Headphones for the New iPhone 3GS
By Dawn Gordon Luks
With sales in the millions, the iPhone 3GS has been flying off the shelves in stores around the country. New 3GS features such as a video camera, a higher resolution still camera, voice control, and a built-in compass have all been welcomed with open arms by iPhone enthusiasts. However, because the 3GS is the same size as its predecessor, there aren't many new accessories available for the new phone, except in one area that many users have overlooked -- headphones.
Ok, so what's so different about headphones for the 3GS? It's all about control. Earlier iPhone models had the welcome ability to allow song or phone control via the little pushbutton attached to the microphone on select compatible headphones from Apple and others. The 3GS adds volume control to the mix. So like the new iPod Shuffle, you don't need to even touch the device to control the most often used features.
Apple In-Ear Headphones ($79) http://www.apple.com
These in-ear phones include a control capsule with a microphone and three buttons. You can adjust volume by pressing the + and - buttons; control music and video playback -- including play/pause and next/previous -- by pressing the center button; and by pushing and holding the center button, enable the 3GS' voice control feature.
Of course, you can also answer and end calls via the center button as well.
The Apple phones have a pleasant and warm sound, with reasonable highs and a fairly decent low-end. They come with silicon ear-tips that offer very good sound isolation and are comfortable to wear. The phones also come with a carrying case and extra ear-tips, plus extra mesh caps that protect the drivers from earwax and dirt.
Ultimate Buds UB7EB ($149.99) http://www.ultimatebuds.com/store/home.php
This store is rather unique, as the owner modifies several high-end headsets to work with the 3GS' new control capabilities.
The UB7EBs were easily the most comfortable in-ear phones I've ever worn. They have excellent isolation, and very good bass. The sound is a bit laid back compared to other models I've reviewed. These buds come with a carrying case, a cleaning tool, and various sizes of ear tips. Great e-store policies and website.
Klipsch Image S4i In-Ear Headset ($99.99) http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/image-s4i-overview/
These phones really surprised me with their powerful bass, nice imaging, and excellent sound reproduction. The S4i phones are very comfortable, and because they incorporate an in-ear design, provide great sound isolation. The phones come with an ultra-suede carrying case, multiple ear tips, and a cleaning tool. They’re a great value for under $100.
iLUV iEA15 Adapter (Price and availability TBA)
If you already have a pair of phones that you love, you can keep them and still have access to the microphone and control features of the iPhone 3GS. iLUV has announced the iEA15 adapter, which plugs into standard headphones and transforms them into control freak devices.
Dawn Gordon Luks is a veteran consumer electronics journalist. In addition to her writing schedule, Dawn also designs home audio, home theater, and home automation installations in South Florida. Send an email to Dawn Gordon Luks.
