The Bose QuietComfort 3s are indeed significantly smaller their predecessors, and they feature an on-ear (supra-aural) rather than the over-the-ear (circumaural) design of the QuietComfort 2s. Impressively, the earpieces employ a cushy memory foam that conforms to your ears nicely, and they do a better job than you’d think of passively shutting out noise, unlike most on-ear models, which tend to let in–and leak out–a fair amount of sound. The headphones are very comfortable, but because the deliciously soft leather pads are pressed right up against your ears, the newer models are going to feel steamier if you wear them in warmer environments. They’re probably not the best choice for workouts.

The headphone carrying case is similar to the QC2 case, but slightly smaller – about 3/4 of an inch less wide and less tall, and 1/2″ less thick. Frequent travelers who already have a way too full carry on bag of road warrior gadgets will appreciate this slight reduction in size.

The Bose QuietComfort 3s feature the same fold-flat design as the QuietComfort 2s and have noise-canceling circuitry that’s built into the headphones themselves, not a little box incorporated into the cord. They also come with a protective carrying case that’s a little smaller than the one that ships with the QuietComfort 2s, as well as a two-prong adapter for plane travel and an extra bit of cord that extends the length of the headphones.

Inside the headphone carrying case are the headphones themselves, plus the detachable connector cord that goes between the headphones and any music source, the battery recharger, and a gold plated adapter to convert between the two prong plugs required by some airline seats and the regular plug on the connecting cord. There is also a business card holder with ten business card sized advertisements for the QC3 – Bose hope you’ll choose to pass these on to admiring fellow passengers.

One of the best things about the QUIET COMFORT 3 is the range of bundled accessories. In addition to the spare battery and charger, there’s a full range of power adaptors for Europe, America and Asia. There’s also an adaptor for in-flight audio systems that use the dual plug system and a 6.3mm adapter for HiFi equipment. A handy hard-shelled case holds all the paraphernalia together. There’s even a pack of courtesy cards to hand out to fellow travellers advising of whom to contact should they wish to buy a pair. Now that’s good marketing.