Off White

I have left the white earbud brigade. For the last two years, I have proudly worn my white iPod headphones, giving me that distinctive look that my wife describes as “looking like you’ve got some medical equipment attached to you”. I’ve shared that knowing look with fellow iPod users on trains, tubes and on the street. I’ve felt like one of the elite.

And now, it’s over.

When I walked to work today, a plain black cord sneaked out from my jacket pocket and into my ears. The music still came from the iPod, but any external signs of my membership of that proud band have gone. Why? Well, for one, the cachet has gone. Everyone has one, and as soon as the iPod Mini hits London’s streets, so will Everyone’s Wife. More to the point though, I really, really don’t want to get mugged for my iPod. So, sweet musical anonymity is now my watch word.

You know what? I never realised just how crappy those white headphones were. Hurrah for improved sound quality and (relative) safety.