If you're like me, an iPod is an indispensable tool running. When I run, I usually listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc. to help pass the time. In winter, I could not survive on a treadmill without some form of distraction, and the TV in my basement or my laptop set on a shelf in front the machine is as necessary as the treadmill itself. The only problem with all this is getting the sound produced by these devices in their ears. Headphones Wired as the white headphones included with the small Ipod out are manageable, although the wire can be annoying, but in the wake of a wireless become a major nuisance. More often than not, I think the cable some hits with my arms, and in more than one occasion, I almost took the iPod off the treadmill console. Enter Jaybird headphones wireless technology.
I was looking for a set of headphones wireless for a while, but most were too large, or they do not seem to be well adapted to different conditions that I run in (not to mention that they also needed to resist the sweat produced during the execution). Given the price many of these headsets ($ 100 +), I did not want to make a purchase unless I really think it could work for me. I recently came across the headphones Jaybird on-line and the initial analysis that I read seemed quite positive. The Jaybirds are specifically pitched at an active crowd, with a unique selling point is that they are water and sweat-proof. The Jaybirds are expensive (~ $ 140 for the iPod-compatible model), but I took the plunge since I thought it could solve a number problems related to audio playback. I bought the headset compatible with iPod and an additional card that will allow them to synchronize with any device that has a normal headset.
After about 3 months of use, I must say that I'm really impressed with this little gadget. The sound they produce is good (I I'm no audiophile, but it seems almost as good as the headphones from the iPod), they sync flawlessly and quickly through all Bluetooth devices I tried with them (including iPods, TV, stereo, portable audio cards on gym mats, etc.), and they are quite comfortable despite its size (I hardly notice them while running, and I was, while 15 miles with them). The headphone adapter and headset are both rechargeable through a charge included dock, and the charge seems to handle very well (I can tell when a charge is necessary because the sound becomes fuzzy, but after a charge it works well again). The iPod adapter is powered by the iPod (no charging required), and it does not seem to add much of a noticeable drain on the iPod battery. Finally, they seem impervious to water and sweat, making them ideal for those wishing to use them during the year (these would be great to endurance training and, once cut the cord completely out of context – that is, any number of problems of movement or pull the cord of your iPod).
One of my favorite features of these phones is that I can control the volume of the iPod and songs in advance using the controls on the headphones themselves. So, I can slip my Nano with the receiver in a pocket and control it fully in touch with my ear. I'm sure I look like an idiot doing it, but hey, it works! Positive side, there are some minor problems that are worth mentioning.
One problem I had with these headphones (and this is often mentioned in some the comments on Amazon) is the wire that connects two sides of the curtain across the back of the neck (from what I understand, this wire allows both sides to share power). As you start to sweat, the wire tends to stick, and it is annoying and at times can dislodge the earpiece from one side or the other. Wire also can be a problem if you're wearing a jacket with the collar zipped up implementing all-the-way. I have worked around this problem by attaching a plastic clip adjustment range in size from a baseball cap, and then threading the yarn through the paper clip. This keeps the wire in the upper half, and thus prevents it from hanging in my neck. Problem solved.
My other complaint about the only real Jaybird unit is that the headset is not always ready, and I have to push them back to my ear canal from time to time. I imagine that fit varies greatly from person to person, based on the size of the ear canal, but can be annoying to have to push them back to get the best sound. I have recently found in the instruction manual on how to optimize the fit, and seems to have helped. This is certainly not a deal breaker, and given the option I would by them again.
The author of this article, Peter Larson, maintains a website, Run-NH.com, that provides information on running in New Hampshire. His blog, Runblogger, provides thoughts and tips on running, blogging, and living an active life.
Empty Words ~8~ **Not Jealous** [Nelena]
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