• Compatibility: iPod nano 1G
• Plug headphones into the dock connector, put it around your neck and you're off
• Ingenious built-in earbuds conquer clutter by integrating the audio signal with the lanyard itself
• Get a streamlined look without all the extra wire
• So light that it can hang just about anywhere

Plug the lanyard into the dock connector and wear your iPod nano. Its built-in earbud design prevents clutters with it's integrated audio signal into the lanyard itself so achieve a streamlined look without all the extrawires. Change songs or adjust the volume with the controls hanging by your neck.

With the Apple MA360G/A iPod nano In-Ear Lanyard Headphones, just plug the lanyard into the dock connector, put it around your neck and you're off. Its ingenious built-in earbuds conquer clutter by integrating the audio signal with the lanyard itself, so you get a streamlined look without all the extra wire. When you want to change songs or adjust the volume, just look down: the iPod nano is right there, always at the ready.

iPod Compatibility
iPod nano 1G

With Apple's iPod being the dominant player in the mp3 market, there is a panoply of Apple and third-party products to aid its operation. While the sound quality of the included iPod headphones has always been sufficient for my needs, they did not provide optimal placement of the player. Spending most of my mp3 listening time using free weights in the gym, I needed a secure means of carrying my iPod that wouldn't interfere with arm movements. The lanyard was the perfect choice. After hundreds of hours of use with the first and second generation lanyards, I have been rather pleased with both their sound quality and durability.

Given my experiences with other headphones and mp3 players, however, I would suggest two enhancements. First, there should be a means of detaching the iPod mechanically while the headphone jack is still connected. This would require two attachment points and some slack in the audio cable. I previously owned an inexpensive, nameless mp3 player acquired on eBay that has this arrangement. While less durable than iPod-lanyard combo, it offered much greater flexibility. With Apple's lanyard, the iPod placement becomes a hassle during exercises where a straight bar is brought down on the chest, such as bench pressing. With the previous arrangement, I could simply detach the mechanical cable and place the mp3 player in my pocket while still listening to my favorite songs.

Secondly, given my experience with the Koss Spark Plug earphones (see review), I would have preferred better sound isolation. The lanyard headphones do little to stop ambient noise, which is an issue in health clubs. In addition, the lanyard headphones just don't have the deep bass of the Koss product.

Having owned both first and second generation lanyards, I can't determine any difference between their construction or sound quality. In both cases, I paid roughly fifty dollars, which seems a bit exorbitant. However, this is to be expected with most brand-name iPod accessories. If you use your iPod while working out, cycling or walking as much as I do, you are certain to get your money's worth nonetheless.


Pros
Great for use during exercise
Durable


Cons
No non-lanyard mode
Difficult to use during bench press due to bar impact
Little sound isolation
Overpriced

I am not the kind of person who likes a band strapped around my arm, so these headphones are the perfect solution for me. I love being able to listen to music at the gym without having to find a pocket for my Nano or getting tangled up in long headphone cords. The adjustable lanyard keeps my Nano easily accessible for effortless music and volume adjustments and is quite comfortable. I can't imagine my Nano without this.

The paramount consideration for all prospective buyers of these Apple lanyard/headphones is this: You can ONLY use the supplied (and irrevocably-attached), Apple-brand ear buds. This raises two important considerations: 1) Apple's ear buds, ultimately, sound undistinguished, fit in the ear poorly and last a few weeks to several months before failing/beginning to fail; 2) You will have no (ordinary) ability to replace (or upgrade from) Apple's integral ear buds because the USB-connector fully engages the bottom edge of the Nano -- including, of course, the 1/8" headphone jack.

Now, anticipating this, I have resolved to either dismantle the lanyard base and solder a new headphone cord to Apple's 1/8" male plug (which is integral with the lanyard base), or I will use a cut-off wheel to remove enough of the lanyard base so that the Nano headphone jack is now accessible to any 1/8" plug. But then I will have to use electrical tape to wrap (and secure) the lanyard base and bottom edge of my Nano so that it doesn't pull away after having cut a third of it off.

Despite all of this, I still award three stars to Apple for the sheer innovation of this product. Plus, I bought it while being fully aware of the modifications ahead of me.

These are part# MA093G/A -- Apple iPod Nano Lanyard Headphones for the 1st generation Nano ONLY.

For a new 2nd generation Nano, you need part# MA597G/A -- Apple iPod Nano Lanyard Headphones for the 2nd generation Nano ONLY.

The different Nano generations are different sizes and the lanyard connector are NOT interchangable.

I've been using the nano lanyard since it first came out and absolutely love it. It provides a very elegant way to listen to the nano without any extra clutter or dangling loops of wire to get in the way, snag or tangle. Basically, while wearing it, it's as though it's not even there. The connection is quite secure and takes a purposeful effort to detach. I don't see how a nano could fall off unless the connector were not pushed on fully to begin with.

I have only a couple of complaints/suggestions regarding the lanyard:

1. You're tied to standard Apple earbud sound quality. When I want to use my Etymotic ER6i buds, I lose the benefit of the lanyard. It would be great to have a higher-fidelity version or to have the buds themselves be detachable/swappable via a lightweight connector.

2. The lanyard does become dirty from rubbing against ones skin after many months, just like any article of clothing. I needed to wash mine (in a small bowl of detergent water, keeping the connector and buds out of the water) after a few months to keep them looking new and "un-gross."

3. Incompatible with the new Nike+ kit, meaning I can't walk with the lanyard and track the exercise. It would be nice to develop a lanyard either with the Nike+ built-in or with a pass-through 30-pin connector to allow it.