Wireless Headphones
January 7th, 2010Creative Labs CB8100 and Aurvana Wireless Headphones
Amazon’s Kindle eBook reader is now on sale in the UK and Europe, shipped with a US power adaptor supporting voltages of between 100V and 240V so that it can be used anywhere in Europe. Amazon began offering the Kindle to Europe in late October 2009, thus breaking down the one barrier to its potential domination of the e-reader market.
It is not, however, sold from local Amazon sites such as Amazon.co.uk, but only from the American main website Amazon.com. It is sold in American dollars, and shipped from the US, although it is ordered by Europeans using their regular accounts. So what benefits does the Kindle offer over the other e-readers that have been available in Europe for some time and that most people interested in eBook readers now own. Examples include the Sony PRS, Cool-er and iRex, though there are several others against which the Kindle now has to prove itself.
It is being offered globally on the 3G network with no charges for the wireless connectivity that is used to download eBooks directly to the Kindle. However, blogs and the web browser they are experimenting with will not be available.
Is it too late for Amazon to enter the European market? Initial signs are no. Sales have been strong, particularly in the UK and Western Europe, where it appears that intelligent consumers are going for the Kindle’s range of features rather than looks. However, the strength of the iPhone in Europe could be serious competition once this has been modified to a fully featured e-reader. Apple is not known for being left behind in any technology. Furthermore, as it was noted in the article “Is the Future of Books in Mobile EBook Reading?”, the future likely lies in a portable digital reader that downloads and plays music, offers internet access, incorporates a digital camera and can be used as a mobile phone (Digital Book Readers).
The electronic libraries available to Kindle users are vast, with Amazon offering over 200,000 titles in the English language, and publishers such as Penguin, HarperCollins and Faber and Faber signing up to offer Kindle-compatible titles. To date only US newspapers and magazines are available, but it should not be long before the top UK and European newspapers are added to the list.
As stated, prices are in US dollars, and a Kindle currently sells to the UK from Amazon.com for $259 plus local customs, taxes and other charges, although accessories such as a charger, leather case cover and users guide are available from local Amazon sites in local currencies. In the UK that price equates to £157 UK – compared to the Sony PRS-505 at £225, the BeBook at £240 and the Cool-er at £190 (all to the nearest pound), then the Kindle appears to be the best deal.
You can get the Sony e-book Pocket for under £160 if you know where to look, and all of these products can be purchased at lower prices elsewhere using internet price comparison websites, but these are the basic prices on Amazon and a brief survey has indicated that they differentials are generally maintained elsewhere.
However, buying from the US site, it is not possible to find the actual price including duty and delivery until you actually provide your payment details. On doing that the price is £202.63: It still beats the Sony PRS and BeBook price, and given the limitations of the Cool-er and the size of the Sony Pocket that is cheaper still, there appears to be no reason why the Kindle should not be as successful in Europe as it is in the USA.
So what benefits does the Kindle offer over these competitors? Probably the backing of Amazon, the largest eBook distributor on the planet, is sufficient reason in itself. Add to that the amazingly clear screen with its e-ink technology, and everything that anybody could want in an e-reader, and then you have your answer. Add to that the 3G, that means you don’t have to dock your reader to anything, and it doesn’t even have to come within a 100 miles of a computer to work, then its competitors are dead in the water.
The battery has the longest life ever, and everything about it is about ease of use, ease and speed of download and storage capacity for 200 books, this has everything. Add to that the MP3 player that plays through built-in speakers or headphones that it shares with iRex (the Sony needs headphones), then you have a machine that is top of the class, and for which only the price was not right.
Now that the price is right in Europe compared to that of the competition then there should be no holding the Kindle back. At least not until Apple find a competitor to 3G to enable rapid downloading of eBooks, and then the world of e-readers will come alight again with a battle royal that Amazon might not relish – but knowing Apple, they will love!
Marco Gustafsson is author of articles on eBook Readers, e-inc technology and electronic books. Find more information here – Digital Book Readers
Shure P2TR215CL Wireless Personal Monitor System $599
The Shure P2TR215CL is a wireless personal monitoring system with SE215 headphones. Looking for an affordable personal monitor alternative to floor wedges? Meet PSM 200. This full-featured system features versatile components designed to grow with your needs. Start out with the P2R Hybrid Bodypack Receiver and then upgrade to wireless by adding the P2T Wireless TransMixer.
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Stanton DJ Pro 50S Headphones $29
High quality stereo headphones at an entry level price.
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Shure SRH240A Studio Headphones $59.95
Shure SRH240A Headphones provide excellent sound reproduction and comfort. With 40 mm neodymium dynamic drivers optimized for general listening and monitoring, the SRH240A Headphones reproduce full bass with clear mids and highs.
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Pioneer HDJ-1000 Stereo Headphones $169
Pioneer HDJ-1000 professional headphones feature a futuristic look, lightweight design and exceptional sound quality. The HDJ-1000 headphones offer 3,500 mW of maximum input making distortion practically non-existent.
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Sennheiser HD25-1II Professional Headphones $199.95
The closed-back HD 25s are purpose-designed, professional monitoring headphones offering high attenuation of background noise.
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Sennheiser HD203 Closed Headphones $49.95
The Sennheiser HD203 closed, dynamic hi-fi stereo headphones are the ideal partner for powerful modern music, providing good insulation against ambient noise and a vivid, crisp bass response. The rugged lightweight headphones have a secure fit and can be used for both mobile sources and home (mini) hi-fi systems.
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Bose AE2i Audio Headphones $179.95
With the premium audio performance of the Bose AE2i audio headphones, you can immerse yourself in your music and enjoy an around-ear fit that stays comfortable for hours. These headphones have been exclusively designed with an inline remote and microphone to provide convenient control of select Apple products.
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Bose IE2 Audio Headphones $99.95
Bose IE2 audio headphones are completely re-engineered from the inside out, these headphones let you experience musical detail and a comfortable fit that conventional earbuds cannot match. Their enhanced acoustic design helps your music sound smoother and more natural and they are constructed for lasting quality and tested to meet rigorous standards for durability. Whether you exercise, enjoy active sports or just listen on the go, Bose’ proprietary StayHear tips rest comfortably and securely in your ears. Experience Bose IE2 headphones for yourself, and discover why they look, feel and sound like no other headphones you’ve tried before.
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Reloop RHP-5 DJ Headphones $49.95
Reloop is proud to present the RHP-5 series DJ headphones with integrated iPhone control. Compact and lightweight, these headphones deliver a surprisingly robust sound without burning a hole in your wallet. The Reloop RHP-5 features rotating ear cups and a collapsible design for easy storage and maximum portability. These stylish headphones also include a microphone and an answer/mute button and work with all smartphones with 3.5mm jack including iPhone and BlackBerry.
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Denon DNHP500 Professional DJ Headphones $69
Introducing the DN-HP500 headphones from Denon DJ. These latest headphones, like the HP1000 and HP700 models, produce impeccably clean and vibrant audio while withstanding the high-volume demands of today’s DJs; all in a stylish and affordable package.
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American Audio HP550 DJ Headphones $49.99
American Audio HP550 headphones are comfortable, sturdy high powered headphones with a mini Jack connection. The flexible housing design allows for double or single ear monitoring. Fold them up for easy transport!
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Numark Red Wave DJ Headphones $99.95
Numark RED WAVE headphones were designed with the entire DJ experience in mind. Their superior sound, eye-catching looks and comfortable design make RED WAVE headphones the clear choice of professional DJs.
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Audio-Technica ATHON300 Headphones $24.95
Experience the smooth, clearly detailed sound quality and stylish design of Audio-Technica’s ATH-ON300 On-Ear Headphones. The ultra-slim stainless headband delivers a super-light fit, and the housings swivel for fold-flat portability.
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Nady HP03 Closed Back Headphones $14.95
Dynamic stereo headphones with 40mm drivers, integrated volume control, plus padded headband and earcups.
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Audio Technica ATHES55 Headphones $89.99
Designed for comfort, quality and portability, the Audio Technica ATH-ES55 on-ear headphones feature impressive 40 mm neodymium magnets and carefully crafted earpads that swivel into the ideal listening position for truly comfortable custom fit. Portability is assured as each earpiece can be folded toward the headband, allowing it to fit inside the small protective pouch supplied with the headphones for secure storage – in a pocket or purse – when not in use.
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Yamaha RH1C Headphones $14.95
Perfect for on the go listening, the RH1 Portable Stereo Headphones are lightweight with foam ear cushions, providing the utmost in comfort. The design of the RH1 model delivers deep bass and clear treble quality for a remarkable acoustic presence and includes a 6-foot cord with 1/8 in. plug and 1/4 in. adaptor.
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Audio Technica ATHFW3 Headphones $49.95
Experience the comfort, quality, and fashion-forward flair of Audio-Technica’s ATH-FW3 on-ear headphones. The delightful button styling adds to the fun but the real prize is the exceptional sound, the musical dynamics & balanced tone. Features include ultra-thin headband and generously cushioned earpads.
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Audio Technica ATHSJ11 Headphones $37.95
Don’t leave great sound at home. Audio-Technica’s ATH-SJ11BK on-ear headphones deliver clear & natural sound along with a slim, folding design for easy portability and rotating earpieces (180 degrees) for one-ear DJ-style monitoring.
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Audio Technica ATHT200 Headphones $24.95
Audio-Technica brings its pro audio expertise to the design of the ATH-T200 dynamic monitor headphones. Equipped with large-diameter drivers, they also feature an adjustable double headband for long-wearing comfort, and specially designed support system that reduces pressure for extended listening comfort. Soft over-the-ear earpads minimize sound leakage.
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Yamaha RH3C Headphones $39.99
For professional quality, whether creating a masterpiece or enjoying your favorite music, the Yamaha RH3 Stereo Headphones provide users with razor sharp treble and resounding bass. Equipped with high-power magnetic neodymium for maximum detail and clarity, the RH3 model comes complete with an 8-foot cord with 1/8 in. plug and 1/4 in. adaptor.
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Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Surround Headphone $254.99
Pioneer SE-DIR800C Wireless Surround Headphone
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Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Earset – Stereo $43.49
Plantronics BackBeat 903+ Earset – Stereo
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Plantronics CS540 Headset $179.99
Plantronics CS540 Headset
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Plantronics M20 Earset $24.9
Plantronics M20 Earset
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GN Jabra GN9330e Wireless Headset $197.66
GN Jabra GN9330e Wireless Headset
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Turtle Beach EarForce XP500 Headset $229.99
Turtle Beach EarForce XP500 Headset
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Jabra EXTREME2 Earset $60.7
Jabra EXTREME2 Earset
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Plantronics M50 Earset $29.54
Plantronics M50 Earset
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Plantronics Savi W730-M Earset $229.49
Plantronics Savi W730-M Earset
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Scosche tuneSTREAM II HZ8 Headset – Stereo $42.76
Scosche tuneSTREAM II HZ8 Headset – Stereo
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New Panasonic Microwave Mid Size Stainless Steel 4 Digit Display Delay Start Removable Turntable $127.99
9-5/8 inch turntable diameter.8 cubic feet capacity. 6 Power settings. Removable turntable. Delay start….
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New Panasonic Bread Maker Fruit Nut Dispenser Large Lcd Readout White Gray Lid 13 Hour Preset Timer $390.22
13 Hour preset timer. Diamond fluorine non-stick coated pan. Large LCD readout. Power interruption protection. White/gray lid. Power interruption protection/safety fuse….
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New Panasonic Rice Cooker Steamer 6 Cups Scoop Holder Non Stick Coated Pan Glass Lid Handle $64.27
Rice scoop holder….
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Journey to the Edge of the Universe $12.99
Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 03/31/2009 Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Nr…
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Panasonic KX-TCA60 Hands-Free Headset with Comfort Fit Headband $14.95
Designed for use with any cordless phone possessing a standard 2.5 mm jack, Panasonic’s KX-TCA92 is an excellent way for you to talk hands-free while you work. Its boom-style microphone adjusts to an optimum level for your mouth and cancels solid-state background noise for cleaner transmissions. The KX-TCA92 is reversible-you may wear it on either ear-and it use…
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