Earbuds

A week or so ago, I wrote a BC item I called "Killer Combo" which
described how much I like working with Mobile GEO from Code Factory, a
Holux GPS receiver and an off-the-shelf Windows Mobile cell phone. I
neglected to include my one major complaint about the system, namely,
the earbud on the Jawbone.

Unlike most devices that use earbuds, the Jawbone comes with three
rubber earbud cover thingies in three sizes. I selected the smallest
of the bunch as earbuds always seem too big for my ear holes. Even
with the littlest one, the bud pops out with the slightest
provocation. This happens with virtually all earbuds that I have tried
from everything they come with ranging from my iPod Nano to my cell
phone and beyond. Fortunately, the Jawbone also has one of those loops
that wrap around one's ear so when it tries to escape, I can rely on
its tether to avoid losing the pricey little device.

Over the past few days I've performed an entirely unscientific survey
of every one I talked to on the phone. I asked them the question,
"What do you think about earbuds?"

The answers ranged from, "Can't stand them, if they come with a new
toy I just toss them in a drawer and use my Bose headphones," to, "I
can never keep them in my ears," to "I hate the fucking things." I had
about a dozen more answers to my question and virtually all were
negative.

Do my friends, family and co-workers all have exceptionally odd ear
holes? Are we all using our earbuds incorrectly? Does anyone actually
like these things that seem to come included with every item I buy
that makes a sound? Should I start a support group for people with
mutant ear holes?

Inquiring minds want to know...

– End