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Apple iPod Shuffle MP3 Player ReviewApple pretty much defined the marketplace for MP3 players with its introduction of the iPod. Prior to the iPod, there were a variety of competitors selling digital music devices that played MP3 encoded digital music files, but there was no defining product, and no one had claimed the portable music player space. The iPod changed all that, giving us a whole slew of follow on "i" products to accompany the popular little music player. The main iPod product came first, then the iPod mini, then the iPod Shuffle. The first shuffle was pretty much an afterthought of a product. It was the size of a pack of gum, but unlike all other music players on the market, it had no display screen, no way to see what you were playing or what was available or what was coming next.. What is the iPod Shuffle, why was it designed like this, and what does the new iPod Shuffle offer? Keep reading in this Shuffle guide..
New Apple 1GB Shuffle MetalThe new Apple Shuffle has a 1 GB storage capacity, enough to hold about 200 songs. It sells for $79 (see Amazon.com or any electronics retailer). Like all the iPod models, it connects to your computer and uses the Internet connection and the iTunes software to manage your music collection and let you buy music downloads online. It's billed as the world's smallest music player, and we don't doubt it (sure, take away the screen and it's easy to shrink your product down!). The controls are pretty simple - it has the standard circular thumb wheel on the front as do all iPod, allowing you to control volume or switch or replay songs. There is a switch that allows you to move between playing songs in order or shuffling them up, along with a power switch and a headphone/docking jack. The docking station it comes with has a tiny connector that of course looks like a headphone jack, since it fits in the same slot as the headphones. There is also a battery indicator light - green, yellow, and red warning you when to recharge (when it comes to batteries, Apple has had some problems in the past with batteries dying, requiring you to return your iPod to get a new battery, or buy a new battery -- they have a special section on their website apple.com/batteries explaining how lithium ion batteries work and how charging and recharging them affects their lifespan). If you buy it from Apple.com or an Apple store, you can get a custom engraving on the back (your name, loved one's name, etc.). One drawback is that the docking station/charging pad required access to a computer if you want to keep your Shuffle charged - sometimes tough if you are on the road or something without PC access.Apple Shuffle SpecsThe specs of the Shuffle are:
Closing notes - if you want a small, simple MP3 player that is only $75, the Shuffle might be perfect for you. If you want anything fancier, like a screen to see what you are doing or option for pictures and video, look elsewhere. The iTunes software and website are simple and effective as always, a great selling point for Apple MP3 devices -- but conside the iPod Nano as an upgrade if you want something a little more.
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