Finding Accessories - Running Android: Using Your Phone and Tablet for Work and Play - page 194

On the Ear Headphones
These headphones are larger than earbuds and sit on your ear rather than inside. Still light
and compact, these are a good choice for kids because it's harder to play music at ear dam-
aging levels. Some models have volume limiters as a further level of protection. Another
option is a built-in microphone, which is very useful if you make audio and video calls
with Skype or want to use the headset with your phone. An example of an on the ear
headset with mic is the wired JLab INTRO Premium On-Ear Headphones ( http://amzn.to/
1800USc ) .
Over the Ear Headphones
These produce the best sound and also reduce external noise more than earbuds and on the
ear headphones. Although they are heavier and bulkier than the others, they're worth it in
noisy places such as airliners, trains, and cars (assuming you're not driving the plane, train,
or automobile!). An example is the wired Sennheiser HD 419 Headphones ( http://amzn.to/
1bkOEcy ) .
Active Noise Canceling Headphones
You can also get headphones with active noise cancellation. These headsets use tiny micro-
phones to pick up ambient noise, and then generate an out-of-phase sound wave to cancel
the external noise. Active cancellation is most effect at lower frequencies such as that pro-
duced by engines and wind noise. If you fly and listen a lot, they are pretty hard to beat.
The pioneer in active noise canceling headphones was Bose, and their aviation headsets
for pilots are still the gold standard. Fortunately Bose's music headsets, such as the Bose
QuietComfort 25 Headphones ( http://bit.ly/15s9U3T ) are a lot less expensive than the pilot
headsets, and they work stunningly well.
Bluetooth Headphones
These headphones use a Bluetooth wireless connection to your phone or tablet. The advant-
age is that you have no wires and plugs to contend with. The disadvantages are higher cost,
limited range, and increased battery drain, both on the device and the batteries that power
the headphones. Bluetooth has a range of about 20 feet, so you'll need to carry the tablet
with you if you're moving around or stay near it to avoid audio dropouts.