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Network World Features Kidz Gear
Headphones in 2010 Cool Yule Tools
by Keith Shaw,
Network World
Portable Entertainment Gift Ideas [2010
Cool Yule Tools]
Things that keep you entertained while you're moving around, or out and
about.
November 08, 2010 12:07 AM ET
The days of having multiple devices for listening to music or watching
movies is basically over – Apple dominates the market so much so that it’s
hard to find interesting devices that don’t immediately compare themselves
to the iPod or the iPad. So a lot of the gear in the portable entertainment
space this year focuses on the headphone space, where we are seeing lots of
different choices, designs and styles. Here are our picks for favorites in
the portable entertainment space:
KidzGear wired and wireless headphones
If you have kids, chances are that at some point during
their life, you’re going to be subjected to music or other entertainment
that you just can’t tolerate. Maybe it’s the Wiggles, or Dora the Explorer,
or something else, but eventually you’ll want to give your child a pair of
headphones so you won’t have to listen to it. Or maybe you’re on a car trip
and want to listen to your own music (or thoughts) but still keep the kids
entertained.
KidzGear offers two types of headphones that can help. The wired and
wireless headphones are designed to fit a child’s head better than
larger-size headphones, and a volume limiter adapter helps reduce the volume
that goes inside their heads for safer listening. You can also get a
splitter that would let two kids listen to the audio/video source at the
same time.
The wireless headphones are battery powered, and only work with some in-car
wireless DVD and a/v systems, as well (check the Web site for compatibility
issues). You can also purchase an optional wireless transmitter that
connects to a stationary audio/video source inside the house, such as a TV,
video game console or DVD player.
My 4-year-old daughter loved having her own pair of headphones, and never
complained about the fit or the sound quality. I preferred the wired
headphones over the wireless headphones, as the wireless had a very limited
signal range (my daughter said “The music stopped!” after walking about 5
feet away – some line of sight issues might be in effect), and when you were
in range there was a noticeable audio hiss in the background.
Cool Yule rating: 3 stars (wireless); 4 stars (wired).
Price: $17 for wired; $30 for wireless; in-home wireless transmitter costs
$16.
Company Web
site
Reviewed by Keith Shaw
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