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Review: Smartwrap from Sumajin

Submitted by jcost on Sat, 06/10/2006 - 16:53.

When I began using my iPod, the main thing that bothered me was the lack of cable management. Routinely I spent more time untangling my earbuds than I did using them. Perhaps that's an embellishment, but it was quite time consuming. The method I was using involved wrapping my earbuds around the iPod, and then I would unwrap them when I was ready to rock.

smartwrap I searched for retractable earphones, since I thought that would be just what I needed to solve the problem. I never really found any I liked, or would want to put the money out for, without giving them a try first. Ultimately I found a solution that would work.

The solution was the Smartwrap from Sumajin. Basically it's a super idea - take a flexible piece of silicone rubber that has a notch cut out on each end, and wrap your earbuds around it. You can even use it to get a better fit while you are wearing the earbuds. Insert the cable into one of the notches, wrap, exit out the other notch, and you have solved the excess cable problem. Basically this solution is two fold: a cool looking storage solution + excess cable solver = Smartwrap.

It's pretty simplistic, and simple is all you need to get the job done. To quote their directions: ''To use, SNAP earphone cord through the fastener at one of two ends. WRAP around the midsection of the smartwrap to desired length and SNAP into the second slot to secure.''

While this isn't limited to iPod earbuds, you can use and headphone gauge wires with it. I tried using it with my iPod remote, but I found the cable was just thick enough that you won't get the full benefit from this Smartwrap. That is just my opinion, and your mileage will vary The thinner your cable, the more wraps you get. If you are looking to manage thicker cables, they have an additional product offering, named Syncwrap.

The Smartwraps are available in 12 different vibrant colors, and you can't go wrong with any of them.

I've been using the product for quite awhile, and it was money well spent. It took the frustration out of using my earbuds, and for that, It's worth $5 bucks.