If you don't own a pair of noise canceling headphones, then you need to rush to the store after you read this and immediately buy a pair. I cannot tell you how many times I have desperately needed to drown out the world in order to get something done. Noise canceling headphones are definitely the way to go. These new Hitachi Maxell HP-NC20.IPS headphones are the best I have seen to date. Not only do they provide the necessary noise killing, but they do it without any additional power.

These ipod specific HP-NC20.IPS plug into the iPod docking connecter and draw power from the actual unit - a great design by the way. Hitachi Maxell states that the headphones will reduce outside noise by at least 20dB. The obvious bonus is that you don't have to supply power, but the drawback is that they consume your iPod battery rapidly. Also, volume control is supplied by the headphones themselves, because the iPod volume control is locked-out when the dock connector is activated.

The HP-NC20.IPS will run about $80 and will be available later in December. Give them the once over, I have a feeling they are going to be a great set of headphones.

via CrunchGear