Ralph's MashUp

Beats by Dr Dre Wireless: A short review…

Hey Hey – Finally I found a pair of Dr Dre’s new wireless Beats headphones in the Apple Store in Zurich…. Just a must have for me – especially after my Bose’s got stolen by a bugger 2 weeks ago…

The Beats by Dr Dre headphones haven’t been around for long but, and I feared they will never show up in stores (even on monstercable.com – they are still shown as out of stock) I just walked into the Apple Store to give it a shoot (which seemed to be a long shot) – because I read that some folks in Canada and the US have found them in the Apple Stores (but nowhere online).

Whether you’re listening to NWA’s Straight Outta Compton or Sean Hayes’ Powerful Stuff, Dr Dre’s Beats by Dre headphones have become the premium brand headphones to be seen with in public. From NFL footballers to teenagers who hang outside our local branch of Migros- almost everyone wears them (especially the In-Ears). And now they’re wireless. That’s a great thing, right?

Well… these new cable free cans connect to any music playing device via Bluetooth, something that can cause a dip in audio quality compared to going wireless via WiFi. Nevertheless (In a noisy train – you want hear it), Bluetooth remains the most practical option and Dre’s team are promising the quality Beats are known for has not been compromised.

Build quality

Smaller than the “classic” Beats Studio range that Beats By Dre have built their reputation upon, the Beats Wireless is essentially a tweaked pair of their smaller Solo ‘phones. They’re slightly weighty due to the batteries, controls, Bluetooth tech, and microphone built inside, but it’s a good weight for the size of the product. I still was a bit surprised as I hoped for the Studio size….

It feels right in your hand, on your head, and, as always too small for around my neck (So I can’t look that cool as others do ;-)).

Style

Even if you hate Dre (yes Ice Cube, we’re talking to you here) you cannot deny that these new headphones look pretty damned beautiful as the whole range of them do. At a time when Beats have launched some neon colored Studio headphones, these are gloriously black, minimalistic, with more curves than a zero.

In use

The built in Bluetooth technology wirelessly connected to my Aifon 4 with absolutely no fuss – it connected to the Aifon and started playing music without entering any codes or whatever. Managing the volume, skipping tracks, and answering phone calls is all managed directly from the ear cups, which takes some time getting used to, but after a day I already feel comfortable in doing so.

Recharging via a USB is simple and fuss free, and the quality of audio meanwhile is simply excellent. Not as clear as the Dr Dre Pro –but for commuting – just awesome!

I wonder how long the power will last… there’s nothing more dangerous commuting than me – without music… (Falling Down, anyone? =) maybe I have to have a spare of In-Ears with me for the worst case.

What they should ad is a battery-meter for the Aifon, same as the Jawbone have.

Anyway – so far I’m happy with them – sound is excellent – no cables is awesome – and with the current temperatures – I love ‘em =)

As said, I found them in the Apple Store here in Zuerich. Data Quest is expecting them in December an so does K55.ch

25 November 2011 ·