Zagg “z.buds” earphones

I purchased the Zagg z.buds about a month ago and have been using them daily. They offer a number of improvements over the regular free or low cost bud-type earphones.

Features:
–z.buds have heavy rope-like wire instead of the thin plastic (nylon?) wires. This makes them very tangle resistant. When I wrap them up and put them in my pocket, I don’t spend much time untangling them.
–z.buds have an ingenious cable management system (pictures here). Basically you stick your head through a loop created between the earbuds and they stay put whether they’re in your ears or not. (See diagram here.)
–They are offered with or without a microphone. I purchased them for my Palm Pre so I ordered the microphone.
–They have about 6 or 7 different earbud tips so you have the correct size for your ear. Replacements are available on the zagg website.
–z.buds come with a little carry pouch.

Review:
When you open the package, the first thing you have to decide is which eartip to install on the buds.

–Selection of eartip is VERY important. The best way to do this is to listen to music that is familiar to you, and try on the different tips. You should find a set that isolates outside noise and retains fidelity of music. Trust me, the tip makes a huge difference. For me, some didn’t isolate outside noise and made the music tinny. One gave me a muddy sound. However, I did find a couple of tips that fit my ear and significantly attenuated outside noise while providing an accurate reproduction of the music. I like this passive system better than the active noise reduction systems I have tried.

–Cord management system: It works very well once you understand how to wear the z.buds. The trick for me is to make sure that the first retainer-bead is about 12-inches from the buds. You have to make sure that the buds will reach your ears with enough slack so you can turn your head. I can use use the 2nd bead to loop the cable around a shirt button to keep the cable close to my body so my flailing arms to catch the cord.

–integrated phone and volume control: They have changed the arrangement and now both controls are on one switch close to the left earbud. It works well. You can use the controller to start and stop music, end calls, and adjust volume. However, I’m not certain this is the best place for it. For me having a control like this next to my left ear is awkward. I often pull the left bud out as I fiddle with the control. I wonder if a better position would be at the base of the split which would put the control down by my waist.

–Price $69.99 for the version without the mic. $10 more if you want the mic. Pricey compared to the free ones that come with your device, but well worth the value. The quality of components is great. z.buds are proof you get what you pay for. Zagg always has a special running so if you plan to use their invisible shield product you can get some good savings.

–Conclusion: Great job Zagg folks. Change the position of the controller/volume control.

Why am I doing this blog? Answer here.

Please your experiences with these or other earbuds. Which ones work for you? Which ones don’t?

-Remember, technology is your friend!
John (aka “Founding Geek”)