A long wander through the desert OR looking for a decent iphone headset

[mattkime]

Has anyone else had terrible luck with iphone headsets?

I've gone through two apple headsets. The ear buds simply crapped out. No obvious points wear, just stopped working. Now my second TuneBuds Mobile has nearly bit the dust. The wire coming out of the jack is weak. $40 is too much for something that doesn't work for more than a moth.

I've never experience either problem with ear buds for my ipod. They'd typically last until i did something terribly stupid with them.

I looked through many reviews and talked to a few friends. the V-Moda ones are popular with some people while acknowledging that they have the same problem as my TuneBuds but cost $100 instead of $40. No thanks! For the most part, most iphone headsets are crap, no matter what the price. Picking one is an exercise in compromise.

I settled on the skullcandy Full Metal Jacket. I have a couple pairs of the ear bud version which i picked up cheap ($30). I definitely consider them high end ear buds although you need to break them in to improve the midrange. Very solid aluminum construction and a tangle proof cord. Yeah, you might need to get past the name if you're not an angsty punk but its actually a good product. $80. Its a bit high but if it works then i'm happy.

Hopefully I won't be reporting back on how they've failed me.

[particleman]

I am holding out for the new $79 Apple headphones to see whether or not they will work with the iPhone. While not officially listed as compatible by Apple, there are rumors that they will have headset functionality, eg. basic stop and start of playback when a call comes in. I am also curious as to what the Black Friday discounts will be.

Also, don't forget that the iPhone headphones are covered by the Apple warranty. I am on my second pair. I got the broken pair replaced at the Genius Bar although YMMV.

[Ken Sp.]

I am waiting to see if the in ear iPod Touch ones work also.

As mentioned, I have had 2 sets replaced via Apple with the online self serve
https://selfsolve.apple.com/GetWarranty.do

[SteveO]

I've had a V-Moda Vibe Duo set now for almost a year, and they have been really solid. No complaints at all. $99 at my local AS. Plays well with iPhone as they are made specifically for it. No tangles as the cord is a little thicker and kind of cottony. Also includes earbuds in various sizes for comfort fit. Music start/stop with incoming calls. Pause button on mic if you're just listening to music and your wife is talking to you [and you need to hear it]. There was what looked like a similar set at Costco in recent months for <$40 IIRC. I posted on it here, stf for a look if you want.

[anonymouse1]

The Shures are supposed to be pretty good.