Virtual Weblog

It doesn’t matter how many pairs of earphones I purchase, or how matter gadgets I own that use them (that come with earphones), I can never find a pair to plug in when I want to listen to music on mp3 player, iPod Touch, laptop, or netbook.

I’ve always believed in having a place for everything (and everything in its place), but when it comes to earphones and headphones, that place is never where I expect it to be.

Now I know it doesn’t make sense to attach any extra cords or wires to these devices, and leaving the earphones plugged in usually just leads to tangles and other troubles. I’ve never gotten into the Bluetooth way, as it pertains to wireless listening, but there must be some other solutions to earphone management.

Now, I’ve tried retractable earphones, but they’re really quite silly, and bulky (however I do like my retractable mouse for my netbook). I’ve tried wrapping the cords around the players, and I’ve tried putting them in little boxes, but ultimately they disappear into some drawer or cupboard, never to be seen (or heard from/with) again.

The only solution I’ve come up with to this date is to run a set of earphones through my Scottevest (not a plug), a multi-pocketed layer of clothing designed for geeks. As this set is more-or-less permanently attached to my vest, I always have a set of earphones to listen with, as long as I don’t lose the vest.

At home, there are plenty of stereo speakers for pumping out the sound, and I never seem to lose those (the remotes are another question). However, when someone comes up with a way to manage earphones and headphones, I’d like to hear from them.