MP3 players have 'taken over"! I am 44 years old and mp3 is a cool creation for a lifelong music junkie of various genres. I am as bad as many teenagers for carrying one around. In most cases, the earbuds that come with the players are convenient enough, but the sound quality is far inferior to that of the after-market products out there. I constantly see people using the "stock" earbuds that come with their player. Do they not know that for 15 to 30 dollars they can get some that make the originals sound like "crap"? From my experience so far, the ones with 2 or three sizes of interchangeable silicone ear fittings give the best sound quality, That is, unless you want the added bulk and sound quality of full-sized earphones that cover the ears. I have heard that Philips puts out some nice buds with virtual surround sound. My personal experience is with a Utah based brand called " Skull Candy". The earbuds that come with the Apple and Sansa products are definitely inferior! Try some out if you want better sound quality at a reasonable price!