Saturday, October 08, 2005
Apple earhphones - Kudos
I had a good experience at the Apple Store today. My well-used pair of Apple earphones (the ones that come with iPods) finally wore out. While not broken, one wire pulled out at the seam where the wires from both ears separates into individual wires. This left the two electrical wires (that are very thin) exposed. I am sure this would have broken in no time. Time for a quick visit to the Apple Store (Dallas, Tx). Although the first salesperson said that they probably would not replace them, he suggested that I ask a "genius" at the back help bar. After a short wait while he was helping another customer, this Apple employee replaced the headphones with no hassle. While the headphones probably cost Apple very little, the goodwill generated is tremendous. This also corresponds with my philosophy of good business.
A little more about the Apple earphones. The sound quality out of these is good not great. As most people know I am a huge fan of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. The Bose are my favorite headphones. Unfortunately, over the ear headphones are useless under my motorcycle helmet. This is my primary use of the Apple earphones. But, as anyone who has tried them knows, these earphones are extremely uncomfortable. Griffin Technologies EarJams to the rescue. These adapters make the earphones fit better, more comfortable, and marginally sound better. While somewhat overpriced, they do make those Apple earphones you got free with your iPod usable.
Other than the fit, I am a fan of the Apple earphones for what they are: inexpensive, durable earphones. The center parting of the two earphone wires is the best solution. Some other brand earphones have a funky setup where the main wire goes to one earphone and then another wire goes from the one earphone to another. The wire gauge on the Apple earphones is relatively thin but durable. While I hated these at first, some the Apple design decision have come to grow on me.
Finally, I have to comment on the sociological aspect of the Apple earphones. I have found that wearing these earphones is not considered antisocial and in some case invites social interaction. I am sure that wearing the Bose in many normal settings (such as visting Starbucks) would turn people off. I am not sure if it is the technogeek-like white, earring look (the Apples stick out your ears and hang down) or the ubiquitous Apple white coloring, but it seems that everyone I meet is friendly to even when wearing the Apple earphones.
A little more about the Apple earphones. The sound quality out of these is good not great. As most people know I am a huge fan of the Bose QuietComfort Headphones. The Bose are my favorite headphones. Unfortunately, over the ear headphones are useless under my motorcycle helmet. This is my primary use of the Apple earphones. But, as anyone who has tried them knows, these earphones are extremely uncomfortable. Griffin Technologies EarJams to the rescue. These adapters make the earphones fit better, more comfortable, and marginally sound better. While somewhat overpriced, they do make those Apple earphones you got free with your iPod usable.
Other than the fit, I am a fan of the Apple earphones for what they are: inexpensive, durable earphones. The center parting of the two earphone wires is the best solution. Some other brand earphones have a funky setup where the main wire goes to one earphone and then another wire goes from the one earphone to another. The wire gauge on the Apple earphones is relatively thin but durable. While I hated these at first, some the Apple design decision have come to grow on me.
Finally, I have to comment on the sociological aspect of the Apple earphones. I have found that wearing these earphones is not considered antisocial and in some case invites social interaction. I am sure that wearing the Bose in many normal settings (such as visting Starbucks) would turn people off. I am not sure if it is the technogeek-like white, earring look (the Apples stick out your ears and hang down) or the ubiquitous Apple white coloring, but it seems that everyone I meet is friendly to even when wearing the Apple earphones.
