It's true: the second-generation iPod Shuffle (1GB) is the lowest-profile MP3 player we've laid eyes on. Apple may have been slow out of the gate, but the company has succeeded in launching perhaps the tiniest and simplest player on the market -- and it sports a price tag to match: AU$65. The new Shuffle is appealing in its elementariness, too, but the itty-bitty device is far from perfect. Its screenless design means you get few navigational options and no extra features. And how small is too small?
At 27.3 x 41.2 x 10.5mm and 15.5 grams, the iPod Shuffle is one minuscule music player. In fact, it's so inconspicuous that we have trouble keeping track of it -- if you're constantly misplacing your keys, this player probably isn't your best option. That said, the integrated belt clip on the back of the Shuffle helps keep the player within easy reaching distance. Some users have complained that the clip isn't very durable, but it seemed fairly sturdy during our testing.
Like its predecessor, the second-generation iPod Shuffle has no screen for navigating through music or other options (of which there are none). Instead, you get a simple and ample-sized five-way control pad on the face of the player: play/pause in the centre, surrounded by volume up/down buttons and track shuttle keys. There's no way to navigate among specific albums or artists, but you can click play/pause three times fast to skip through playlists. The bottom edge of the player houses two switches: one for powering the unit on and off and the second for toggling between shuffle and repeat modes. A standard-size headphone jack -- which doubles as the Shuffle's USB syncing port -- rests on the top side of the device. There's also a tiny LED indicator that lights up different color combos (orange, red, and green) depending on the status of the player
To charge and sync content to the iPod Shuffle, you'll need to use the included cradle. It's a rather cute little piece, but we'd prefer a standard mini USB port or the older Shuffle's built-in USB interface. However, some users may prefer the 1m cable attached to the dock for easy USB access. Apple also includes a pair of standard white iPod earbuds, which for some reason aren't the newer and sleeker 'phones currently shipping with bigger iPods. For music management, you'll need to download the latest version of iTunes (currently, 7.0.2) from the Apple Web site. As with all iPods, the Shuffle supports MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, and both protected and unprotected AAC files. And like the previous Shuffle, you can click Autofill in iTunes to automatically replace contents with music from your music library or playlists.
As you might expect from such a small player, the Shuffle's rated 12-hour battery life is nothing impressive, though CNET Labs tests may prove that Apple has underestimated the player (check back for those results). In cursory testing, we found the Shuffle's audio quality to be decent through the included earbuds, but bass was lacking, and we could detect some light static when we twisted the headphone plug during quiet moments. Swapping in a pair of Shure E4cs improved the bass situation, but overall, music was still too bright and lacking in warmth for our tastes. We could also detect noticeable background noise during silent segments. Suffice it to say that the newer Shuffle doesn't sound as good as the older one.
In final analysis, the iPod Shuffle is a decent player that offers a sleek, compact form factor, an excessively simple user interface, and a low price. Fans of ultraportable gadgets will no doubt be drawn to it. But audiophiles, beware: this is not the player for you. If you're discerning about audio quality or tend to misplace things easily, steer clear.
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lee.cameron
22/08/2008, 08:52 AM
rating
3/10
i cant get any thing to download on new ipod shuffle
Pros: apple
Cons: i get sign that says use cd DONT have cd
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ipod kid
27/07/2008, 07:11 PM
rating
7/10
its pretty good for such a small and cheap product
Pros: easy to use
light
awesome sound
Cons: no screen
the clip can snap
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Simon
02/07/2008, 08:08 PM
rating
8/10
One more ipod from apple. I bought this because my pocket was full. But as time goes i feels that this devisce is so bore than any other ipod. Maximum all troubles from its screen, I mean this ipod has no screen. This ipod is best for blind people. Any how its music quality is great. Some time i feel that i hear sony xplod. I say this device " csi " car stereo installation. This is easily fit in cars. Difficulty to operate its function like when i maintain its equalizer.
Pros: Decent voice recorder.
They weren't kidding when they said it was tiny.
Cons: Interface has some kinks.
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marydsl
25/04/2008, 01:58 PM
rating
2/10
just bought the ipod shuffle and the battery flicks to green then stops. Dont know whether to get money back or get money back.
Pros: dunno didnt work
Cons: as above
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gfdfhgfg
16/03/2008, 12:03 AM
rating
2/10
good but a little bit small
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maconvert
05/10/2007, 03:01 AM
rating
8/10
Most of the negative comments are from (A) people who have a thing against Apple (B) people who don't own any iPods (C) someone who maybe got a dud (my household owns 4 iPods with no troubles) (D) morons
Pros: Super small, light, durable, and decent sound quality.
Cons: The only con that I can think of is the fact that you can't advance through different playlists (i.e. you have an easy listening, a cardio, and a weight training playlist)
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Sam_B
04/07/2007, 11:29 PM
rating
10/10
Solid improvement from generation one shuffle.
Pros: More durable and aesthetically pleasing than the relatively flimsy, plain white generation one shuffle, great for running or skiing where taking a fully sized iPod would be impractical, simple and easy to use, great 1gb of storage for something so small.
Cons: The dock looks nice but is impractical for traveling as the 3.5mm plug juts out awkwardly and could snap off.
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wtftw
28/02/2007, 04:35 AM
rating
10/10
excellent build quality, the dock is alot stronger than it looks.
Pros: not for retards
Cons: too cool for you
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music__girl
21/02/2007, 09:54 AM
rating
8/10
grrrr i got one of these for Xmas and the dock was stood on so the metal thing bent. that was only after a ffew times using it. does neone know where i cann buy a new dock and JUST the dock. i havnt been able to use it for 7 weeks now
Pros: its very samll and u can take it absolutely anywhere! i like it
Cons: there i pretty much no cases on the market to protect it in and mines already got chip marks in the side
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dev
25/01/2007, 12:04 PM
rating
8/10
which one is better ?? the shuffle or the sony or the creative zen....plz help me on this....
Pros: no idea
Cons: no idea
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