Headphones or earphones?
I’m not about to stand here before you and say that I am an audiophile, because I’m not. I do know when something is of exceptional quality though and which form factor of headset I’d chose given the opportunity.
There are are pros and cons to having a set of of earphones. The main pro is that they’re so small and light! If you plug these into your phone and slip the wire up through your jacket you hardly notice they’re there. No doubt everyone reading has been talking to someone before and wondered why they are not listening to you, only to discover they’re discretely listening to some drum n bass.
Nokia Purity stereo headset by Monster
A downside somebody might consider would be the wire, since it’s always going to be there with this kind of headset. For myself I don’t mind the wire at all, it’s the in ear design that doesn’t suit me. Don’t get me wrong, the quality of earphones (if you get good ones like Nokia Purity) is brilliant. The problem is apparent when I’m standing around doing whatever, listening to my tunes etc, and somebody taps me on the shoulder because I’m being unresponsive. This I cannot do with, I need to be aware of my surroundings even when listening to music!
Nokia Purity HD stereo headset by Monster
These are more my cup of tea. Not only do I find them more comfortable but the above issue isn’t as pronounced. Mainly because the things don’t sit right inside your ear blocking out all sound but also people can actually see you’re listening to techno and won’t bother you!
Nokia Purity stereo headset by Monster
Anyway, this is just me… and I’m only speaking from a male perspective. I have it on good authority too, that some women prefer on or over-ear headsets to in ear ones as “an extension if their self expression”. When you think about the amazingly vivid colours that are available with the Nokia Purity range too, it kinda starts to make sense doesn’t it?
But what about you, what do you prefer? Let us know in the comments section or on Twitter. And please share any funny or strange stories you have experienced while wearing headphones.