The Noisebuster technology works via the following process: tiny microphones within each earpiece "listen" for any pervasive environmental noise and send this information to a device called an in-line audio-enhancer pack. This device reads and analyzes the information and then generates a noise-cancellation wave that's out of phase with the noise itself. The audio-enhancer pack feeds this wave back into the headset--when the noise wave goes up, a corresponding cancellation wave goes down, causing the two signals to cancel each other out. This eliminates a good deal of unwanted sonic junk, from airplane engine noise to distant freeway traffic seeping into your living room.

We evaluated our HP-NC1s as a utility crew used jackhammers on the street outside our listening room. Because you can bypass the Noisebuster technology with a switch, it was easy for us to compare the noise-canceled signal to the standard sound. While Noisebuster didn't entirely eliminate the jackhammer's rat-a-tat-tat, it did significantly reduce the sound so that we could listen to quiet music, such as soft jazz and classical.

As for the sound of the headphones themselves, the midrange is clear, but the HP-NC1s are a little sluggish overall, with no deep bass or extended high frequencies. In fairness to the HP-NC1s, noise-canceling headsets often sound restricted in the frequency extremes, as it can be tricky for the noise-canceling devices to differentiate between noise and music. The fit of these headphones is also a little snug for our taste, but you can loosen them a bit by gently bending the headset.

We have heard comparably priced, non-noise-canceling headphones that sound better than Maxell's HP-NC1. However, better sound doesn't matter much if you're having a hard time hearing the music in a noisy environment. At this price, these headphones are a bargain.

Pros:

• Noisebuster technology works well
• In-flight dual-jack adapter included
• In-line volume control

Cons:

• Snug fit may be uncomfortable
• Average sound quality

The PR170-2VP MicroTalk radios use the UHF/FM band for ultra-clear, long-distance reception with an extended range capability that reaches up to eight miles, depending upon the terrain. These units feature an easy-to-view LCD display that provides the radio's status at a glance, an easily recognizable call alert that notifies you of an incoming call, and a confirmation roger-beep tone that indicates the completion of the other user's transmission so you know when it is ok to talk. These radios also feature an auto squelch that shuts off weak transmissions or unwanted noise due to terrain or range constraints, as well as a keystroke tone signal that confirms key activation.

The Cobra PR170-2VP radios provide seven GMRS/FRS, seven FRS and eight GMRS channels for a total of 22 channels, all of which are easily accessed via the front panel's push buttons. When combined with the units' 38 privacy codes, users have a choice of up to 836 sub-channels to ensure privacy. These radios are built with a unique circuit that automatically switches to battery-saver mode if there are no transmissions within 10 seconds, thereby extending the battery life, and come with a belt clip to secure your MicroTalk while you are on the go.

The PR170-2VPs run on three AAA rechargeable batteries (included) each, and come with an AC wall charger with a handy Y plug that allows you to recharge the batteries in both radios at once. Each radio has a built-in speaker/microphone/charger jack that lets you not only recharge batteries while in the unit, but use earphone speaker/microphone combinations for hands-free operation. The Cobra PR170-2VP MicroTalk Radios weigh only 2.22 ounces (without batteries), measure 2 x 5.02 x 1.54 inches (W x H x D), and are backed by a manufacturer's one-year warranty.