July 2008

I've had several iPods over the years since Apple introduced the device. Since most of my time listening to the iPod is done via external speakers, be it my car Monsoon stereo system, or external speakers at the office, or the JBL Sound Stage speaker system, etc. As it turned out I didn't really use the ear buds all that much. Sure, I did while biking, walking, or doing work around the house... but that was pretty much the extent of it for the most part.

With the iPhone introduction last year, the pattern pretty much stayed the same as far as listening to music and podcasts. But the iPhone added something else to the mix; using the ear buds for phone calls. With the built in microphone and controller on the ear buds, it is far easier and preferable to use the ear buds than having to hold up the phone to my ear. This is especially useful for prolonged phone calls.