We've always advocating ditching the freebie offerings, not least with the huge array of replacements that are available, and now Sony has added yet more choice with some stylish-looking ear buds.
The MDR-EX33LP sets itself apart with 'new-look pearlescent and metallic' colours – white, blue, pink, silver and gold are the shades available – while also boasting 'affordable', yet at this point elusive, price tag.
The buds use a 9mm diameter EX drive and hyrbird silicone ear buds. There's a selection of bud sizes, as is the norm, plus an extra small sizing aimed at kids – or just people with small ears, of course.
Joining the MDR-EX33LP are the MDR-EX35LP 'phones, which are available in black, white or red. We remain slightly in the dark as to the technical differences at the time of writing...
Also released was a Bluetooth Wireless headset, the DR-BT160A, compatible with any Bluetooth phone or MP3 player, and complete with controls on the headset itself.
There's also a Bluetooth kit, the DR-BT160iK, which teamed with the TMR BT8iP dongle, allows you to stream music from an iPod to your Bluetooth headphones.
Last, and perhaps least for our interests, is the DR-BT140Q ear-clip headphone for Bluetooth players, which also delivers remote control of the basic player functions on the ear-clip.
All the headphones will be out in October, and available for pre-order from www.sonystyle-europe.com. We'll bring you the prices as and when we get them.