Shortly after talking up the iPod at the recent Mac Design Conference, a gentleman approached and asked a question I’ve heard time and again:
“How on earth do you keep your iPod’s earbuds from becoming a tangled mess?”
Good question. Here’s the answer:
As part of my iPod kit, I carry Griffin Technologies’ iTrip. Not only is it a fine FM transmitter (but please don’t attempt to change its radio frequencies while driving — you will die), it’s also a great spool for my earbuds. I just wind the earbuds around the iTrip and I’m ready to roll. Regrettably, when I need to use my iTrip for its intended purpose, I have to unwrap the earbuds from around it and I’m back to tangled cords.
If I were a tidier person, I’d seriously consider a set of retractable earbuds. These things are made by such outfits as ZipLinq, Macally, and Proporta. I can’t vouch for the audio quality of these headphones, but I’m pretty confident that they’re far less likely than what you’re using now to end up as a knotted web in your pocket or purse.
Shameless Self-Promotion
Speaking of iPods, I’ll be speaking of iPods and promoting the 4th edition of my wildly popular Secrets of the iPod this very evening (Tuesday, June 7) at the Apple Store in Palo Alto, California from 7 to 8 PM. I’m slated to also appear at the Walnut Creek Apple Store on the 16th of June from 7 to 8, and the San Francisco Apple Store on Sunday, June 27th from 4 to 5 PM.
Come on by and bring your iPod questions with you.