Macworld UK performed an online poll which found that only 57% of iPod users (UK) use their white earbuds. The rest use other headphones. Some reported that they were dissatisfied with the earbuds' quality (I think they're as good as any of the other sub-$30 earbuds I've used); others said they were too big (I agree for the old 5GB iPod's earbuds; later ones worked better); but Macworld's slant on the article is that most users are fearful of getting mugged.

I haven't linked to the article, because it isn't scientific and may be worthless. However, it raises a topic worth discussing.

I personally use larger headphones, partially because I rolled over my iPod earbuds in a wheeled office chair, but also because the larger speakers in these headphones are capable of lower volumes--which I like in quiet environments--and is incapable of higher volumes. (iPod's earbuds go too loud for me.) However, I must admit that as a rider of public transportation, I'm perfectly happy to not have all the strangers around me know that I'm carrying around something more valuable than a $30 CD player.

What do you think? Are people over-reacting?