I have concluded, based on everything that I have read about advantages and disadvantages, comparative quality, etc., that the Bose earbuds are what I would buy for my son.[/QUOTE]

Just to report that I did end up buying these for my son (paid A$350 and the sales guy included a set of airplane adapters). who has tested them out during our recent 3.5hr coach journey to Sydney. He thought that they were excellent -- and he isn't the sort of person who would say that just to please me!