Here is an interesting audio accessory. The Replug is a magsafe like headphone jack, meaning if you yank the cable the force overcomes the magnet attachment and physically disconnects. Using this on your headphones will most likely save your ears and neck more than your equipment, but a good yank could typically result in an unwanted fall, not that falls are wanted or anything.

This is a nice idea that I can see being applied to other cables that tend to be tugged, yanked and otherwise unwieldy. But I have a concern.

Force x Mass = Possible Fall

So if you use this on an iPod will it result in a fall regardless of this magnetic connection. Yes there are a lot of variables that effect this scenario, but consider this.

I occasionally set my iPod on my desk while I have my headphones in. If you use the regular length headphone cables with this and quickly jerk the iPod, I’m thinking the connection will break, as the iPod falls to the floor. I cant imagine that the mass of the iPod is enough to break the connection before the iPod starts moving.

Yes, you could have the iPod in a dock or do something to secure it, but that seems to defeat the need to have this also. I have a long headphone cord to prevent a quick turn that results in a fall and allows me to move about my desk without the cord restraining me.

This would be great for notebook users in general, however. An iPod may be better protected with a very protective case and some caution.

Last year I mentioned musical influence on a designer from a seemingly scientific study in How Magazine (I seem to have lost that link– if you find it please post the url). I think there is even more to music than just a nice beat, though. I like a story, parable, and the like. Sometimes the more unconventional tunes spark the unconventional idea. Perhaps you too could try turning off the radio and listen to some new music.

Just last year I picked up Jack Johnson’s album On and On and it quickly became one of my favorite an most played albums. The music is upbeat and the guitar is fluid. I also like the island-esque influence that appears in many of the songs. I highly recommend that album, take a listen on iTunes if you don’t know Jack.

Today I got his recent release In Between Dreams. It has a few well done songs that continue the quality of On and On, but the songs almost got a bit too light for my liking. There is more emphasis on the acoustic guitar with a casual approach, and this is still a very subtle difference. I would still recommend In Between Dreams for someone who likes a very light and smooth tune. In fact, this album is prime for a summertime sunday brunch.

Do you have any new music to share?