iPhone Headphones: Wrap ‘Em Up!
Since I got my 1st iPhone (I’m on my 2nd, debating when to upgrade…again!) I’ve tweeted, blogged, emailed, and complained about the headsets with a remote and mic: they tangle too easily! Why can’t Apple make a retractable iPhone headphone? Or Bose? Or Motorola? Or Belkin? Or any of the dozens of other companies that make headsets compatible with the iPhone. Why is this so hard to find? I can easily find retractable iPod headphones without the volume and mic features!!
Meet Moi new best friend:
Here’s the problem: It’s stressful enough when just listening to music and the headphone cord is too long and tangles. But when in the middle of a conversation? At best annoying, at worst the tangled mess catches on something and unplugs itself.
Is it just Moi with this problem? No way:
- at airports I see again and again people trying to be courteous and use their headphone instead of shouting in a crowded airport waiting area. And time and again, the cords are tangled and pulling, and the users are fumbling and grabbing at dangling cords
- mothers with babies trying to de-tangle cords from little fingers (I agree: they shouldn’t be on the phone when holding a baby, but hey: let’s get real! Its better to be using a headphone and talking hands-free than holding the baby in one arm!)
- drivers steering with their elbows while untangling a cord and shouting into an iphone held a foot away from their mouth: driving one-handed with the other hand holding their iphone to their ear would be safer!
- women at the grocery store: their phone rings, and they’re fumbling in the bottom of their purse to untangle and plug in their headphones
You’ve seen it to. And if you’re like me, you’ve tried to solve the problem on your own:
- wrap the excess cord around your phone, which is OK as long as you don’t move your arm position
- organize the cords in retailer-provided or your own case, which works until you actually get a call
- attempt to make your own retractable headset following impossible how-to websites
Then, I saw the bobino display at my neighborhood housewares store. Available in 3 sizes and 6 colors, this lightweight disk organizes and manages earphones, chargers, and other cables. I like it because:
- it’s easy to unwind and rewind as you need shorter or longer cable lengths
- bright colors allow you to color-code cables and easily find a hot-pink bobino in the bottom of a purse or briefcase
- inexpensive: the small is only $2.95
I already bought 3: turqoise, hot pink and black. And I’m going back to buy 2 more for my extra headsets. Do I still want a retractable iPhone headset: YES! But until someone makes it, I have bobino.
10 comments
Sounds like a great Fix. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to even experience that problem. I love my iPhone but the headphones are made for one-size ears. They will not stay in my ears and fall right out if I try.
However, Apple was nice enough to sell me ear phones that fit for only $99.00 extra.
Hi MC
And I’m guessing those $99 earphones are tangled up in your pocket right now…
Would make a great stocking stuffer!!! Do you know any stores that carry them?
FiveFingers footwear connects you to the earth and your surroundings in a way that is simply not possible in conventional shoes.
Sue:
The bobinos are pretty new: they just came out in May. So I’m expecting they’ll be everywhere soon, they’re so practical and inexpensive. I lucked out at my corner housewares store, probably because much of the customer base is Columbia students and faculty. But now you can buy bobino cable buddies online
– on their website: http://us.mybobino.com/
- on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Bobino-Cable-Buddy-Medium
- at one of my fave onsite stores, Spoon Sisters: http://www.spoonsisters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?
-
would you believe i’m thinking to make the switch to an iphone??! my blackberry died on our 2nd day of a month long holiday and will be buying a new phone next week once finally returning from all my summer travels… might just need a bobino!
T
Guten Tag Diva:
Come on over to the dark side. It’s addictive but I promise you’ll love the iPhone. And the apps will make your work soooo much easier! I’m getting closer to upgrading…again
ciao ciao
I just got an iPhone – haven’t even had it long enough yet to have broken the glass! My friend found retractable headphones at Brookstone – you know the gadgety shop at the mall. I just wish the headphones came in darker colors ‘cuz the white is only going to stay white so long….
thanks for the tip: I’m passing a Brookstone today and I’ll stop in and see if they have retractable iphone headphones!
Good news! I just found Bobino cords wraps at the Container Store: http://www.containerstore.com Wrap ‘em up!
Leave a Comment