I don't know why anybody would use the Apple earbuds... I think they are the weak link in the whole iPod experience. I've had 4 ipods and don't even open the earphone package anymore... I don't know if its cause I'm more picky (I'm a recording engineer...) or its cause my ears have a funny shape but the Apple ones sound like sh#$.

I recommend Sennheiser earbuds. Not the ones with the volume control on the wire(ads noise) but the model just under that. Fairly cheap and sound great. Tried the in-ear types but there's something disturbing about having the sound directly "in" my head...unsafe really

my 2c

john