My iPod Shuffle Review
By Max on Jan 22, 2008 in MP3 Players
The people at Apple really know how to generate sophisticated technology in such a beautiful fashion. The iPod shuffle is no exception, having a capacity to hold 240 songs inside the tiny 1GB iPod is pretty amazing.
They are available in different colors too and quite affordable at only $79 US dollars. Although this may seem like a small detail, I really like that they come with a clip so that you can clip them anywhere you like and they go everywhere with you. It is no wonder that it has been called the “most wearable iPod to ever be made”.
Apple announced the release on September 12, 2006 of the second generation of iPod shuffles. The new features of the iPod shuffle include a single 1 GB model that is available in an aluminum case, which is similar in appearance to the second nano and the iPod mini. This tiny new model is smaller by half the size of the previous, and Apple has branded it the smallest MP3 player in the world.
USB connectivity with the second generation of the iPod shuffle is now being provided through an included dock. It transfers the data through its headphone jack, which I find to be much easier and faster. The iPod second generation shuffle is also able to be used as a flash drive, as was the first shuffle.
The dock is required though, because of the change in design from the first to the second generation iPod shuffle. The new iPod shuffle is not even big enough to hold a decent USB port, so you need to use the dock unless you want to purchase an optional USB adapter for $29 US dollars to charge your shuffle. I personally do not think the dock is a large enough issue that would require the purchasing of additional accessories. However, this will depend on personal preferences.
The sound quality of this second generation iPod shuffle is still very stunning, though I tend to use a higher quality of headphones to listen so that I may truly enjoy the quality of the sound. The battery life is rated by Apple as lasting up to 12 hours, and I feel that this length of time is about accurate. Mine has lasted through 5 days of 2 hour long commutes and still going strong.
The new iPod shuffle does away with the lanyard that the original came with. In contrast, it now has a handy little clip on the back so it can be clipped onto your clothes or where ever you want. It feels pretty sturdy, because I keep thinking it is going to fall off, and I check it frequently. No problems so far though. It is seriously so small that it fits on my thumb with the clip. I think that is amazing.
In January, 2007, Apple added a refreshing line of four brand new colors, in addition to original color of silver. The colors were orange, green, blue, and pink. Then by the end of the year, the colors changed again to four new ones, which included lavender, dark red, turquoise, and mint green. I’m personally not going to go get another one for the color, but lavender would be my choice instead of the pink one I have now.
Like its predecessor, the second generation new Shuffle does still lack a display. It is only intended to hold music data. There is a switch on the bottom that will allow you to either listen to a full playlist or toggle to listen in a random order. The LED that is supposed to warn of low battery is absolutely tiny, like a pin hole, so it’s not exactly the alarm that I need. They also now come with redesigned headphones.
So, in conclusion, I have to say that Apple is right on again. They never cease to amaze me. This second generation iPod shuffle delivers usability, and is a great product for music lovers that want to take their music with them in a very small, compact way. I think the people at Apple have hit it out of the ball park and it is definitely another home run with this one. I would highly recommend this iPod shuffle.
