21 January 2009

Why is one earbud longer than the other?

I can't seem to figure out why one of my earbuds is longer than the other. Can you help me? When I was in the market for a new pair of earbuds, I knew I wanted a pair that were noise isolating, comfortable, and durable. This put me in the $30-$40 range. But the only thing I wanted which I couldn't find, was a pair of earbuds that had the same length of wire on each ear.

Before I complain further, let me just say that I ended up going with the $29.99 Phillips Ear Buds for a couple of reasons. The most important of which is that I had a Best Buy Rewards Certificate, and I wanted to use it. They also came with 3 different size ear cushions, and are extremely comfortable. The frequency response on this model if very respectable, and to top it off, the noise isolation if great. I sometimes put them in my ears on the subway without music playing, just to block out all the New York loudness.

But after all that is said in done, I'm walking by Julliard on my way to work, and every single day, my scarf, or my jacket, or a construction worker acidentally pulls an ear bud out. Because the right cord is longer than the left. Now I know there are 4 or 5 people total nerds out there that use headphones and put the cord around the back of their neck. But aren't there enough of us to justify making the same model, or at least another model with a cord in the front with equal length? Its like the most frustrating thing in the world when I get to that one track that is just the best on my ipod, I start rocking out, and all of a sudden, WHAM, the old bag lady accidentally pulls out the cord with her cane. It's impossible for it not to happen 3 times every day.

I guess I wouldn't be so upset about it if I had options of earbuds for the same quality with the equal length cords. But all of my options were crappy earbuds. Why do these companies think its so cool? Did anybody at Phillips try these earbuds for 2 weeks? Does anyone else have this problem?

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