[simX]

I've had a perpetual issue with my iPod earbuds, and I'd like to see if anyone else has had this problem.

I've had 3 pairs of iPod headphones (the original version that came with the original 5 GB iPod, and 2 pairs of the new version that came in the $30 box with the remote). All three pairs have now gone down the same path -- where the 2 wires that go to the separate earbuds converge into one wire, the plastic comes out of the little plastic dealy that holds the two wires together. The result is that the actual wires that go to the earbuds get exposed, and after a while get frayed, and then the earbuds stop working and I have to get a new set.

I really like the iPod earbuds, and I can't possibly carry around regular headphones. I talked to a genius at the Palo Alto Apple Store a few days ago, and he said that the headphones are "accidental damage" and so are not covered under warrantee. It seems to me that they haven't really made the earbuds that well if they keep fraying for me. Today I talked to a second tier Apple specialist through Apple's technical support line (1-800-275-2273), and they basically said the same thing.

So does anybody else have this problem, or am I really treating my iPod earbuds much to roughly? If you do have this problem, please post it here so that I know that I'm not alone with this problem.

[thinkdifferent]

I personally haven't had this happen to me. How do you store the earbuds after you finish using them?
While using mine I usually keep the cord under my shirt and let just enough hang out for head movement.

One thing to try though should you get another set is to add a bit of heat shrink around the area that is damaged each time.

[wulf]

Originally posted by simX:
am I really treating my iPod earbuds much to roughly?

No offence meant, but that would be my guess. I am still using the ones that came with my original 5GB iPod, over a year and a half old now.

But then maybe I am just extra careful with mine?!

[tooki]

I, too, agree that you must be rough on them, as this doesn't seem to be a common problem.

That said, why do you keep buying Apple earbuds over and over? Why not try another brand and see if those work out better?

I have the Sony in-ear earbuds (EX71 or whatever) and love them. The Apple store sells them, but www.minidisco.com also sells them in white (imported from Japan), to match an iPod.

tooki

[::maroma::]

Originally posted by tooki:
I have the Sony in-ear earbuds (EX71 or whatever) and love them. The Apple store sells them, but www.minidisco.com also sells them in white (imported from Japan), to match an iPod.

I just got a pair of these (the white ones) and they are great. Sound is much better than Apple stock ear buds, and the in-ear thing is really nice for noise cancellation. And I really like the way Sony does the loop-around cord so that you can easily hang them off your neck when not listening.

[parsec_kadets]

This happened to my earbuds as well. I wasn't too disappointed though because I prefer headphones that cover your whole ear. I did buy a pair of cheaper ($20) Sony earbuds strictly for travel and those have lasted much longer.