Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

Gadget Review: Cool In-Ear Headphones

Speaking of ear spray, PC World's Eric Dahl recently took a look at new in-ear headphones from Creative, Sennheiser, and Shure that promise enhanced on-the-road listening. His take: Creative's Zen Aurvana In-Ear Headphones ($99) offer light weight and passable audio quality; Sennheiser's MX 55 VC Street earbuds are inexpensive ($40), and they sound good and fit great; and Shure's E500PTH Sound Isolating Earphones offer pristine sound quality at a steep price ($499).

Notebook Tip: Think Twice Before Using Third-Party Batteries

"I have found several sources on the Net selling notebook battery replacements," writes William Sympson, FPO, AE (Area Europe), in an e-mail recently published in PC World's Ask Our Experts column. "How do these third-party firms sell vendor-branded batteries, and is it safe to buy from them?"

Associate Editor Danny Allen responds: "The notebook manufacturers we spoke with unsurprisingly recommended that you buy batteries either directly from them or through authorized resellers. The common reasoning is that while third-party batteries may appear to meet the correct size and electrical specifications, the quality and construction can't be guaranteed. A third-party battery could void your notebook's warranty--and, if faulty, might even damage it. Start out by determining if a retailer is truly authorized to sell branded parts, and cross-check its listed part codes against those on the vendor's Web site."

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