Macworld mini-review: Mic buds for iPhones

The earbuds that Apple offers with its iPhone look just like iPod earbuds -- except for a tiny microphone built into one of the cords, at roughly mouth level, along with a button to pause/resume music and take/dismiss calls.

The buds work fine, but aren't terribly stylish nor comfortable. Alternatives include V-Moda's Vibe Duo buds, which fit better in the ear and look sensational.

Now NewerTech offers its own iPhone audio gear. Options include its Hands-Free Mic & Earbud, roughly comparable to the V-Moda buds, and its iPhone Mic Extender Cable, intended to be used in tandem with users' own music-only buds.

I like the all-in-one earbuds, which differ from the V-Moda ones in key respects. The earpieces don't go as deeply into the ear canal nor block outside sound, which means they're better options for motorists (V-Modas make more sense on a plane to block sound while listening to music).

The attached mic is a bit better positioned for talking, too, and its button is a bit easier to find with your fingers and to click. Overall, this is a nice choice, though audio geeks might prefer the slightly better audio with V-Modas jammed deep into their ears.

I'm not quite as keen on NewerTech's extender unit, though I like the idea. If you have expensive, custom-fitted buds, these add iPhone-calling capability with a mic and button. But the bud/extender combo makes for a long and awkward arrangement, even with a clip for attaching the mic to a shirt or jacket.

Given a choice, I'd be inclined to get the Vibe Duos, though beware of possible manufacturing problems -- a loaner pair broke soon after I received it, but a replacement set worked fine.