Apple iPod Remote & Earphones

Rating:
Summary: The weakest link in the iPod experience...
Review: The iPod remote is probably the weakest link in the iPod experience. The plastic/rubber near the connector does a poor job in keeping the connector from fraying. After about a month or two of daily use, I started hearing static from the earbuds, and after a bit of experimenting, determined that the remote was the cause. If it wasn't for this, it would be a great product, but for a company that pays such attention to detail, I can't believe they missed that one. Otherwise, it is a great way to control the iPod when it is sitting in your bag, a pocket, or on a belt clip. No more digging around to change the volume or to skip an annoying song...

The earbuds are great little speakers. They may not fit everybody well, and the covers may make the difference of a snug fit, or being too big for the ear of the wearer. Earbuds may not be for everyone, but they do identify you as an iPodder.

Rating:
Summary: Good design, but didn't find it too useful
Review: This remote is mostly for outdoor use - very good to navigate the iPod while it is tucked inside your pocket, mostly with the keypad put on hold. Would have been great if the remote was wireless. It is not very useful indoors since you have to get near the iPod to operate the remote - you might as well put your fingers on the iPod itself.

This used to come free with the 3G iPods, along with the leather case (that's how I got it!). I hardly use it since I have a wireless remote (NaviPod).

Looks like it has been designed to work well with the Apple iPod carrying case. This is because, with the Apple case, there is no way to access the iPod controls when the iPods is inside the case. This remote has all the controls (except that we can't see the display), and a hold button on the side. It also has a simple clip to fasten it to your clothes.

If your habit is to put a long playlist and play it while jogging, working out etc., this remote could be useful.

Rating:
Summary: Watch out for the connection
Review: When I first received this, I really loved it. I use a hard case for my iPod, and it was inconvenient to keep lifting the lid to use the controls. It was about a week, though, when the cord cover by the connector started breaking. Since then, I've had to re-enforce the connector several times, and currently have a plastic casing over it with some tape to keep it in place. Not worth the price since it breaks so easily.