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First the only set not truly new the RP-HTX7 these qualify as there is a new colour a vibrant red. They are a full headphone looking like the offerings of a decade or so ago but with of course a 3.5mm gold plated jack plug rather than the larger size plug that dominated the market in the period I am thinking of when big was the way to go.

They come with a 1.2metre lead to allow your MP3 player or iPod to reside even in the lowest of the low jean pocket. The jack plug is straight and therefore adds to the length of the MP3 or iPod device that you connect it to.

There is a full 1.5cm between the padded top of the headphones to the speakers mounted into the headphones themselves. Available in a range of colours but the new one for 2010 is the vibrant red that I was sent to review. The link below has them for £37.25 including free delivery. However not yet the new RED colour.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000NA1SZ8?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

Next the RP-HJE270 these earbuds are made to match the latest generation iPod Nanos but of course they will work with any 3.5mm jack socket whether it be on an iPod or an MP3 player. Like the headphones above the 1.2metre lead allows the unit to reside a good distance from your ears.

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These are semi noise reducing as they come with three sizes of silicon buds to fit comfortably in almost all ear sizes. The jack plug only slicks out 1cm and then does a 90 degree turn before coming to the lead 1cm later.

Available in as many colours as the new Nano series of iPods, the colour is only on the bit that fits into the ears. Available from the link below for £13.37 including free delivery.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00352KE6A?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

Side Mounted Speaker Sport model number RP-HS200 is the third offering these are also colour coordinated but here not only the earbuds but also the cord and plug are the colour, so I must assume these are a fashion accessory.

These have a 1.3metre lead with the 90 degree turn in the plug allowing it to take less space than those who stick straight out.

The speakers are side mounted meaning that you can have a larger (12.4mm) speaker mounted. The behind ear fit is a little difficult to fit if – like me – you are overdue a visit to the barber but once in they stay solidly put.

They are even described as water resistant. While I did wear them in the rain I never actually wore them in the shower as my impression is that requires more than water resistant. While I wore them while out and about and the silicon earbuds (three sizes supplied) give a slight noise reduction. The main use is surely meant to be ‘sport’ and my idea of sport is snooker and possibly darts so the most exercise I got was rushing to catch a train but mainly walking but on the occasional moments when I was spurred into action they stayed put. Available from the link below for £16.58 including free delivery.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00392336O?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

Finally for this roundup the RP-HC55 which are earbuds in two parts. The normal three sizes to fit into the ears go to a pen type device that can clip into a top pocket of onto a shirt or blouse, then another 75cm of lead to go into your MP3 player or iPod again with the 2cm 90 degree bend in the plug meaning it takes less space.

The pen requires a ‘AAA’ battery not supplied and has a volume slider which means that your device can remain out of sight in a pocket or bag. Available from the link below for £40.35 including delivery.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001TUYUQK?ie=UTF8&tag=gadge0a-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634

http://shop.panasonic.co.uk/Headphones/Headphones,en_GB,sc.html