Annoying recessed iPhone workarounds

So as you may know, the first gen. iPhone (like mine) has a recessed headphone socket and so many headphones don't fit. I looked at my options - stumpy adapters thru to headphone extension cables that fit. I decided on the Griffin SmartTalk, an extension that has a few features.

1. Most important: its designed for the iPhone so it fits in the socket, and I can use my headphones!
2. It has a mic, so I can talk hands-free.
3. It has a button so I can pause, skip tracks and answer the phone without looking at the iPhone.
4. The mic got reasonable reviews, and I'm happy with it so far
   

It is well made and has a thin cable with a rope-ish fabric weave. My only grumble in its design is the lack of tensioner on the headphone jack. In my pocket it gets bent 90 degrees and I worry that it will wear out or something.



Oh yeah, there is one other thing...

What do I do with the 2 meters of headphone cable?



I could zip-tie it to the top of my headphones.



From that angle, you hardly notice it. Unfortunately from other angles it looks dorky as can be.



Take 2: I built a short cable from some spare wires and cables.



This prototype is great, but its not soldered and won't be till I borrow or buy a solder iron :| The mechanical connection is good, but it sometimes makes audio crackles when I move.



Instead, I'm riding to work with the cable in my inner breast pocket for now. The mic has come in handy a few times already - its nice to have a hands-free bike kit !

Freedom Fry

No not that stupid American renaming of "French Fries", I'm talking about Stephen Fry.

Its GNUs 25th birthday, and Stephen is showing his support of free software by wishing GNU a happy birthday, and explaining why it is so good.

http://www.gnu.org/fry/


Check it out, and go GNU!