Re: cheap hp replacement question
DISCLAIMER: The real place to go for advice on headphones is head-fi.org (though the forum specializes in the more high-end stuff they could handle your question as well), but I'll do my best! The new apple earbuds are an improvement its true but they cost $20 seperately! You can find much better for the price (just like Bose, but i'll save you my longer rant).
Buds: dont waste time with them, theres a reason they dont make any high-end ones. they have pathetic drivers (the tiny speakers) and they are uncomfortable for many and they dont block sound well. Now IEMS (in-ear monitors) from shure and ultimate ears etc. are different from buds. They go deep into your ear canal and isolate the sound from the outside and undisturbed bring hq music to your ear drums. the reputable IEM's however start at around $100 (tho ive seen some REALLY good deals on one or 2 but theyre still gonna be twice your target price) so I wont make any recommendations in that area. I only mention it because i dont want some guy to argue with me over semantics. if your gonna get buds tho get some from sennheiser. sennheiser makes some of the best headphones in the world. their MX series is all you should bother looking at bud-wise
Clip-ons: The only ones worth mentioning are the Koss KSC-75's at $20 but i wouldnt recommend the style. You get tangled cords and they tangle around the clip too and again theyre pretty low-end like the buds. Street-style is better for the only thing clips are good for: wearing hats and something that wont fall off because its clip hangs on to your ears.
Street-style: Try the Koss sporta pros. theyre ugly but sound good for their $30 price tag. I, personally do not use these anymore, but would if they were available at a higher end level.
Noise-cancelling: not available at prices around $30. Sealed is as close as youre gonna get.
"Normal": The Sennheiser HD 201s Ive heard many good things about at $30. Their sealed as well.
MY RECOMMENDATION:
HD 201's