Customer Reviews

Apple iPod Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano 2G (White)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First and foremost--I am not an audiophile, so I can't comment with any authority on the quality of the headphones themselves. They are fine for me and my listening habits--I find myself increasingly listening to podcasts when commuting via bus for which these headphones are perfectly fine, although when I do listen to my music the bass and treble response seems fine to me.

That being said, what I wanted was a convenient way to carry my 2G Nano so I could listen and manipulate the controls with the iPod handy yet out of the way. This lanyard does an excellent job of providing that and I would recommend it to anyone.

So why four stars? Well, for a few reasons:

--Only available in white. I have a black 2G 8GB Nano. I'd have liked to match it.

--No lock or release on the base that connects to the Nano. While the connector does fit snug with the Nano and doesn't disconnect so easily from the Nano that I'd fear it might fall off while walking about, I would have felt more secure with some sort of lock or release mechanism holding it in place.

For this reason I would not recommend the lanyard to anyone doing any sort of strenuous activity or exercise--but hanging loose around the neck really isn't the best place for the Nano then anyway. The armband would be more appropriate.

--NOWHERE on the packaging did it say this was for the 2G Nano! I had bought a 1G Nano lanyard at a local store and had to return it when I discovered it was incompatible (the dock connector and headphone jack on the 1G and 2G Nanos are NOT the same distance apart). When this 2G lanyard arrived, I could find nothing on the package that said "for 2G Nano", so I opened it very gingerly thinking I had received the wrong lanyard and would need to repackage it and send it back. I was very relieved when it did fit! Regardless, there should be a very clear "For 2G Nanos only!" label on the box to alleviate 2G Nano owners' fears and to warn 1G Nano owners.

All in all, I am very happy with the lanyard. It keeps the Nano handy while leaving my hands free, and that was what I was looking for.

I used the lanyard during workouts and while the concept is ideal, Apples' ear buds are terrible. The sound quality is lacking and the Apple's ear buds are notorious for not fitting. The ear buds just kept falling out with every move of my attached 2G Nano. I do not recommend the lanyard for anyone wishing to use theses for exercising.

With Apple's iPod being the dominant player in the mp3 market, there is a panoply of Apple and third-party products to aid its operation. While the sound quality of the included iPod headphones has always been sufficient for my needs, they did not provide optimal placement of the player. Spending most of my mp3 listening time using free weights in the gym, I needed a secure means of carrying my iPod that wouldn't interfere with arm movements. The lanyard was the perfect choice. After hundreds of hours of use with the first and second generation lanyards, I have been rather pleased with both their sound quality and durability.

Given my experiences with other headphones and mp3 players, however, I would suggest two enhancements. First, there should be a means of detaching the iPod mechanically while the headphone jack is still connected. This would require two attachment points and some slack in the audio cable. I previously owned an inexpensive, nameless mp3 player acquired on eBay that has this arrangement. While less durable than iPod-lanyard combo, it offered much greater flexibility. With Apple's lanyard, the iPod placement becomes a hassle during exercises where a straight bar is brought down on the chest, such as bench pressing. With the previous arrangement, I could simply detach the mechanical cable and place the mp3 player in my pocket while still listening to my favorite songs.

Secondly, given my experience with the Koss Spark Plug earphones (see review), I would have preferred better sound isolation. The lanyard headphones do little to stop ambient noise, which is an issue in health clubs. In addition, the lanyard headphones just don't have the deep bass of the Koss product.

Having owned both first and second generation lanyards, I can't determine any difference between their construction or sound quality. In both cases, I paid roughly fifty dollars, which seems a bit exorbitant. However, this is to be expected with most brand-name iPod accessories. If you use your iPod while working out, cycling or walking as much as I do, you are certain to get your money's worth nonetheless.


Pros
Great for use during exercise
Durable


Cons
No non-lanyard mode
Difficult to use during bench press due to bar impact
Little sound isolation
Overpriced

Decided that the 4th replacement was the last. GREAT idea, but so poorly made that they only last about 4-6 months before they break (one side or the other looses sound.) Cheaply made, too fragile for constant use. Too bad Apple can't get these right. Maybe that's why they don't make them for the new 3G version! Wouldn't be so bad if they weren't so expensive to start out with!

Purchased lanyard worked for two weeks before one side failed. Very Disappointed do not reccommend 2nd generation lanyard at all.

I found this to be the ideal solution for my ipod use. The earbud cords coming off the lanyard are less bothersome than other cord arrangements. The nano is conveniently positioned to change songs or volume. I am very happy with this product.

Unfortunately, this product does not fit the Ipod Nano 3g. It is not designed with the proper spacing. I don't know what generation it does fit, but it was certainly not made for my Ipod.

The landyard is just what I was looking for. I have had them in the past and loved the ease and convenience of it. I am a runner and cyclist and love the fact that the lanyard keeps my Nano secure and I can make music selections while working out with out having it secured to my arm. LOVE it!

I use it for running and tuck it under my shirt; it holds the ipod tight so I'm very happy with it.

these headphones are great for someone on the go. you don't have to mess with worrying about if your ipod falls out of your pocket. it is secure around your neck no matter what. i wouldn't recommend running with it since it would bounce, but i power-walk with these and it works great. when i traveled to New York they were awesome...no mess with tangling up headphone cords and no worry that i might loose or drop my ipod. i tell everyone who has an ipod nano to get these!