 BBB½ (out of 4 Bs)
After hitting a solid triple with version 1.0, the new model knocks it out of the park.
I’ll be damned if the headphones that were included with my iPhone don’t suck. I mean, if I’m gonna lay down that kind of scratch for a phone, at least give me headphones that don’t fall out of my ear every three steps or sound like the music is coming through a tin can.
Don’t get me wrong. From a functionality standpoint, Apple’s headphones are pretty good for “included” headphones, especially with the ability to pause and skip songs or answer a call with the cool little button. The ones that come with Blackberry Pearls look like they’re leftover from when I still had a Walkman. But, I wanted better.
So, much like my three-month search for the perfect iPod headphones, I immediately embarked on a nearly six-month odyssey for an iPhone headset. Now, besides great sound – which is a point of entry in my opinion – I wanted the following:
- It must fit the unique iPhone headphone jack without an adapter. Don’t even get me started on that design flaw.
- I have to be able to answer calls, mid-song, by clicking the headphone button, just like the Apple-included headset.
- I need noise isolation – either active or passive.
- Good looks – the other thing that annoys me is the Apple-white headphones with my sleek black and chrome phone.
- Wrap-around or snug in-ear capability – obviously fallout from the aforementioned fall-out.
- Must cost less than I paid for the iPhone.
- The ability to pause and skip songs with a headphone button, much like the Apple-included headset.
I’m pleased to report that the new V-MODA Vibe Duo fits the bill, perfectly.
I’d been intrigued by the Vibe Duo since it was introduced shortly after the iPhone. It features a sleek, hands-free microphone, with high-definition sound, from rich bass to vibrant highs. The all-metal black-and-aluminum design includes a durable fabric cable and a variety of soft silicone fittings for fall-out-free enjoyment for every ear type. The Vibe Duo is exquisite. It looks good, sounds even better, and feels sturdy without feeling heavy, all for $99.99.
But, at its introduction, the original Vibe Duo had a huge shortcoming – the lack of skip-or-pause ability for the music functions of my phone. The button was there, but it only worked for the phone part. If you wanted to switch songs, you’d still have to fish your ‘pod out of your pocket. V-MODA has addressed the issue with the new Vibe Duo (available in Red Roxx, Nero [Black], and Chrome), just in time for the holidays.
Now, it’s perfect. And fits nicely in a stocking, too. I personally tested a pair on the drive home for Thanksgiving, and believe me, my Mom called a few times to check our progress.
I don’t know about you, Mr. “I’m fine with the free headphones falling out all the time,” but my search is officially over. Unless you want wireless, The Vibe Duo is the iPhone headset to beat. The new Vibe Duo by V-MODA is available at Apple retail stores and from www.Amazon.com and www.shop.v-moda.com, MSRP of $99.99.
Happy Holidays.
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