Posts Tagged portable music
Able Planet Clear Harmony NC1050 Noise-Canceling Headphones
Able Planet has long had a reputation for providing superior noise-reducing and canceling headphones for a more affordable price than competitors like Bose. Some of its critics say that the quality is not as good, but my experience with them has proven the opposite. I have found that when comparing them with my Bose headphones that they provide similar noise-reducing qualities. Even my more expensive Bose pair does not eliminate sound so I often wonder why people are willing to pay so much for them.
I was quite excited to try out the Able Planet’s newest high-end Clear Harmony NC1050 noise canceling headphones simply because I knew of the competitive nature between advocates of both brands. First off, the Clear Harmony pair provides exceptional “white noise” sound that eliminates the chatter around you. I found it to be superior to Able Planet’s cheaper pairs, which is understandable and expected. Even when the battery is not switched on, the sound reduction is respectable.
When used to plug into audio channels or for watching videos on an airplane or with my laptop, the sound quality is impeccable; in fact, it is much better than a Bose pair when listening to audio content or music. Able Planet touts its Linx Audio sound quality, which is certainly recognizable, and it recognizes when the perception of noises and sound should seem louder without increasing the volume on the headset. This means that you can enjoy the high notes, low notes, loud sounds, and base noises in music without adjusting the volume to uncomfortable levels.
Often times, headsets can move around on your head when reclining or when dozing off. This pair maintained the sound quality even when it shifted on my head over the period of a few hours on a long plane flight after I fell asleep for a few hours.
It is also extremely lightweight, which is very important to me when traveling internationally since airlines can be quite strict with carryon baggage weight. Like its other models (and those of competing brands), the cord can be removed from the headset so you do not trip on it or break it when exiting an airplane seat or when storing it in your bag. I admit to sometimes not carrying it in the boxy case because it adds weight to my bag! Able Planet also makes a “made for iPhone” cord that can be purchased separately for playback control features.
It comes with its own sturdy case, airplane adaptor, and battery. The pair of headphones features a simple black color, and I am often asked about the brand by people who think they are Bose or want to find a pair that is cheaper than Bose’s headphones. While Clear Harmony is not necessarily cheap, it is certainly on par with its competitors in the high-quality, noise-canceling headphone department and scores highly in my book. It can be purchased at Able Planet’s website for $350. While it is pricey, I consider it to be a sound (forgive the pun) investment in my travel experience.
Search prices on all Able Planet headphones at Amazon.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear on April 23rd, 2012
Kidz Gear Wired Headphones for Kids
If you spend significant time in the car or plane with your kids, you probably bring along electronic devices to entertain them. And if your kids enjoy electronic devices while traveling, you’ve probably tried more than one style and brand of headphones. (A bit like ‘giving a mouse a cookie’…if you’re a parent, you know what I mean.) As a family who hits the road regularly, we’ve tried all sorts of headphones–from the cheap foam-cupped ones that break near-instantly to Apple earbuds that fall out, to everything in-between.
Kidz Gear Wired Headphones are–hands down–the best we’ve tried. First off, they’re comfortable, which means your kid won’t be ripping them off (hopefully). The cups are nicely padded, and the over-the-head arch is double-paneled, to keep them from slipping off. My seven and ten-year-olds have been putting the headphones through their paces, but because they’re so adjustable (there are nine distinct size adjustments on each side) they fit my 12-year-old too. The Kidz Gear website lists them for kids two years and older, and though I don’t have a two-year-old to try them on, I noted many positive reviews online for use with kids even younger.
Secondly, they produce high-quality, stereo sound. (This is why my 12-year-old reaches for them more often than not.) The cups completely cradle kids’ ears, and the sound delivered is noticeably better than with ear buds (especially while watching a movie or TV show). For those of you for whom sound technology stats will mean something, the sound pressure level is 80dB-90dB.
Thirdly, Kidz Gear headphones now come with built-in volume limiting technology. This means that sound is limited to approximately 80 percent of the normal level, ensuring it’s safe for kids’ ears. I worried this would make audio books and quieter music too hard to hear, but we never had this problem.
Next, these headphones are programmed with an inline Apple remote and mic for use with Apple devices (including iPods, iPhones, and iPads). This doesn’t mean they only work with Apple devices: we’ve used them with our portable DVD player and a Leapster as well. But if you do use Apple products often, you’ll like the convenience of a control feature right on the cord to raise or lower the device’s volume and track up and down. There’s also a built-in mic, though my kids don’t take a lot of calls from the back seat of the minivan, so I can’t say we needed this.
Lastly, at a retail price of $29.99, the value is astonishing. Honestly, I would have paid double for such a well-made, multi-functional travel product. Each headphone comes in its own padded bag, and if you buy two, they toss in a volume limit splitter cable. Due to the independent volume control on each headphone, even with two kids listening to one device, each can set the volume to his or her liking.
Our absolute only complaint is that the wire is quite long. I can see how this would be helpful if your kids are watching a back-of-seat mounted screen, but for use with iPods or other hand-held devices, there’s too much cord in the way. That said, I wouldn’t let that stop you from trying these out.
Pick up a pair at Amazon or the Apple Store for $29.99.
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Posted by Amy in Kids and Family on March 6th, 2012
Nest Case for iPhone
Nest Case for iPhone
This durable iPhone case is more than just a protective cover for your mobile device. It also doubles as a stand that lets you watch movies or photos without having to hold it in your hand. The one time I tried to use my iPhone to watch a movie on an airplane before using this case, I leaned it against the armrest. Of course, I dozed off and found the phone had slipped in between the seat cushion!
The Nest case features openings on the side to allow for the ringer or audio volume to be adjusted without removing the case. There is enough room for even your thumb to push the buttons. Openings for the power switch, charging ports, and speakers are also present and wide enough to access without difficulty.
Another solid feature that I appreciate is that the case wraps all the way around the phone protecting the front of the screen as well. Many iPhone cases that I have tested do not cover the front edges, which puts your screen in danger if it unluckily falls face first to the ground. Guess what, mine did! I have three cracks on the screen as a result. The Nest case would have prevented that.
To use the display stand, simply remove the phone from the case and place it into the side grooves. It sits at a 55 degree angle. Cases are available for both the iPhone 3 and 3GS and iPhone 4. The iPod touch has its own set of cases for various models. All of which are affordably priced at www.NestCases.com or www.Amazon.com
This plastic case serves multiple purposes since it allows the business traveler to listen to music or watch movies while using a laptop. It also allows parents a hands-free entertainment option while they are taking care of kids on a long flight.
I especially like that the material on the back allows me to tape my business card to the case (in the event that I lose my iPhone). Often times, the material of the case is too rubbery to allow tape to stick to it. This exceptional case allows travelers to multitask without worrying about dropping or losing their mobile device in transit.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, Travel Light on October 24th, 2011
Nu-Force Bluetooth Headphones
I’m on my third pair of Sennheiser earbuds. I really like them, at least I want to like them, but they keep breaking at the mini-jack. The first pair gave out when they were so very new that I was convinced there was something wrong with my phone. The warranty has proven good, and this third pair seems to be less willing to fail. It’s the connection wire that’s failing so the clear solution? Try wireless.
The husband really likes the BT-860 headset that came from Nu-Force. His new laptop has built in Bluetooth, so the wireless headset (with a built in mic) is great for things like watching back episodes of Eureka or doing Skype calls with the far away in-laws. Pairing the headphones with your device is simple — I tried it with my phone and my iPad, no problems there. The range is pretty good, I left my phone on a chair in the backyard and wandered around on the lawn, the signal started to get a little muddy at about 20 feet away from the source, but it was still connected.
The controls for the headphones are on the ear piece — skip forward and back, the volume controls, and the call overrides. I didn’t find them particularly intuitive and I wish the little relief buttons were a bit more prominent, making it easier to know what’s what. This probably becomes second nature with more use. Don’t be trying these things for the first time while driving, okay, hands free or no.
As for comfort, I’d say they’re okay. The headband is adjustable for fit, the ear pads are your classic foam pads. Weirdly, they’re square, a design choice, but they do cover my ears. These aren’t isolation or noise blocking, they’re more for use at your hotel room desk than they are for making the noise of the airplane or bus go away. The sound quality was totally acceptable and I appreciate the fact that they’re rechargeable.
In fact, I’m not convinced that they’re for travel use. They don’t have a carrying case and they don’t collapse to a particularly small size. If I’m going to sacrifice luggage space, I want active noise cancellation. I’m going to pass on including these in my carry-on. though if you’re looking for day and/or office use, they’re totally fine.
I’m still on the hunt for those affordable, compact, active noise cancelling headphones, but if you’re looking for an affordable set to pair with your laptop, these aren’t a bad choice. Like I said, the husband rather likes them, but he’s using them on the couch.They’re 79.00 on Amazon.
More headphone reviews? Try these:
Posted by Pam in Business Gear, General Gear on September 9th, 2011
Urbanears Bagis Earbud Headphones
These sleek new Bagis earbuds from the Swedish company Urbanears will certainly turn heads. This compact device is designed to provide the most direct sound to the ear while creating efficient noise reduction simultaneously. Its most striking feature, however, are the 18 different color choices available setting them apart from any other headphone out there.
Unlike other headphones that can get their cords easily twisted whether in use or in storage, this pair features a fabric cord that reduces distortions from friction that can alter the sound quality. Others also can disappear into your jacket when running with them on, but this pair snaps together so they are always easy to find.
The stereo plug hooks up with most music players, iPhones, iPods, Blackberries, or even airplane jacks making them ideal for travel instead of using the cheap airline versions that cost a few dollars each.
The sound quality is crisp and constant, and the lightweight nature of the earbuds is not uncomfortable in the ear they way some headphones can be. It fits snugly in your ear canal with a feather-like snugness. The affordability of these headphones makes them perfect for frequent travel as they are both durable and easy to replace if lost.
Another great feature is that the cable has a microphone built into it so that it can be used for voice calls when plugged into a smart phone. The 3.5mm headphone plug and an inline remote also allow you to control tracks on your iPhone or other smart phone. It is the perfect way to make hands-free calls while driving on the highway or walking through an airport terminal.
There are even three different sleeve lengths so you can find the perfect one that meets your needs whether you need a long cord to reach your phone sitting in the passenger seat or just a short one to keep tucked into your jacket pocket while jogging.
Urbanears makes some great products, and these stylish headphones are no different. It seems the whole world is filled with zombies walking through the airport these days with headphones in their ears or talking on a hands-free call. Add some pizzazz with these fun colors and stand out from the pack!
Get the Urbanears Bagis earbuds at Amazon.
See other earbuds reviews on Practical Travel Gear.
Posted by Ramsey in Business Gear, General Gear, Travel Light on June 27th, 2011
