or silicone pads can be removed fairly easily by simply pulling them. To remove the paint we can see the headphones which is stainless steel and finished in a grid, also of steel. Along with the headphone plug is a capsule which contains two additional sets of pads, one small and one large. The headphones come with the pads of medium size and placed, but can be changed by you more comfortable.

As its name indicates, the Apple headphones plug is inserted into the ear as if it were a cork. This type of headphones have the advantage of better isolation of noise outside. The headphones plug Apple also include a spare pair of gratings. To replace the grills on the headphones must first remove the silicone pad and then unscrew the grilles are fitted. Not far from these grids last headphones, but I think that should last quite as they are steel, but it is always good to have some spare.

The audio quality of these headphones is much higher than the standard iPod headphones. The sound is very good and what stands out is the balance between low, middle, and treble where none of the other highlights can hear all the sounds clearly.

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Control

These headphones include a capsule in the control of the headset cable law. The controls are identical in both models of iPod headphones. This is a small piece of plastic about three inches that has three buttons. The two buttons at the ends are used only for raising and lowering the volume and are marked with a + or - to identify them.

The center button is depressed and is gray and is used to control playback of music. With this single button functions can be controlled with several different combinations of keystrokes to know:

• To start or pause playback is a must press the center button once.
• To switch to the next song should be pressing the center button twice quickly.
• To switch to the next song should be pressing the center button three times rapidly.

It seems complicated but really is very simple and only takes a few seconds learned combinations.


The microphone

On the back of the capsule where the control buttons is the microphone. At first glance it looks like a small silver circle, but if you give a little attention will notice that it is a metal grill. The microphone works with the voice memo recorder integrated into the software for 120GB iPod classic and iPod nano fourth generation. Only we must connect these headphones to our iPod from the main menu and the option for voice memos.

In a 120Gb iPod Classic or iPod nano 4G with either headset models can be made recordings, save and listen to simple and from the iPod interface. In these models of iPod recording options, but many are not fulfilled its role to perfection. The recordings are of good quality and in sync with iTunes automatically.


In a second-generation iPod touch is much more you can do with a microphone, but we need an application that uses it. The iPod touch software so far does not include any application that uses the microphone for these headphones, but the recently introduced version 3.0 include a utility for recording voice memos.

The iPod does not include an application should not be a problem in App Store, there are free and paid applications for taking voice notes. There are also applications that enable Internet phone calls, voice recognition, identification of songs and more.
Conclusions

Both models have headphone and microphone controls placed on your cable. This alone justifies the purchase of any of them, especially if you have a second generation iPod touch. The three models currently compatible with iPod headphones (120GB iPod classic, iPod nano 4G and iPod touch 2G), you have the convenience of the controls on the cable and can record voice notes, but with the iPod touch 2G microphone opens the possibility to use applications and access functions that until now were only available for the iPhone.

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Headphone and microphone for remote iPod classic or Apple Headphones plug?

To decide between these two models or between other headphones of another brand to consider other things:

Plug the headphones Apple offers a superior audio quality, similar to those of high-end headphones from other brands, yet have the controls and microphone. The price of these headphones plug is not under Apple, but it is in the same range as similar headphones from other brands.

Even if you search your iPod headphones for better quality and price of Apple headphones plug is within your budget, you should ask if this type of headphone plug you are comfortable. Type headphones plug has benefits such as greater insulation from external noise, but the choice of headphones is a very personal.