A portable isolation tank that looks like a set of headphones

I had tried numerous "noise-cancelling" headphones and either they didn't work or they drowned out sound by "fooling" the ear with high frequency sound pressure. That type of cheap headphone had turned me off on the whole concept, but then in came Dr. Bose.

The Bose Quiet Comfort 2 is a significant improvement on the first generation in a number of ways. First, it is self-contained and does not require a sidecar electronics module. Second, they are more comfortable. Third, they are more durable. Fourth, they work better. Simply insert one AAA battery and you're ready to go - for hours!

While much of the outside world is shut out by the ear-enveloping ear cup itself, the magic of this design is that when it is switched on, the noise which manages to get trough the ear cup shell simply disappears. The noise disappears but voices do not. In fact, voices become very clear. This sound selectivity is what really sets the Bose QC2 apart from others.

For example, I have a difficult time hearing anything where there is significant background noise such as in an airport or especially on an airplane. On most planes, the crew could be telling me we are going down or that I had won the lucky seat prize of a free trip to Europe and I would not be able to pick out the words from the noise.

The real test came when I was on a noisy 757 with a bulkhead seat in row 25, right by the engine exhaust. I put on the QC2 and not only did the mind-numbing noise vanish but I was able to hear announcements. In fact, I was able to hear other conversations around me.

There are times when it is appropriate to use the QC2 in order to hear voices, music or other "good noise" but there are also times to tune it out. Simply connect the supplied cable and one of the number of connectors supplied and plug ina CD player, computer or iPod and the QC2 is no longer an isolation tank but a concert hall. While noise cancelling may be the most talked about attribute, this is one very fine set of headphones for listening to music.

Bose used the Tri-Port technology in the QC2 along wit the QC1 noise canceling to create a hybrid which blocks noise and delivers great sound at the same time. I can find no sacrifice in either attribute in the QC2. The sound is as good as the Tri-Port which was designed to be agreat set of headphones only.

Bose has worked with many airlines to educate their people as well as to promote the QC2. You will see ads on the backs of many ticket jackets. Because of this there is an unusual tolerance of this "electronic product" and because the QC2 actually enhances one's ability to hear voices, it makes it easier to hear announcements on board. So, most flight attendants let passengers keep on the QC2, although they like them to be unplugged from audio sources. I have not yet been asked to take off my QC2 on any airline but I am sure it happens occasionally.

On a long flight on a noisy plane, these are well worth the investment. I can get where I am going without being deaf from turboprop or jet noise. They are comfortable for wearing for a number of hours and don't leave marks around or on my ears. Because of the unique design of the ear cups, they do not PRESS on one's ears, but just fit around them, so your ears won't be squashed against your head. This really feels good on a long trip!

On the ground, the QC2 is the perfect set of stereo headphones for listening to music. They have the added bonus of being able to tune out the neighbour's lawnmower or the screaming kids in the street.

I do not have a good feel for battery life because a single battery lasts so long that after a number of months I find myself thinking, "I had better go ahead and replace it rather than haul around a spare batter, waiting for the old one to fail." In other words, one AAA will power these for a long time.

The QC2 headphones are not cheap. At $300, they are an expensive set of headphones, but when one considers that they do double duty and can save one's sanity on a long flight, it can be well worth the investment.

The QC2 headphones are supplied with a semi-rigid travel case, connecting cord with a number of adaptors for various electronic devices and even a battery. Bose often offers promotions on these which include a free CD player, so be sure and ask.