Since I received my iPod Nano 4GB (1st gen), the included earbuds stayed packed in the box.  For years I’ve preferred Sony’s in-ear-sideways-based headphones.  The cord on my favorite white Sonys started to fray, so I decided to give the Apple earbuds a shot. After slipping on the foam and snugging them in, I have to say they’re not too bad.  I’ve listened to a little bit of music on them and might have stronger opinions if that’s all I listened to on them.  However, I still use the Nano for podcast listening 95% of the time, so the earbuds will be fine.