The MDR-Q68LW looks like any number of ear-clip phones, but they're actually a step forward - at least on one count. Unlike the beloved KSC-75 and similar clips, it has solved one of the more exasperating problems: tangled cables.

The Q68LW has thin but sturdy cables that automatically rewind at the flip of a button. A few other clips do this, but Sony has perfected it. I use these for sampling TV shows from the web when larger phones are too hot and cumbersome.

Moreover, the sound is noticeably clipped; anything under 40 cycles cannot be heard, nor much over 15k. The claimed frequencies are grossly overrated. The Koss KSC-75 is cheaper and has a more appealing sound.

I use these while listening to TV downloads, and the sound is not quite as "sparkling" as the similar KSC-75. Cable management is the outstanding advantage. They're also surprisingly comfortable.

Thee sound is noticeably clipped; anything under 40 cycles cannot be heard, nor much over 15k. The claimed frequencies are nonsense. As a result, these clips may sound a bit "dead" for extended music listening. Even CD tracks can sound bland.

But if you've had it with cables, the MDR-Q68LW does its job well.