Travel Gadgets: Bose noise-canceling headsets

Since 2003, my wife and I have never traveled without our Bose noise-canceling headsets.

These headsets deal extremely well not only with airplane noise but with noisy neighbors at campsites. Their effect is quite amazing. Donning the headset reduces ambient noise by half, but activating the switch opens a world of absolute silence to the wearer. 

Attaching a device such as an iPod is easy, and the resultant sound reproduction is of concert-hall quality. 

After looking at the selection on the website, I called Bose (800/379-2073, www.bose.com) and ordered the headsets. They were expensive, $300 per pair, but Bose stood behind their product and replaced both sets free of charge when the cords began to fray after seven years of hard use. They have been well worth the cost.

The earpieces are large and sufficiently padded as to be extremely comfortable. The only downside — if you are going to fall asleep, you’ll have to be lying on your back! 

I should add that Bose technical support has been first class.

CHRISTOPHER HARTLEY

Ormond Beach, FL