These Headphones Keep Me Sane (I've Got the Music in my Computer Write-off)
Written: Aug 02 '02 (Updated Aug 02 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lightweight, great sound quality, behind the head styling.
Cons: I wish they had a longer cord!
The Bottom Line: See review.
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| JennJoy's Full Review: Labtec Icon 730 Consumer Headphones |
This is my entry into the “I’ve Got the Music in my Computer” write-off hosted by Opalman, Lambchops, and Opinionated3. The object is to write about a computer related product you use for music. See the end of this review for a full list of participants and check out their great entries!
I wanted to participate in this write-off as soon as I heard about it. I work as webmistress for a college, so much of my days are spent tied to a computer. Plus, music is one of the mainstays in my life, so it’s only natural that these two aspects of my life overlap. Surprisingly enough, I was hard pressed to pick a product for this write-off that seemed to fit the bill, as my audio equipment for my computer is fairly limited. I have a nice CD burner, the standard software it came with, a MP3 to WAV converter program, and a few listening programs. These products are either not listed on epinions yet or they’ve been reviewed to death. For some reason I initially overlooked my headphones, even though they are the product I use most to listen to music on my computer, particularly at work.
I have my own office at work, but it’s customary to leave one’s door open unless you are having a private meeting or phone call. Because of this, I listen to my music with headphones so as not to scare anyone with my selections and the volume at which I choose to listen. A few coworkers just choose to keep the volume on their speakers down, but I like to really be able to hear my music. The headphones, which came with my computer, were barely more than airplane style pieces of hollow plastic tubing, so I needed to purchase some better ones.
Enter the Labtec LT-730’s
When I went to purchase my new headphones I had a few criteria in mind: they couldn’t be ear buds (because I can’t stand those!) and they couldn’t be too big and bulky (I needed something inconspicuous for office use). I knew I wouldn’t be able to try them out before purchasing since I was ordering from a catalog, so I just had to hope I’d get decent sound for a small amount of money.
Styling
I’m not very picky about colors and such when it comes to something like headphones or other computer accessories. I’m sure the silver and black colors of the Labtec LT-730’s looks cool to most people, but in my mind, these things don’t need to look pretty they just need to work well. I ended up choosing the Labtec LT-730 headphones because they are the behind the head type (as opposed to ear buds or the traditional over the top of the head types). This seemed like a good idea to me as I frequently need to slip them off in a hurry to answer my phone or if someone comes into my office. With behind the head styling, it’s easy just to slip one side off or to slide the set onto my neck while I talk to someone. The LT-730’s are also fairly compact and lightweight so they don’t feel bulky or cumbersome while you are wearing them. They are also fairly durable, although I don’t imagine they would last long if you start stomping on them.
Sound
I must admit that I was surprised that such inexpensive headphones could give me such rich sound quality. Labtec’s website claims their headphones are made for a “digital music lifestyle” and they are absolutely correct. I’ve used these to listen to tons of stuff on my computer including CDs, MP3’s, WAV files, and just about everything else. My music sounds just as good through the Labtec’s as it would through decent speakers. That hollow sound I got with my old crappy headphones is not an issue with the Labtec’s—everything now sounds crisp and clean, the way it’s intended to be. The Labtec LT-730’s are basic headphones, so they don’t come with any of the bells and whistles that more expensive models do; however, they do what they are supposed to and fit my needs perfectly.
Minor Gripes
There are two small things that I don’t like about the Labtec LT-730’s, but these seem to be fairly standard among headphones in the cheapo $10 to $20 range. First, the cord is too short for me. Sure, it has decent enough reach between the speakers and headphones so that I can move pretty freely while sitting at my desk, but there are times I’d like to be able to stand up and move around my office without having to take them off. Second, anyone who comes into my office can hear my music playing, as the headphones are not tight fitting enough to block sound out completely for those around you. These are both minor gripes and wouldn’t necessarily affect my purchase of other Labtec headphones in the future.
Recommendations
The Labtec LT-730’s are clearly not headphones for people who want all the latest technology—these things are basic, inexpensive, and have good sound quality. If those things are important to you then the Labtec’s will fit your needs. The behind the head style is a great convenience and I can’t imagine going back to over the top of the head types which just get in the way. So, if you want to listen to music on your computer, need headphones to do so, and don’t want to spend a lot of money, I highly recommend the Labtec LT-730’s—you won’t find anything better in this price range.
The other participants in the “I’ve Got Music in my Computer” write-off are:
aerocat
cartman_2k
cntaur5
deaser26
dedemw
divad23
drfaustus
dvon
frazzledspice
jag2112
kcfoxy
kiko_cat
kurt_g
lambchops (co-host)
lyagushka
mike.holmes
nc10
netnut746
opalman (co-host)
opinionated3 (co-host)
paulyoungotti
quasar
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
JennJoy
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Location: Philly
Reviews written: 270
Trusted by: 333 members
About Me:
Music. Nuff said.
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