almost perfect

This case is quiet quality and funtion at it's best. There is however a small downside, the ability to manipulate the controls is a little hindered by the leather covering that area. Still a superb little case though.

surpasses much higher price ear-buds

for years i have been a big fan of Bose speaker systems, so when the company came out with their first and maybe their only in-ear headphone, i rushed out and bought one for $106, after a few months of listening i became truly disappointed, more so when i got a pair of Sony MDR-ED21 ear-bud which cost me only $18, let me hasten to say that high-quality sound is very important to me, and i can say without a doubt that the sony has outperformed the Bose by a wide margin, it is way more dynamic, transparent and has somewhat of a depth to the sound, i really wish i had the opportunity then to do a side-by-side comparison, because i would have returned the Bose, i must also add that i got the opportunity to listen to Bose more expensive noise cancelling headphones in an Apple Store and they are very bassy,just like the ones i bought, so folks who are in to drumming might like them, but others like me who like to hears vocals and treble should really look elsewhere, i know that these $18 babies will not compare to the likes of Sennheiser or the Etymotic er-4s, i havent had the chance to listen to those, but folks i conclude by saying, pay close attention to sound quality and not marketing hype by these overrated companies, i didnt give five stars here because i havent heard the Sennheiser or the Etymotic
good luck
Delbert G (Georgia, U.S.A.)

Bulbous Baggage

Okay, it looks sleek from the outside; but this"practical" piece of kit is rather dull. And, before you ask, it isn't flush either.

It really sticks out when you wear it; I have never felt comfortable wearing it.

There are plenty more MD holders from Sony that will do the job better than this. For example, I got one with my Hi-MD recorder for free. Remember: always pick a soft material - it will still protect the scratches; and the Shock Absorbant body of the MiniDisc system will take care of any damage caused. Think twice.

Design heaven...

This is a thoroughly well designed pair of headphones. As you can see from the picture, they are sleek but there also small.
Plus, being over-ear headphones rather than in-ears, they don't cause your ears to hurt, and ultimately do less damage to your hearing.
Pros: -Great design, really good sound quality, the cord design is fantastic. Basically Sony has solved all the problems that other headphones have. Good value
Cons:- Make my ears look big - Oh sweet vanity!

First Impressions Are Generally Good

I purchased these as a replacement for the MDR-EX71 pair I bought about 2 years ago which, although still sounding great, are showing distinct signs of the cable wear that other users have mentioned. I seem to recall paying approx £27 for the '71s at the time, but loved them (and still do - but see my review of Sennheiser CX-300).

I actually ordered the E818LP model, but was given a 'free upgrade' to the E828LP (for good or ill) and at the price couldn't be bothered to go through the fuss of an exchange despite the reviews of the '818s being generally more favourable.

For the price, and without having them long, I think they are a good buy. The sound may not be quite as clear and sharp as that experienced with the EX71, but they have a decent bass and do cost less than half the price. The other point of interest is that the volume output is far greater for a given setting on your player.

Being cheaper, the phones come with a relatively short cable length (which is still compatible with the extension chord from the EX71s) and the cable is of a harder, less flexible compound. Whether it is more durable, only time will tell. The left and right split to the ears is equal, which I happen to prefer.

The business ends fit well into the ear and lodge there securely, although I admit that the design is less easy to ignore when inserted. The choice of 3 different sizes of soft rubber buds that come with the EX71 design are, for me, a better and more comfortable fit. These also give you the choice of plugging firmly into the ear canal or loosely on the lower lobe, whereas the 828s need to be firmly lodged somewhere between the two extremes. I've not bothered fitting the flimsy foam pads, which will probably be quick to disintegrate and/or acquire grime and other nasties.

For some the rigid case with built-in winding reel that comes with the 'phones may be a bit of a gimick, but I can't help but think that the cable sheathing for my EX71s would have lasted longer if I'd had one.

On balance, I would recommend the 828s as a cheap and powerful option if you aren't too fussy about crystal sounds on holiday or on the move. For the price they do a more than decent job, but maybe I will buy a higher quality pair for less harsh environments (and make sure I keep them in a decent protective case).

It remains to be seen whether these first impressions stay the course.

If your phone doesn't have phone streaming...

Newer Sony phones have the Bluetooth phone streaming facility which are probably better as they are wireless. I have a W810i which doesn't have that facility so have to stick to wires. The headphones I got with my phone don't stay in my ear even when walking never mind jogging. The sound quality of these is spot on and they are perefect for jogging. If you are happy with having this style of phones on your ears, then these are faultless.

Great pair of bargain headphones

If you want a pair of headphones that won't affect the quality of your music whilst looking good and costing less than a tenner these are for you.

They produce a better sound than the 'phones provided with a Sony MP3 player and a louder one than those that come with an iPod.

Look at JVC 'Marshmellow' earbuds before buying these as they are slightly better but if you'd rather have a set that just sit in your ear rather than go in them these are a great buy.

One final thing, each ear wire is the same length, not one longer than the other which some people may prefer.

Best headphones I've ever had

I've just bought my second pair of these, the first wore out after several years' regular use. They are particularly good for the gym or the beach as they are very secure. The sound quality is excellent too.

LCS-VA5 Case

Having invested in a Sony MiniDV camera for a trip to New York, I thought it only right that I bought a case of suitable quality to store it in.
The Sony LCS-VA5 is made to a very high standard, having pockets on the sides, front and under the lid which can be used for a variety of functions. I personally use the side pockets for batteries and cables. The front pocket, I keep my spare batteries for my stills digital camera which also fits comfortably in the case.
The main compatment as mentioned before, has room for the MiniDV and stills camera, 2 dividers can be adjusted accordingly, leaving ample room for the battery charger and leads. For some reason there is a hidden compartement at the bottom, easily removed if you have nothing to hide!!
Overall, a very well made case with comfortable shoulder strap, all metal clips and logo.
Remember, you have spent a lot of money on your camera, look after it!

New NWZ-A829 doesn't find these headphones ??

Hi, Does anybody have experience of these bluetooth headphones please.
Bought new along with Walkman, but the don't pair up.

Very frustrating. Any guidance gratefully received.

Thanks,
ScoobyRed.

spectacle wearers beware

although these headphones deliver well in terms of audio reproduction i feel i owe it to fellow glasses wearers to warn you that they may be a bit uncomfortable if you've already got one bit of plastic tucked behind your ears.

Its a good item for a first time buyer

This product looks like a good one because of its features such as 320 minutes of playback using ATRAC3 compression,Playback MD with MDLP & GROUP function,ATRAC DSP type-R,G-Protection Shock Protection,Group mode support,Digital sound system presets,Operates from 1 AA battery (Not included). The buttons are easy to press by the look of it and its quite good value for money but the downside is that you have to wait for some time before getting it and that might be next week or even before that so if your a first time buyer it is good! Its a nice shape you get the headphones with it.