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AppleRobert

macrumors 603
Nov 12, 2012
5,729
1,133
I managed to grab a pair from the local Apple Store last week. Thanks iStockNow! So far I'm really enjoying them (though they are not perfect). I posted a review here:

AirPods, new owner views, problems and questions

The long flight on a 787 is this summer, but we do have a brief flight to LA in two weeks on a 737, so I'll see how that goes. I do get a partial seal in my ears with the AirPods, so there is some external noise reduction. Not like isolating earbuds, but more than zero.

Zero reduction as far as I am concerned, just like the EarPods. You listening in a quiet environment or with the volume turned up?
 

redman042

macrumors 68040
Jun 13, 2008
3,063
1,657
Zero reduction as far as I am concerned, just like the EarPods. You listening in a quiet environment or with the volume turned up?

Well maybe I'm over-stating a bit. If I turn off the music completely and listen for outside sounds, they are not really dampened by putting the AirPods in. But listening at 50% volume seems to drown out background sounds pretty well, as long as they aren't too loud (like people in my office building talking, as long as they aren't right near me).

Anyway, they are definitely not noise-isolating and I don't want to give the impression they are.
 
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bsmsam

macrumors regular
Jul 22, 2008
111
37
I got my AirPods a little over a week ago thanks to refreshing istocknow at the right time. I wanted them because I like toys. I also consistently had issues with my other wireless headphones (inexpensive MPOW Swift) not connecting smoothly. The first 4 minutes at the gym would be spent unpairing and pairing until Spotify recognized them. Obviously I haven't had the AirPods long, but there have been no pairing issues whatsoever. It was practically daily with my others.

I know that I should be used to wireless by now. I've used clunky over-ear Beats, and even the wire on the MPOW pair was not connected to my actual device, but the AirPods somehow feel different. I realize it's ridiculous, but I feel like I'm using a cordless phone for the first time. Like I can put them in and walk anywhere, and they will still be with me and working. I realize that it's semi-sad.

My biggest concern was that one would fall out while running. I'm glad to say they don't even seem like that's an option, but I did absentmindedly scratch near my ear today at the gym, and then I freaked out. I was so afraid that I could have knocked the AirPod out and then treadmillized it to smithereens.

TL;DR: Totally love mine more than I expected, but still afraid one will fall out and be brutally stepped on.
 

Ralfi

macrumors 601
Dec 22, 2016
4,373
3,101
Australia
Yeah I still nudge them after a workout, when washing my face. But haven't dislodged one yet, which is a good thing because the bathroom sinks fill up with water fast, so if they did fall out, they'd be 'swimming with the fishes'....
 

redman042

macrumors 68040
Jun 13, 2008
3,063
1,657
I'll be interested to know how it goes. Thanks.

Just finished our short flight on a 737. During the flight I watched a movie on my iPad using AirPods. Unfortunately the background noise of the plane came right through and was distracting enough that I had to turn on closed captioning to make sure I understood the quieter dialog. In summary, on a flight the AirPods are ok but not optimal. On a long flight I'd definitely want better noise isolation. So when we head to Europe this summer I'll bring the AirPods but will also pack some isolating wired buds or cans for the flight. A 787 may be much quieter but it still is filled with noisy people.

Still happy I purchased the AirPods. They are ideal for most listening situations. Just not this one.
 
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JaySoul

macrumors 68030
Jan 30, 2008
2,629
2,865
I've got some (unopened but taunting me) - and have an Android phone.

Anyone have any experience with AirPods on, for example, a Samsung S7?
 

Lunfai

macrumors 68000
Nov 21, 2010
1,566
519
Sheffield
Just finished our short flight on a 737. During the flight I watched a movie on my iPad using AirPods. Unfortunately the background noise of the plane came right through and was distracting enough that I had to turn on closed captioning to make sure I understood the quieter dialog. In summary, on a flight the AirPods are ok but not optimal. On a long flight I'd definitely want better noise isolation. So when we head to Europe this summer I'll bring the AirPods but will also pack some isolating wired buds or cans for the flight. A 787 may be much quieter but it still is filled with noisy people.

Still happy I purchased the AirPods. They are ideal for most listening situations. Just not this one.

Nothing will ever come close to the QC35s for IEM.
 

mavis

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jul 30, 2007
4,771
1,541
Tokyo, Japan
So it's raining in Tokyo today. I'm standing under the awning of a store, waiting for the light to change, listinging to Halsey on my AirPods. Ten feet away an older guy (60s or 70s) walks by, wearing AirPods. He sees me, I smile, point to my ear and give him a thumbs up. He gets a big smile on his face, smiles back and gives me a thumbs up in return.

I thought it was cool, because Japanese people typically don't interact with strangers... and also because, well - AirPods! lol
 

thadoggfather

macrumors P6
Oct 1, 2007
16,124
17,041
So it's raining in Tokyo today. I'm standing under the awning of a store, waiting for the light to change, listinging to Halsey on my AirPods. Ten feet away an older guy (60s or 70s) walks by, wearing AirPods. He sees me, I smile, point to my ear and give him a thumbs up. He gets a big smile on his face, smiles back and gives me a thumbs up in return.

I thought it was cool, because Japanese people typically don't interact with strangers... and also because, well - AirPods! lol

You had an apple-Kodak commercial moment
 
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RadioGaGa1984

Suspended
May 23, 2015
1,279
1,447
For people who post they look ridiculous I submit a photo @AngerDanger has posted before. Also add me to the list of I love these things.
tobeclear.gif
 

537635

macrumors 65816
Mar 7, 2009
1,154
1,041
Slovenia, EU
A absolutely agree with this, but on the other hand, I find a lot of people asking about the Airpods, where they definitely wouldn't about ordinary headphones.

So the lack of cable, as much as it is a great usability change, apparently is also a design/fashion change.
 

stevebaker42

macrumors newbie
Oct 24, 2015
17
11
I only travel 2 or 3 times a year, and my Bose QC35s are fantastic for the flight and for when I want an immersive audio experience. For everyday use (podcasts, music, conference calls, walking the dog, etc.) the AirPods are perfect for me. Not looking for complete isolation (especially when walking, etc.) and I'll never go back to anything with wires dangling and getting all tangled up. Plus I imagine the technology will only get better with time (the W1 chip is terrific already).
 
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