Bose QuietComfort 3 - And the best just got better

The new QuietComfort 3 is billed as the "smaller" alternative to the QC2 for those that do not want full ear headphone coverage. When I first went to the Bose store, I figured I would try the QC3 and then buy the QC2 because I do like the over-the-ear fit. But I was wrong as the QC3 blows the QC2 away. Here's why:

1) I couldn't figure out how a headphone that didn't cover the entire ear was going to reduce all the external noise. Bose figured it out by using a memory foam ear pad similar to that in a Tempurpedic mattress (but lighter). The pad molds to the shape of your ear and subsequently blocks out some noise without the assistance of the noise reduction.

2) The noise reduction electronics are significantly better in the QC3. The QC2 did a good job at blocking sound but the QC3 really blocked almost all the static noise. The big test was at my home where we run an industrial fan (no air conditioning in No. California for us). This thing is noisy and it disappeared with the assistance of the headphones. We also live proximate to Hwy 101 and the road noise is non-existent with the headphones.

3) There is a rechargeable battery. And it's in the earpiece so nothing to tug on the cable. I listened for two days (about 12 hours) and no loss. They say the battery is good for up to 20 hours.

4) Super comfy! My ears don't get all hot like they do with the headphones that cover the whole ear.

5) The headphones fold flat, just like the QC2. But these are a little smaller and the carrying case makes them easy to pack in a briefcase or a messenger bag. The carrying case has space for the headphones, the battery, the charger, the two-prong jack for some airlines, and even enough room inside for my iPod (I have the older 30GB but my wife's Nano looks even better).

I fly across country a few times a year and I'm convinced I don't get "jet-lagged" as bad when I use noise reduction. I can't wait to try these for the first time in flight tomorrow!

The only thing that isn't good about the headphones is the price. I paid $349 and could not find them for less. Bose does offer a 30 day money back guarantee. I don't believe I will be taking mine back!