Selecting the right headphone type

Q: Recently I have been considering a new pair of headphones because I am getting quite tired of the standard Apple earphones that the iPods come with. I have three products in mind, and I am having trouble deciding which one is the best choice. They include the Bose QuietComfort 3, the Beats by Dr Dre, and the Shure SE530. As you can tell, they aren't the cheapest ones out there, but price at this point really isn't an issue. Which one out of the three is the most comfortable, has the best audio quality, and is the most durable; again, price really isn't a factor. Thank you very much for your help.
--John, via email.
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Return of the nutty Motz MP3 players

The quirky, DIY-friendly line of Motz MP3 players have been keeping a low-profile ever since we reported on them back in March of 2007, and recently suffered the unfortunate fate of being dropped from their Japanese distributor. Fortunately, Motz's Acorn, Ino, and Photo MP3 player models have been picked up by Cowon Japan, giving the products a new distribution channel.

The manufacturer's lowest-priced model, the Motz Ino, sells for 6,800 yen (approx. US$70) and includes all the basic components for creating your own customized MP3 player. The premise is that you'd use the Motz Ino to turn some random object (a stuffed animal, Altoids tin, day-glo fanny pack) into an MP3 player. If you're lacking in creativity, the Ino's packaging can also double as a makeshift case.
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Tiny wonder: theKube

We thought the new iPod shuffle was tiny enough already, until we got wind of theKube.

Manufactured by Singapore-based Ollo Technologies, a subsidiary of Bluetree Electronics which specializes in portable electronics and audio MP3 products, it measures 23 x 23 x 23mm, which is exactly 1mm smaller than the already-small mobiBlu DAH 1500i (24 x 24 x 24mm) every way you look at it. It is not exactly as light as the 10.7g iPod shuffle 4G, but at 18g, it's still reasonable.
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Sony's W-Series Walkman sweat damage issue being addressed

The Sony W-Series Walkman is an MP3 player built into a set of earbuds, which feature modules resembling Bluetooth headsets connected by a flexible neckband that loops over the back of the ears and behind the head. The design is undeniably innovative, and the player's ultralight weight and lack of headphone wires does appear to make it ideal for active applications. And, in fact, I found this Walkman to be quite handy at the gym during my testing for the review.

However, several Sony customers have logged complaints that the device isn't actually sweat-resistant, a rather important feature for any fitness-friendly gadget.
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Sony announces the B-Series Walkman for Asia

Update: The NWZ-B142F (2GB) and NWZ-B143F (4GB) are now available at a suggested retail price of S$74 (US$53.59) and S$99 (US$71.69) respectively.

If you like the NWZ-W202 Walkman's Zappin feature but still prefer a more traditional player and headphone setup, Sony's new NWZ-B140F Walkman MP3 player might just be the ticket.

Zappin facilitates track selection by playing the chorus of all tracks in the music library. The new players will be available in 2GB and 4GB capacities, and in four colors. On the specs list are: Three-line LCD, quick charge, bass enhancer, FM radio, and voice and FM recording. Only MP3 and WMA formats are supported, and it will keep playing them for up to 18 hours.

The 26g Walkman will be bundled with MDR-E804 headphones. The player is expected to arrive in July 2009 for the Asia-Pacific region. No official word was given on pricing as yet, but Sony claims its player will be affordable.

Kelvin Low is CNET Asia's very own go-to intern for Music & Play. When he's not fiddling with gadgets or setting up new PC rigs, he can be found hitting the dirt tracks on his mountain bike. Kelvin is currently studying mass communications at Temasek Polytechnic in Singapore. Email Kelvin.

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