B.3. Making the iPhone Heard

Your iPhone comes with a pair of wired, mike-equipped earbuds and a not-very-powerful external speaker. If you want a bump up from this factory equipment, you can find plenty of other options. For example:

• foxL v2. This compact sound system belts out music far more powerfully than you might think by looking at it. The foxL 2 works over Bluetooth, so you don’t have to leave your beloved iDevice chained to the confines of your hi-fi. Better yet, the Bluetooth doubles as a speakerphone. The system runs on a lithium-ion “Bass Battery” that’s rechargeable via USB or a wall charger, so it should last you awhile, too. ($200;www.soundmatters.com)

  
  

  

  
  

• V-MODA Remix Remote. Because these earbuds come with four pairs of silicon ear fittings in both clear and black, you’ll be able to create a better-fitting earbud that seals in the music and blocks out background noise. The earbuds also come with a built-in three-button remote, which packs an omnidirectional microphone. A control button lets you make and take calls. The V-MODAs should last you awhile, too—the cables are reinforced with Kevlar—and a two-year warranty. ($100;www.v-moda.com)

  
  

  

  
  

• BlueAnt S4 True Handsfree Bluetooth Speakerphone. The iPhone’s speakerphone isn’t all that loud, even when it’s cranked up all the way—and you still have to take a hand off the steering wheel to pick up a call. With the BlueAnt S4, you can pair up your iPhone, clip it to the car’s sun visor, and just say “OK” to pick up incoming calls the next time the phone rings. Or let the speakerphone’s Bluetooth transmitter play music right from your iPhone, or give turn-by-turn directions using your favorite navigation app, without any extra cables. ($100;www.myblueant.com)

  
  

  

  
  

• Aliph Jawbone Icon Bluetooth Headset. CNET’s highest-rated headset ever, the Jawbone Icon, almost looks like something out of the prop department on a sci-fi movie. But there’s good stuff inside, including noise-cancellation circuitry to help eliminate wind and background chatter for improved call clarity. ($100;www.jawbone.com)