Review: Sumajin Smartwrap

Most people who have an iPod do the same thing when they put it in their bag or pocket – they wrap the cables around the case or around a finger or two and then find themselves with a tangled mess when they retrieve their iPod. Some users may use a velcro tie or a twist-tie, although lengthening or shortening the cable is rather difficult.

In a “Why didn’t I think of this?” type of product, there is a solution. Sumajin’s Smartwrap, a $5 dumbbell-shaped piece of rubber, solves the problem, keeping cables tangle-free, and just the right length. The rubber material allows it to fit comfortably in a pocket, unlike some of the hard plastic models from other companies. The Smartwrap is an inexpensive product that has two notches, one on each end, allowing cables to lock in place. The middle is slightly narrower than the ends, preventing the cable from slipping off.

Smartwrap with Earbuds

Smartwrap in Packaging

To use the Smartwrap, snap one end of it on the headphone cord. Wrap the cord around the middle, and once the cord is the length you want, snap the other end of the cord at the other end of the Smartwrap. To extend or shorten the cord, unsnap one end and wrap or unwrap more of the cord.

Some earbuds come with a case that wraps up the cord for storage, but the case cannot be used when they are being used. The Smartwrap can, allowing the user to shorten the cable if it is too long. Another use is to wrap the cord for the cassette tape adapters for car stereos – almost any thin cable can be used with the Smartwrap.

The only downside is that when the headphone cord is unwrapped, it retains the curliness from the Smartwrap, although this happens when the cord is wrapped around a case, as well.

The Smartwrap is a very simple and durable product, but is an essential for all iPod owners. It is available in a multitude of colors, including: white, black, translucent, red, orange, green, blue, purple, and pink, so it will match any iPod case, a naked iPod, or any other portable music device.

Some people might feel that $5 is too much to pay for such a simple product, but compared to the price of so many iPod accessories, as well as the appealing design & convenience, it’s a bargain.