RuggedReviews.com Review of Arriva Cordless Headphones

Arriva Cordless iPod Shuffle Headphones

I hate headphone cords. They tangle. They snag my arms, clothes, and weight equipment. They yank out earbuds. And they THUMP in my ears every time I move.

After years of searching for relief, I finally found liberation from the wiry noose in the Arriva Cordless iPod Shuffle Headphones. Arriva came up with the brilliant idea of combining earbuds and an iPod shuffle base with firm wires (the design is not completely wireless, it's cordless) that can be draped over the ears. The Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd generation only) sits firmly at the back of the wearer's head.

Now running is joy. After taking the time to adjust the Arriva Headphone wires to fit my head firmly -- it may take several fittings -- it's easy to forget I'm wearing the lightweight unit. I can get lost in the zone because I don't have to free myself from cords or adjust a player clipped on my clothing. They're also handy working out and doing chores.

The Arriva Headphones and the Shuffle deliver good sound, but it probably won't meet audiophiles exacting standards. Quite frankly, I've never tried earbuds that don't make some noise in my ears as I move around or allow some wind or street noise to get through, so perfect reproduction doesn't really matter to me.

Some people don't like earbuds jammed in their ears. Arriva makes a non-earbud version (similar to Apple's iPod headphone buds) that you can check out here: Arriva iPod-style Bud Headphones.

One critical tip: If you're a sweater, follow the manufacturer's recommendation and use a piece of tape to cover the gap where the headphone base meets the Shuffle. This will prevent moisture from damaging the headphone plug and Shuffle.

The supply of 2nd generation iPod Shuffles is dwindling, so act fast if you want to give this rig a try.

This photo of the basic Arriva Cordless unit (upside down) shows the earbuds, wires and base. Open the clip on your 2nd generation Apple iPod Shuffle and lower it down on the base and plug. Closing the Shuffle's clip holds it firmly on the base.

The basic Arriva Cordless unit (right side up) without iPod Shuffle. The semi-rigid wires can be adjusted for comfortable fit.

Here's the Arriva Cordless Headphones unit with the iPod Shuffle installed. Plug the Arriva Cordless Headphones earbuds into your ears, drape the wires over your ears, and suspend the Shuffle at the back of your head. The space between the headphone unit and Shuffle is closed with tape not to secure the Shuffle but to prevent damaging sweat from invading the space between the headphone unit and Shuffle.

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Reviewed by Larry Richardson
October 2009

Rugged Accessories...
Apple iPod Shuffle 2nd Gen Only

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