After my Bose QuietComfort 2 died I've been using The Bose In-Ear Headphones that I got with American Express points a while back. Those little headphones are small and have good sound quality, but they do nothing to isolate the noise on an airplane. I was reluctant to drop $300 again on Bose and I didn't want to get big headphones again, so I started looking for some alternatives.
Earlier this month I saw that Amazon had a great deal on the Shure I2C-MP Stereo Earphones. These earphones retail for $119 but are still available on Amazon for $39.58 
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The earphones are very small and come with a nice pouch. These earphones use noise isolation and not noise cancellation (like the big ones), which means you can get some of the quiet without the size or power source that is required for the noise cancellation.
The I2C include an inline microphone that filters background noise so you can use them both to ear music and make phone calls. They are compatible with the iPhone (3G as well) and the Curve using 3.5mm plug but not with the 88xx 
(unless you have an adapter). I've been using these earphones on flights for the last couple of weeks and I have to say that I like them. I can listen to music and video podcasts without the plane background noise and without the need to carry an additional big case in my backpack.
If you are looking for good small earphones that can be also used with your cellphone go to Amazon and grab a pair before their gone or the price goes back up!
