NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES
Forget about cranking up the volume to mask everyday clatter. Noise-canceling headphones reduce the din without shattering your eardrums. Flip the switch on the battery pack and a mike in the headset picks up background sound, then produces equal but opposite frequencies to wipe it out.
SPLURGE (SHOWN)
Sennheiser HDC451-1
Sennheiser makes noise-reduction headsets for the aviation industry, and the brand's expertise shows in its consumer ear gear. Background bustle gets blasted away, leaving music rich and outside conversation sharp, with very little hum. The design - superior coupling to the ear and padded headband - and lightweight materials are both stylish and extremely plush.
$150, www.sennheiserusa.com
BEST BUY
NCT NoiseBuster Extreme
This inexpensive unit is surprisingly effective at eliminating the surrounding sizzle that can plague other headsets: Music and conversation come through crisply. NoiseBuster also features two unique controls - a slider that adjusts the amount of background noise let through and a selector that optimizes either in-flight or portable audio. The only bummer: The headset doesn't fold up for easy travel.
$39, www.nctgroupinc.com
OVERRATED
Koss Quiet Zone 2000
This system isn't worth the premium price. Music input and outside speech are both dampened by excessive white noise. The battery pack is bulky and, unlike the other sets, lacks a belt clip. What's more, the headphones aren't connected to it, so they're prone to being yanked out accidentally. And, though you can unplug the 'phones, their nonstandard jack makes them practically useless without the battery pack.
$200, www.koss.com
PLAY
Exploring *Myst'*s Brave New World
Tru 2 Da Game
Better Than MP3
What's On Your iPod?
It's Not Easy Being Green
Thrash Photography
Honey, Where Are the Keys to the Hovercraft?
Read Me: Regulating Railroad Innovation
Merry Institute of Tricksters
Top 10 MIT Hacks
Wet & Wild
Top of the Pop Shop
reviews
Fetish
Music to Your Ears
GMRS Talks the Talk
Total Remote Control
Shopping Cart
