CartShure I3c Integrated Sound Isolating Earphones with Dual Connector
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Brand: Shure
Features:
* WideBand MicroDriver Technology plus VoicePort Mic and Multi-function Control Switch
* Dual connectors means your earphones are plugged into both cell phone and portable music device at the same time
* Loud and clear calls, clear and enjoyable music
* VoicePort ¿ inline microphone filters out background noise
* Shure makes audio equipment - microphones, earphones, mixers, etc. that are used by professional musicians the world over
Warranty: 2 years warranty
Batteries Included: no
I3C SHURE ISOLATING EARPHONE W/ MICRODRIVER E*
total reviews 3
Good product if you need the functionality
These earphones are essentially the now-discontinued Shure E3c model to which has been added an inline microphone, a combination source switch and volume control, and a second male plug that will fit Treo cell phone headset ports. I owned a Shure E3c before and the sound quality was excellent. There's no difference with the I3c.
The "VoicePort" inline microphone, despite Shure's claim of being "acoustically tuned to filter out background noise and minimize wind noise-ensuring that callers hear you clearly even in the noisiest situations." is nothing special. It's just like the ones you find on cheap earbud wired headsets for cell phones. That said, it works well enough.
The lead from the earbud to the microphone is the same size as the lead on the opposite earbud, but when it gets to the earbud/strain relief the size of the lead doubles until it gets to the y-connector, which is also a strain relief. The lead that goes from the y-connector to the switch and volume control is the same larger size, and the two leads that come out of the other end of the switch/volume control module are the heavier style, as well. I bought this set when the wire in my previous E3c broke, making one channel go dead. I would have preferred that Shure spend another six cents and make all the leads the heavier and more sturdy material.
The lead lengths are as follows (all measurements approximate):
Switch/Volume Control to 3.5mm iPod headphone male plug: 28 inches
Switch/Volume Control to 2.5mm Treo male plug: 11 inches
Switch/Volume Control to Y-connector,strain relief: 26 inches
Y-connector to earbuds: 15 inches
Clearly, you are expected to keep your Treo closer to your head than you keep your iPod or other music player. To switch from listening to the music player to the cell phone (or vice versa), move the slider switch.
The volume control is a thumbwheel on the switch/volume control module, and it's easy to spin it unintentionally when taking the module in or out of a pocket. This can lead to some startlingly loud volume levels when you push the button on the music player. The same is true when you stop hearing anything, so check that control first. The switch/volume control module has a plastic clip integrated into it, but there are two cables coming out of one end and one out of the other, so it's not especially convenient to attach to your clothing.
The unit ships with a variety of earbud sleeves so you can adjust the fit to your liking. Properly fitted, you'll be all but deaf to outside noise with the earbuds inserted. This is something important to keep in mind if you're going to use this product while walking, running, biking, or anything else that could result in you becoming a road pizza. You won't hear sounds like sirens, car horns, barking/growling dogs or vehicle brakes and tires skidding. On the plus side, you'll probably never know what hit you and die peacefully.
There are a few more cables and wires than I care to deal with, but short of a combined wireless solution for your music player and Treo cell phone, this is possibly your best bet.
