New Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Silver

A. C. De Panama

at 6:49 pm

Review by A. C. De Panama for New Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Silver
Rating: (5 / 5)
This new iPod shuffle just goes to show that Apple do listen to their customers. We wanted buttons and no gimmicky propriety headphones, and they finally listened!

This new generation shuffle adopts a similar design to it’s older brother and let me tell you, this thing is TINY. When I got the box I was astounded at how small this thing actually is. I got the silver one and it’s shinier than in the photos (very nice finish to it). I can imagine this would be easy to lose but as long as you have headphones plugged in you shouldn’t lose track of it too quickly. It’s an absolutely gorgeous little device and will look good clipped on any bag, shirt or trouser pocket.

Otherwise, it contains the same features as before. Voiceover helps you choose playlists, check battery (very handy) and also tells you the song that’s playing. Battery life is stated for around 12 hours, but as with most Apple estimates you should half this to get a more realistic figure. No pin connector like the nano/touch/classic as usual, still amazed at how they can get data transfer through the headphone jack!

For the exercise fanatics (possibly the shuffles main customer base) I can’t really tell you how it fares, but at least with the buttons you won’t have issues with the remote this time.

All in all a fantastic mp3 player at a great price. For £40 you get a music player, no more no less. At least if you do manage to lose it, you haven’t lost an expensive investment!

EDIT: Had the device for a week now. Charged it last friday and it’s only just dropped to 75% after an hours play every day. The small light also changes colour depending on battery strength: Green for good charge, orange for less than half and red for 25%.

M. jones

at 7:35 pm

Review by M. jones for New Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Silver
Rating: (4 / 5)
this is a nice little product. for those who have not used apple i-tunes before, it is a bit of a challenge. i am so used to the drag and drop mp3 players on the market, but decided to give the new shufffle a go, after reading some good previews about it, and having a pretty disastrous experience with the latest sony mp3 player.

however if you get stuck, the apple people on the end of the phone are very helpful! and i have been fine with my new shuffle ever since. i love it. the size is TINY so make sure you get a coloured one so you don’t lose it! i am still fathoming it out, but i love what i see so far. it doesn’t mean i am goign to go out and buy a nano though! this is enough for me to contend with. perfect for those who are on the go in their jobs or in everyday life……..

DangermouseZilla

at 7:59 pm

Review by DangermouseZilla for New Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Silver
Rating: (5 / 5)
In my eyes, the metallic 2nd Generation I pod shuffle was the most perfect tiny MP3 player ever released. It was tough, it was beautiful, and it was incredibly easy to use. The 3rd generation introduced some extra gimmicks and lost the buttons – again it was a good device – but it was a step backwards from perfection. But that’s been addressed in this, the 4th generation shuffle.

It’s instantly recognisable as it looks like a trimmed version of the clickable 2nd gen version – but the click controls are slightly larger and therefore even easier to use. I have an iPod Touch (my most favourite gadget of all time) but when I’m going for a run I prefer a smaller MP3 player which will clip onto my clothes. This attaches firmly and whilst I’m attempting to get fit I can easily reach down and skip tracks, adjust the volume – or now even change playlists. The clip is a very keen metal-sprung one which is almost the entire size of the rear of the player, this enables it to grip on tightly with no concern what-so-ever that it will become detached.

The back to basics design will be welcomed by many, but those who like the added functionality of the previous “chewing gum stick” model will appreciate that those have been carried over. The previous model was also limited by the proprietary earphones, that was something which needed to be dropped and now once again you can use any earphones – essential for comfort, especially when being used while being active. No longer will you be running and trying to catch the volume control on the earphone lead as it swings to-and-fro.

This not only looks like a well engineered and solid piece of tech, it sounds great too. The 2 gig capacity is more than ample to hold a raft of albums (for many 2 GB will hold their entire album collection). My dad recently purchased the last iPod shuffle as he wanted an easy to use MP3 player, this model however is even easier and will suit those less comfortable with technology as well as those who want a fully featured yet tiny player.

In a nutshell: Those who want a nano-sized MP3 player with extra features and a display can get the iPod Nano. For those wanting a player which is incredibly intuitive with a battery lasting over week on a single charge (even with fairly regular use) – then this is the gadget for you! The best designed tiny MP3 player ever devised just got better, and it’s practically indestructible!