 |
Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB White (1st Generation)
By: Apple Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 289
More Information
 On: 2008-01-07
I enjoyed my shuffle for a long time. The only reason I moved up to the nano was so I could see what song was playing and have more control. The shuffle is like a radio that only plays songs you like and no commercials. Its good and its cheap. What more do you want?
 On: 2007-10-14
This stopped working after a month of my 9yr old granddaughter receiving it for Christmas. I dont know if she was too rough with it or if it was a faulty unit.
On: 2007-09-26
I love my shuffle. Its still going strong after 2 years of heavy use during sports activities. When this one goes belly up, Im going to get the new generation shuffle.
 On: 2007-08-06
This thing is ultra-sturdy despite its flimsy appearance. I have dropped it numerous times onto the ground and it has scratches all over the body, somehow it still manage to work normally. I use it extensively but the battery still holds up pretty well.
 On: 2007-05-31
I bought this the minute it came out because none of the existing iPod products at the time utilized flash memory--therefore they "skipped" during aerobic workouts. I use it a couple times a week and have loved it--but the slide on the back recently broke off. Even though I have the Nano, Im gonna buy the new shuffle--I really enjoy the tiny size, and especially like the built in clip. I also suspect the new version will last longer, because it has fewer parts to break. I would have rated it a "5" if it had not broken.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-05-11
I bought an iPod shuffle a summer ago, and loved it at first until all my friends laughed at me for buying an iPod without a screen. All of them had nanos. I felt left out. I am now going to buy another mp3 player. I have to admit I will still use it for exercising it is a great work out tool. Over all I dont think its woth it buy a nano. A nano is just a little more money.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-05-10
I bought an iPod shuffle a summer ago, and loved it at first until all my friends laughed at me for buying an iPod without a screen. All of them had nanos. I felt left out. I am now going to buy another mp3 player. I have to admit I will still use it for exercising it is a great work out tool. Over all I dont think its woth it buy a nano. A nano is just a little more money.
On: 2007-03-25
Convenience and Portability
For travelers who frequent internet cafes or businessmen/students who elect not to bring their laptops with them. The iPod 1 GB Shuffle is for you as there is virtually enough space for not only your files and tunes, but also your convenience since it can fit snuggly into your hip/back pocket or be easily accessible around your neck.
Some people believe that 1GB (240 songs at 4 minutes and a recording rate of 56 to 128 per song) may not be enough for the average joe. But I beg to differ, as if you were to base the shuffle on practicality, a person traveling to and from school/work/home wouldnt be able to listen to all the songs in a single setting because of life experiences (e.g., someone talking to the shuffle user, they tire of listening to music after some point, may be prone to theft in crowded areas, scratches, etc.).
This music player is geared towards individuals who are not too particular with viewing the song titles and simply desire to listen to selected music during activities like traveling, reading, working, and exercising.
Personally, I find the shuffle to be the most practical device to use in jogging, abdominal workouts, and weightlifting as you dont have to worry about where to put it, if it may fall, etc. It allows you to simply enjoy and concentrate on the task at hand--exercising! Finally, a device that serves you and not the other way around!
But...
However, much like the Nano and Video apple products, the shuffle scratches easily. If you are going to purchase this device and are particular about scratches, take the necessary precautions such as investing on a rubber case or i-Skin to rest your worries.
I hope that this review was helpful to you? If so, kindly vote for it. Thanks!
On: 2007-03-19
I sent it back. It is not "user friendly." It is too small, and does not have any of the features of the newer ipods. I bought a nano, and it is much nicer. I would not spend the money on this.
On: 2007-03-10
I was disappointed when I started using this device for listening to audio books. Its just not designed for that. You cant fast-forward or rewind inside a track. Its fine for listening to music though. If you want something for audio books, try the Ipod Nano.
On: 2007-02-21
I like to listen to music; not spend my time navigating 30 gb of music and playlists. For me, who desires the simple experience of hitting "Play" and hearing music I enjoy the iPod Shuffle is great. With the added bonus that the Ipod works as a standard flash drive with no additional HW or SW I cant be happier.
As you are likely to have more music, or will soon, than this device can hold; Especially if you enable the flash drive functionality. I recommend auto-filling from a smart playlist that filters to only 3 star or above songs that are also not too long. The device has no trouble playing very long songs, but for me, scanning through a 2 hour DJ mix can be painful and I just find the experience better using relatively short songs.
 On: 2007-01-27
I received my shuffle promptly, but unfortunately have had problems with it. It downloads properly, but wont shuffle the songs (they play in the same order all the time), and some songs have never played at all. My daughter ordered one at the same time, and hers works perfectly, so maybe its just my particular product, but I have been very disappointed.
On: 2007-01-15
I am pleased with my over all experience with Amazon.com, however the Rainmaker Group company is a rip-off. I ordered on November the 11th, and NEVER received the product. One week before Christmas I re-ordered from another company through Amazon. For future reference...look at ratings before you purchase.
On: 2007-01-15
Overall - there are far better mp3 players out there for the same money. Dont buy this one.. keep looking. This player REQUIRES the use of iTunes meaning that one cant just drag and drop music into the player. This means installing this bulky virus/software and waiting for it load each time you want to monkey with your music. Also, youll be forced to use only one computer to manage you music. This concept is completely dim-witted and annoying.
My iPod Shuffle irreparably died after one year and one month - just one month after the warranty ended. Ive heard similar horror stories so I know that Im not the only one to have experienced this.
Also, the player does not have simple, but vital, functions like "hold" or any kind of on-the-fly file management.
Get something else that has drag-and-drop file management (sorry, that means non-Apple) and last longer than a year.
On: 2007-01-09
Wll, they are small, so I misplaced my first one (I 512k). Found it later. But I figure that it will wear out anyway (even if switches go on forever, batteries WILL eventually die) given the heavy use I put it to. I really like the fact that it does no need an external cord like the newer ones, which is why I bought it even though it was the same price as the newer one. I also use it mostly in the car, since I do not tend to like headphones.
Also, the iTunes has gotten better as a program, but I have not bought anything better from the service. I had a CD collection before I got the iPod, and feeding in my older CDs has gotten me to reacquaint myself with a good many CDs. Now, about that vinyl...
On: 2007-01-09
Unfortunately the product never came. The actually company said it was shipped, but it never came. I can not give any stars to this company, as they did not answer my e-mail request for an update. The star is for Amazon, who was able to get me a refund for my purchase.
On: 2007-01-04
My husband uses it when hes jogging and on his bicycle. Its simple and easy to use.
On: 2007-01-04
I bought this to use when I run and its perfect for that. Id spend the extra $50 to upgrade to the Nano next time though.
On: 2006-11-25
What a crock as it looks like everyone else got good product and good service! I got a shuffle and something happened the second time I tried to load music to make it not even play. I took it to the Apple Store in Mall of America (Minneapolis, MN) and they claimed to know there was an issue and claimed to have fixxed it. I go back home (OK) and it still does not work. Apple said for $113 theyll fix. Gee thanks! Ill be looking at another brand! Apple stinks.
On: 2006-11-24
If you are looking for an inexpensive iPod, then I would recommend this.
On: 2006-11-23
I received this item and could not get it to work. I contacted Apple and they assisted me in trying to get the I-pod to download songs from my computer. When it would not download, they made arrangements for a replacement and were very polite!
On: 2006-11-19
Ok, I got this as gift so I got nothing to lose right! Well, this little gadget will be my first open door to the ipod world and i gotta say that it really gives me an awsome impression toward what apple has accomplished for ipod shuffle.
Ever since I unpacked this little thing, it has been with me everywhere! On the go, exercise, sleeping....anywhere you have pockets to put it, ipod shuffle is always with me whenever I needed some kick of tunes, its ultra light and portability has really achieved what it meant to accomplish in the first place and talking about 1 GB of stores mp3 for about 16 hrs of playtime, it is just too hard not to fall in love with this little part of me...lol! Sound quality is decent too and it is quite easy to charge and transfer/update tunes on the go. So if you are a fast paced, mobile and not a control freak, then ipod shuffle is definitely a good way to get giggy with it!
On: 2006-11-10
The iPod shuffle is nowhere near as reliable as the other iPods. Ive had one break on me, and my new one doesnt work on the "shuffle" setting when listening to podcasts -- what I use my shuffle for.
On the other hand, the full-sized iPods dont do the things I need a shuffle for -- mainly, be really, really small and pretty indestructable. However, I havent tried out any of the new generation of iPods, so they may solve one or both of these difficulties.
On: 2006-10-27
One day it just stopped working. I got the dreaded "orange and green flashing lights of death"... the contents of the File space were un-recoverable... and I ended up just pitching it after extensive attempts to revive it.
Apparently this is yet another one of the bad products that Apple likes to keep hush-hush.
On: 2006-09-28
I bought my IPOD Shuffle a year ago and a half ago and it crashed on me in 9 months. The Apple store here in India, replaced the same under warranty with another and that one crashed on me again in nine months.
However, in the process, I have become an ardent fan of the extremely user friendly design that I am looking forward to the new and yet to be released METAL version of the same. I just hope this product lasts a lot longer than the warranty period.
I have learnt from experience with Apple products, that if Apple wants a product to last they can make it last and vice-versa.
On: 2006-09-25
The iPod shuffle is small and compact, and easy to use. Plus, now that the new version is coming out, this type will be a lot cheaper. I love the shuffle versus other players, because it gives me a chance to listen to all my music, whereas if I could see the song I was listening to, Id be more apt to go straight to my favorite songs and never listen to all the other great songs I have. Im a college student, and the shuffle is perfect for me: cheap, small, and durable. **EDIT** Haha, yes the person who commented was right. Itunes has an option that converts songs to 128kbps so that you can fit more songs on your Ipod. I now have 163 songs on it and it is only about half full. This is a great mp3 player for the price. Sorry about the confusion before!
Bottom line: If you want a cheap iPod, the shuffle is the way to go.
On: 2006-09-22
Thank goodness for Apple they made a product designed well enough to get you just past a year (1-year warrenty) and then die. I would hate for them to have to replace all these horribly designed $100 dollar iPods.
On: 2006-09-19
My shuffle suffered the blinking green-orange lights so I took it into the Apple store. A salesman took 15 minutes to figure out that he couldnt do anything, and said I would have to sign up for a appointment at the "Genius" bar. At that appointment, the "genius" said he couldnt fix it, and because he said he didnt know anything about engineering he couldnt say whether the shuffle was not working because of a software or a hardware problem or both. Apparently being an Apple "genius" doesnt involve understanding how things work, though it does appear to require having a trendy haircut. The genius" then offered a $10 discount on the purchase of a new shuffle - but couldnt answer the question of why anyone would want to waste money on such a poorly designed thing.
Perhaps it should be retitled the "idiot bar."
On: 2006-08-30
I got my first iPod Shuffle about a year ago (8/05). It lasted til the following May, and then started to act weird. The lights would flash, and it would crash my computer, but wouldnt play music. Took it to the Apple store, they said bad flash memory was the culprit and replaced it under warranty. The new unit lasted a few months, and then it also bit the dust, in the exact same fashion as the first one. Im gentle on my iPod, never dropped it, left in the hot car, etc...and yet they both have died on me.
Id recommend the Creative Zen Nano. Its cheaper, much easier to add songs to (no iTunes required), and has a small screen that makes it more navigable, not to mention an integrated voice recorder and FM tuner.
On: 2006-08-28
The shipping was good
and the product too.
thanks to amazon for your commitment
best regards
Hector
On: 2006-08-27
I love this little IPOD - almost as small as my lipstick!
On: 2006-08-15
This is not your photo/video iPod. So you cant compare it with them. Its the most basic version of iPod. Its meant to be loaded with songs & listen to them in the order you loaded them or in random order (shuffle).
It doesnt have the lovely controls of an regular iPod, but has only the basic. Theres a play/pause button in the centre surrounded by volume up/down & next/previous track all around it in a circle. They work very well.
It has a USB connector on one end which you use with your computer. This unit also works like any other USB drives, to store data. When used with iTunes, you can control how much music/data you want stored on it.
However, when you transfer 2 different playlists on it, you wont be able to switch between them, theyll be one on your shuffle.
The shuffle, on/off controls are in the back. So is the battery charge indicator.
The sound quality is not as good as your regular iPod, but is very impressive for a player of its size. It comes with the same earbuds that accompany all other iPods.
I use it in the gym, or when Im running. I think, that would be the typical use. Its inexpensive, so if you lose it, or crush it by dropping weight on it in the gym, it wont break your heart.
If you are looking for a pretty simple, non-bulky, inexpensive mp3 player, this is the one to get.
On: 2006-08-06
I love my iPod shuffle! I got mine last year for my Birthday in September and it still works like it did when I got it! I have dropped it a huge amount of times on surfaces like concrete, asphault, carpet, laminate floors and a ton more. Ive even accidentally stepped on it a couple times! Its lack of screen can either be a good or bad thing depending on your outlook on life:). Its good because no screen=no cracking and scratching. But sometimes you wish you had a screen like when you have lots of songs and want to listen to a certain song but cant find it. To over come this problem, I placed all my songs in alphabetical order and memorized their positions. I dont carry it around with me when I go jogging or anything else, so I just use it in my home on my speakers. Overall, this is a great iPod for those who a)Dont or cant afford an iPod nano or iPod video (Like me), b)Clumbsy (also like me), or c) those who a afraid of getting a cracked or scratched screen. Thanks for reading my review!
On: 2006-07-30
I had a 3rd generation 20GB ipod that stopped working after about a year. Instead of buying another one, I got the 1 GB shuffle as a present.
However, no matter what ipod Ive used Ive always had horrendous problems connecting them to any Windows machines. With the 20GB ipod I managed to get it working on 1 of 4 machines I tried. Unfortunately this wasnt the PC where I had my mp3s, cue lots of annoying copying. Even connecting to this computer became hit and miss later, but by then the ipod died anyway.
I havent been able to connect the shuffle I was given to either of my home pcs, no matter what I try. Im about ready to ebay or stamp on it (would make me feel better).
Additionally, apple forces you to use iTunes, which I personally really dislike, and you cant transfer mp3s from your ipod to another computer... etc. etc.
Although the actual hardware design is nice (probably why theyre so popular) unless you want to be constricted in what you can do with an mp3 and be forced to use iTunes AND spend hours searching internet forums trying to find out how to just get the bloody thing to connect, stay away from ipods and buy a less trendy but less hassle mp3 player from someone else (youll get more for your money anyway)
On: 2006-07-21
I left my "real" iPod on a plane one day and replaced it with the Shuffle. I figured since I nearly always listened to my music on shuffle mode anyway and because it fit a few hundred songs--well more than I can hear in a given train commute for a week--it would be acceptable. Its odd not knowing what is playing, but overall I like it most because it slips into any pocket without bulging or scratching. And if I lose it I am out less than $100 vs. $300 for the real deal.
On: 2006-07-17
I like the portability and lightness, but really all it is is a glorified walkman.
On: 2006-07-15
Im really unhappy with my shuffle. I bought it for my wife because it seemed like a simple mp3 player but in reality its been a huge pain. I often get errors that the drive cant be read from or written to. The only solution is to reformat the drive. If anyone is looking for a basic mp3 player for a pc - look elsewhere.
On: 2006-07-11
If you like to go jogging, just want to listen music and you love iTunes, Ipod Shuffle is for you. I bought just when it was released because I dont like the regular ipod, its too heavy and expensive toy to go jogging with.
Pros: Easy to use. Fill and listen with excellent iTunes integration.
Cons: Got rusty in a few months. I live near the ocean and now Im having problems connecting it to the computer.
Botton line.. Now with ipod Nano, I dont know if I would buy...
On: 2006-07-11
I got the I GB iPod Shuffle last month and have been very pleased with it. The shuffle feature is fun, but I like that it also plays in order so that I can listen to audio books. The sound quality is wonderful! Its amazing that such a tiny product can produce such a strong and excellent sound. Downloading is quick and easy. Love it, love it, love it!
On: 2006-07-02
This is a nice little gadget to have around in:
a. The Office: you can use it as a USB memory to transfer files from/to any computer. I personally own a PowerBook from Mac, and have no problem at all transfering files from my Mac to any Windows laptop or desktop. Just plug it in - Its great!
b. The Gym: I own a larger iPod, but always prefer to take my Shuffle to the gym. Its so small and lightweight. Ive dropped it many times and it is increadibly resistent also.
c. Home: I use it everytime pluged in to my Stereo via the AUX input. I just use a cheap 3.5mm to 3.5mm that I got from RadioShack.
d. Car: I use it either with a FM transmit adapter or sometimes with a Cassette Adapter I got from Walmart (both).
The only thing I dont like from the Shuffle is the fact that it doesnt have a display to see which song is playing.
On: 2006-06-29
I bougth 3 ipod shuffle. As soon as I got them, one of the was not working. I contacted amazon, and I returned the ipod to them. They sent me a new ipod again. Two week ago, one of the three initial ipod was presenting the same issue!!! Right now, I am not satisfied at all with the item!!!!!! I need to know if I sent it again back, or what!!!!
I wont recommend to buy this ipod again!!!
Ana Montilla
On: 2006-06-28
TO be honest APPLE is the best product to offer us music players. I strongly believe what i got is what i expect. Handling is very easy and listening songs is usually the best in Apple ( which everyone knows...)
Hence I recommend the same to buy.
On: 2006-06-24
I gave one star just for the fact that i cant write a review without giving atleast a star. Apple doesnt even deserve that. i received the ipod shuffle today and have been trying to get it to work but it doesnt. its blinking amber all the time whenever i connect it to the computer. i have tried doing each and everything suggested on apple.com and in other forums. i even reinstalled windows on my computer so as to start from scratch and still this damn thing doesnt work. i chatted with an apple support guy and he told me it must be a defective piece and i need to ship it again for replacement...after wasting all my evening i dont need another apple.
seems like apple has started using sub standard parts. i would never ever again buy an apple. they truly suck.....
On: 2006-06-16
I am not exactly the most technologically savvy person. I am good with computers and such however, I know next to nothing concerning mp3 players, palm pilots, cell phones, etc. Up until now, cd players were fine with me. However, this Christmas I recieved a 512 MB for Christmas. I traded it in for a 1 GB because I wanted more space obviously. So here I am with my new ipod and am estatic. I felt pretty technogically savvy. I am a college student and pile classes on two days (so I am at school the entire day). After my first week of getitng my ipod and using at school, I fell in love with it.
I didnt know that it didnt have this or didnt have that. I was content in plugging my earbuds into my ipod and turning it on to my favorite songs in between classes. It was like I found the Holy Grail. I dont want to spend $300 on a ipod that all I will want to do is listen to music on. Video ipods. Sure, video. Neat. But why? Ahh, games on a ipod and a calender. I can bring a gameboy with me and buy a wall calender.
To a simple average Joe like me who has no idea whats up with the newst gadgets, the shuffle was like finding you got the Noble Peace Prize, having your first baby, your marriage ceremony all over again, and getting your pay check all in one filling. The shuffle, while may not have a LCD screen, games, videos, phone service capabilties, wi-fi connections, calenders, can shave your beard, fix your toilet, etc. It is just enough for someone to want to sit down and listen to thier music.
On: 2006-06-14
ok i got mine a few days ago and i havent turned it off yet. it doesnt have a screen but im using it for running so that doesnt really matter. plus since this is flash drive memory, being banged around wont damage it unlike my 4th generation 20gb clickwheel which is harddrive based memory. it wont hold as many songs but i have a coupple thousand songs on my old ipod and i have never even listened to half of them 1gb is plenty for running and its definately small enough so if you want a small, reliable ipod that wont cost you a months pay this is the ipod for you
On: 2006-06-10
MY IPOD ALSO SURVIVED THE WASHING MACHINE!!!
I love my iPod, but between my wife and I, we dont always check our pockets very well, prior to doing a load of wash.
We have lost many important items, papers, rings, and other expensive electronic gear because of this bad habit.
We use our iPod shuffle daily, and are constantly using iTunes to re-shuffle the music on it. It was a great buy, and it adds more than we imagined to the enjoyment of our music, and our daily lives. The fact that it survived the wash is just the icing on the cake.
It took a day or so for it to completely dry out and return to 100% normal, and I chose to get a different set of headphones (which also went through the wash, but only returned to about 75% of their original sound quality.) The output on the iPod itself was unaffected, and the new headphones sound great.
I dont think battery life was affected, but it did take a couple of complete charges and dis-charges before it got back into its normal swing.
On: 2006-05-25
This wonderful electronic is amazing! Its inexpensive, small and lightweight. I can take it almost anywhere!!!!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-05-21
SanDisk Sansa E100, Samsung YP-MT6, Iaudio U2, Samsung YP-U2, SanDisk Sansa E200, SanDisk Sansa C100, SanDisk Sansa M200, Samsung YP-U1...
These are all players that are better than the iPod Shuffle. Some are more expensive, but so much better its worth it. And there are some that are cheaper, yet better.
On: 2006-05-03
i purchased an ipod shuffle for less than one month, thinking of good quality i dont mind paying more, but to my surprise apple product starts to deteriotate in quality. My ipod shuffle keeps on blinking green/amber and was not recognised in my imac. The worst part, i cannot update or restore the ipod. I feel regret buying something not worth the money
On: 2006-04-28
This is a great device but it does appear to be having problems which may be related to Apples latest software. My device, for no apparent reason started blinking orange and green and would not play. Apple recommends resetting and or updating to restore. Go to Google and see for yourself the growing number of complaints of cases where the latest iPod Updater will not restore the Shuffle, and although the device will charge, it fails to mount. I strongly recommend checking the return policy before purchasing.
On: 2006-04-23
After owning my 1 GB Shuffle for a year and loving it the whole time, I was distraught when I lost it for a couple days - and devastated when my wife found it... sitting in the washing machine after a load finished. It wouldnt turn on, so I sadly started price-checking a replacement, and researching the Nano. I was happy to learn that Apple offers a discount off a new iPod if you turn in an old iPod for recycling, which pleased me greatly.
After a couple days though, I figured "What the heck..." and plugged it in to my PC. Darned if the charging light didnt come on, and iTunes fired right up and recognized the Shuffle! The tunes had been wiped and the battery was flatlined, but I let it charge up and reloaded my tunes and I was back in business!!
I love my Shuffle. I hate reading reviews complaining that "It doesnt have a screen!" Get it straight - the Shuffle doesnt have a screen on purpose! This player is made to be the lightest, most minimal player out there, for use by runners and gym-rats. Its not meant to be a music library, so a screen is of no value - just one more thing to break and add weight. If you want a multi-gigabyte hard-drive loaded with music, look elsewhere. If you want the best MP3 player for your workout or run, a player that youll hardly know is there, this is it. And I challenge any of the players with a screen to survive a trip through the washing machine. : )
On: 2006-04-20
I fully enjoyed this product. Id even go so far as to say I loved the shuffle. Up until the day it stopped working...
13 months of bliss only to reside in a landfill. There appears to be a defect with this product that Apple doesnt seem to acknowledge. Basically it stops playing music, computers refuse to recognize the USB device, and any button pressed on the shuffle results in blinking green/amber lights. For more information on the problem see: discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=823. 400+ complaints of broken shuffles.
Luckily I had an extended warrenty on the device and replaced it with a 1G nano.
It was quite the utilitarian product. Loved the USB drive + music player idea; however, this is pretty much a buyer beware product.
On: 2006-04-12
For those who exercise and work outdoors, this is perfect. No need to take care of a screen. Battery life is awesome. Takes a lot of beating.
On: 2006-04-12
At the same $99 price point, the Creative Zen Nano has twice as much storage; a display screen; the ability to record via built-in microphone; the ability to play protected WMA files without converting to Apples crappy AAC format, the ability to load MP3s directly into the machine without having to install Itunes, and the ability to tune in to FM broadcasts. Buy that product instead! The only reason to buy the iPod is if you want to be trendy and look cool by having the apple "name brand" item instead of a competitor. (And if youre that hard up to look cool, my sympathies.)
On: 2006-04-09
Lasted less than a year. I really enjoyed it, due to its low weight. There is lots of people complaining and no answer from Apple. The problem is it stops working one day for no reason.
Updated: Apple replaced my dead piece for a new one, hope it lasts longer, its really a nice player.
On: 2006-04-08
Ive been reading some reviews on this and it seems some are knocking off points for things that are not included on it. Its like buying a base model car and then giving it a poor review because it didnt happen to have power windows or heated mirrors.
The Apple Shuffle is a very simplistic, well thought out and great sounding device. It does not have a display window, an equalizer, folder options or an FM Tuner and microphone.I have a Creative Zen Micro that is nice, but this has better bass and a louder volume and is infinitely easier to use while Im outside working or hanging out .I bought the Micro because I didnt want to be one of those ipod people but this thing is just perfect for what it is . When I put it around my neck I forget it is there it is so light , and when I need to use the fuctions, I press the buttons over my shirt without having to look . People dont like the shuffle function? Well, load your songs up in the order you wish it to be in through your your Itunes and dont turn on the shuffle option on the player.Its only an option, not a conspiracy to keep you wondering what is coming up next . I have a dual layer silicone skin with it and i can bounce it off a wall, have it land in a puddle of water and wipe it off, turn it on and it will still play. I love this thing for what it is and you can keep your bells and whistles and love what you have ... but leave this one alone . It rocks.
On: 2006-04-02
I loved this product for 13 months. The warantee is 12 months. The unit just stopped playing music. I upgraded the Shuffle software and reset it twice. No change. Now Apple wants $59.99 for another year warantee. I know that electronic devices fail but I thought this was Apple. I thought they were different. I thought they were better. I guess not.
On: 2006-03-20
I use my shuffle mainly to listen to podcasts on the ride to work and back. Radio broadcasts in my area are little... well boring. The shuffle ends up working out perfectly.
Since I only carry about 5 podcasts at a time (each typically being a little over an hour long) I really dont miss having an interactive screen ala the 1G Nano. I know whats on there and in what order so I save the extra $30 and bought a nice case (red Griffin metal case also sold on Amazon and its WONDERFUL!).
My only complaint would be that the slider on the back for the Off/On/Shuffle modes is a little too easily shifted into the wrong position but Im really nit-picking here.
All in all a great product and worth it for those who dont need an interface or have a desire to store a ton of podcasts/songs.
On: 2006-03-20
I love the Shuffle. Its easy to download and use. Its lightweight so I can take it everywhere without feeling weighed down. However, I was sent the wrong software, so it was an exercise in frustration getting started. I had to IM Apple to receive the correct software. It makes me want to get one with more memory.
On: 2006-03-18
I have had my ipod shuffle for about 8 months now and I think its just great. I usually use it at the gym and just put the songs on that will really get me going. Also, I will occasionally hook it up to an old set of computer speakers I have, and listen to it while Im cooking dinner or in the bathtub. The sound out of the ipod itself is better then that of any walkman I have ever had.
The headphones they give you with it are flimsy and fall out of your ear easy (sound quality is just ok with them as well). I STRONGLY recommend you spring an extra 10 bucks on a pair of Sony headsets (the best in the industry in my opinion). I have had many many headsets in my day, and I can tell you that these last forever and the sound quality is outstanding (especially the bud-style ones); you will really get the most out of your ipod if you switch headsets. As mentioned by other people, there is no visible display for you to scroll through, but I dont mind this because I dont keep very many songs on it. For some reason, I have noticed that sometimes after you put new songs on it, unless you play those songs off the ipod while it is still plugged into the computer, sometimes the ipod will skip over the whole new sector of music as if you never put them on, looping back to the beginning. Some people seem to mind that it only holds a gigs worth of music, but I have yet to find the need to carry my entire music collection around my neck. I also highly recommend getting the battery life extender with this (its not very expensive, and 1 AAA battery extends the life of this thing by about 15-20 hours-great if you are a power runner)
But for what this thing is, its actually rather incredible. Its only 100 bucks (saves you about $250-$350), its very portable, and holds a gig of music (I have about 87 songs on mine at the moment and its not even half way full). Bottom line: If your not looking to run a disco and just want something with some excellent sound quality to it while you are at the gym, walking to class, etc., this is a great buy.
On: 2006-03-18
Excellent value. Extremely poratble and capable. Perfect for gym, jogging and biking. Matches my needs perfectly.
On: 2006-03-15
i cant remember a time ive been more pleased with a jump in music playback technology. this thing dosnt skip, i hardly know im carrying it, theres no commercial, no stupid djs, and only the music i want to hear. its like the best radio station ever. my ipod shuffle rocks!
On: 2006-03-15
The review below is very complete, but it neglects to include my personal favorite thing about my iPod shuffle. My shuffle has accidentally been both run through the wash in my pocket and run over by my car. It still works perfectly, and bears only a few pockmarks on the corner. When I got the shuffle, I was debating between upgrading to nano or not, but now Im glad I didnt, because I doubt the nano could have taken such punishment.
On: 2006-03-13
The Shuffle is great! I am the type of person who really doesnt care what music comes on my MP3 player (This is because I loaded the music in it). So seeing the title and the artist really doesnt matter. I creat the playlist in iTunes and update my Shuffle with the appropriate Playlist for what I am doing. 1 GB is plenty for your everyday activities. Who needs to carry 5 GB (who listens to that much music running or bike-ridding?) I am training for a 26.2 mile ruck-march and my Shuffle carries more than enough music to keep me going. Battery time is more than adequate. The size is also another great feature. I can attach it to my arm-band or just stuff it in my pocket. Overall, a great buy for those who preffer to just listen to their music, not watch it.
On: 2006-03-11
I liked the Excellent Sound Quality, Ease of Use and No Battery requirement. Only thing needs to be improved is that the body should be scratch free.
On: 2006-03-11
Easy to use, compact, and extremely easy to get started on computer, especially for those of us who arent computer savvy. Only drawback is no way to organize music ie for exercise vs study etc.
On: 2006-03-10
Working out in the gym with my 40gb Ipod became dangerous. I dropped the thing more often than I personally cared to. I even went and bought a metal titanium case for it and I continued dropping it so frequently that the case is now dented and scratched.
I bought the shuffle for the following reasons. I wanted something small and something I wouldnt freak out about if I dropped it. The shuffle met both of those criteria.
For me it holds 13 hours of music, which is more than enough for the gym and it comes with a lanyard so I can wear it around my neck. Yeah, you look a little dorky with the thing around your neck, but its great for cardio and for weight training. The headphone cord never gets into the way when Im lifting. I also use it when Im boxing and hitting the heavy bag. Again, it doesnt get in the way. There are armbands available for it as well, but Id give the lanyard a try before spending the money and see if you like it.
Im not at all bothered by the fact I cant see what track is playing on a screen mostly because Im using it at the gym and I rarely looked down at the screen of my 40gb ipod when I worked out with it. Its simple to use and it connects through my laptops usb port when I want to change the music on it and charge it. The battery lasts a long time. If I charge it once a week (and Im using it every day) its a lot.
If you need something with a screen spend the money and get a nano. If you dont care about that and just want your music portable this is great. I do think its better for people who are going to the gym or running or doing any activity with it. It seems perfectly suited for that. I dont see people being happy with this as their primary MP3 player.
On: 2006-03-10
iPod works as advertised. It was very easy to figure out how to use it.
On: 2006-03-03
iPod shuffle has a major flaws. If you are updating your music and you accidentally remove your ipod out of the USB, iPod will be damage.In short you cannot anymore use your iPod. Secondly, if you have multiple computer at home, say desktop and laptop, you can not use your iPod to both computer. It is only dedicated to one computer only. If ever you choose to go ahead and try to use the other computer, which was not the initial computer you use your iPod, you end up over writing your current iPod music. This royally suck. My advise not to buy any product from iPod. Best choice is SANDISK product.
On: 2006-03-03
The apple ipod shuffle is a good device to have if you want something that is small and protable but can also hold a sufficient amount of music. 1GB gives you enough music without having a very large device. The major downfall to the ipod shuffle is you cannot select music. You have to scan through the music if you are looking for a specific song. This is a good product and I would recommend it strongly.
On: 2006-03-02
I was looking for an MP3 player for myself this past Christmas. I looked at the iPod Shuffle because it was very cool looking, very light, very elegant, very small, about the thickness of 2 sticks of chewing gum. I rate this 2 stars just because of the coolness and cuteness factor.
Then I dug deeper, looked at the Apple iPod site and started to think.
- What if I dont want to hang it around my neck? I probably will need some kind of case to protect it. They seem to sell cases only in 3 packs, costing $25 - $30. And the cases seem to come only in cutesy colors like bubblegum pink, lime green, grape purple. Or I could spend that same $25 - $30 on an armband / beltclip type of case.
- What if Im on the road and cannot get to my computer to charge up? No problemo, I could fork over another $25 - $30 for a standalone charger. Or I could buy a twin AAA battery pack for another $25 - $30. But with that twin AAA battery pack, the iPod shuffle would be just like any other MP3 player, except it doesnt have a screen. But adding a battery 2-pack kinda defeats the main selling points. It would no longer be ultra-small, ultra-thin, ultra-light and ultra-cool.
- What if I want to listen to a certain tune? Without a screen, would I have to blindly fast forward through all my 240 tunes to find the one I want to listen to?
- The biggest problem was that internal battery. Eventually, you will no longer be able to charge it. And you will need to replace your iPod Shuffle. For me, that was the deal-breaker.
The owners have these comments in general.
- Some people dont get the 12 hours of battery life that is promised in the ad. And everytime the battery runs down, theyll be without their Shuffle because its recharging. And recharging takes 4 hours. And theyll be tying up one of their USB ports.
- Some people are not too happy about being forced to buy a new Shuffle when (NOT IF) the battery can no longer be charged. The battery replacement fee is about the same as the cost of a new iPod Shuffle.
- Some people write that a screen is not necessary, that if you didnt like the tune, you shouldnt have loaded it and that they arent looking at the screen anyway. I agree with everything. However, some of us have a life. When I work out, I want to listen to my high adrenaline tunes. At the end of a workday, I want to unwind with my mellow tunes. When Im concentrating, I like to listen to classical music at a very low volume. And my MP3 player has all my favourite high adrenaline, mellow and classical stuff in separate folder (playlists). But I still need a screen to fast forward to the type of tunes I want to hear depending on what Im doing.
- Some people have a hard time setting up, getting iTunes to work properly with their iPod Shuffle.
- Some people think the cost of those extra iAccessories is outrageous.
Random may be the New Order, but hey, LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICE!!! To quote Shania Twain, "That Dont Impress Me Much".
So, if youre an iCult member, and you need a cool, cute, light, small, trendy, elegant MP3 player which will hold about 240 tunes and you dont mind the "Im-stuck-with-iTunes-my-iAccessories-are-expensive-I-need-to-replace-this-in-3-years" concept, this is the perfect device for you.
I bought the SanDisk 1G Silver MP3 player. Its not as "in", not as small, not as elegant, not as hip, not as cute, not as fashionable, not as thin, not as cool, not as light, not as trendy as the iPod Shuffle. On the bright side, I wont have to replace it every 3 years. It takes good ol standard 1.5V AAA batteries so Ill never have to wait for it to recharge, never worry about being out of power. I always carry a spare battery or 2, I just pop in a rechargeable battery (which takes about 3 seconds). I can be running my MP3 player non stop. And no matter where in the world I go, I can always find some AAA batteries. It has a screen so I can easily find the tune I really want to listen to at any time. It also has a radio which I can listen to for a change of pace and to get the news. And I can record with the built in voice recorder. Oh yeah, and the SanDisk 1G Silver MP3 player costs less too! :) And That Do Impress Me Much!!!
On: 2006-03-01
I was looking for an MP3 player for myself this past Christmas. I looked at the iPod Shuffle because it was very cool looking, very light, very elegant, very small, about the thickness of 2 sticks of chewing gum. I rate this 2 stars just because of the coolness and cuteness factor.
Then I dug deeper, looked at the Apple iPod site and started to think.
- What if I dont want to hang it around my neck? I probably will need some kind of case to protect it. They seem to sell cases only in 3 packs, costing $25 - $30. And the cases seem to come only in cutesy colors like bubblegum pink, lime green, grape purple. Or I could spend that same $25 - $30 on an armband / beltclip type of case.
- What if Im on the road and cannot get to my computer to charge up? No problemo, I could fork over another $25 - $30 for a standalone charger. Or I could buy a twin AAA battery pack for another $25 - $30. But with that twin AAA battery pack, the iPod shuffle would be just like any other MP3 player, except it doesnt have a screen. But adding a battery 2-pack kinda defeats the main selling points. It would no longer be ultra-small, ultra-thin, ultra-light and ultra-cool.
- What if I want to listen to a certain tune? Without a screen, would I have to blindly fast forward through all my 240 tunes to find the one I want to listen to?
- The biggest problem was that internal battery. Eventually, you will no longer be able to charge it. And you will need to replace your iPod Shuffle. For me, that was the deal-breaker.
The owners have these comments in general.
- Some people dont get the 12 hours of battery life that is promised in the ad. And everytime the battery runs down, theyll be without their Shuffle because its recharging. And recharging takes 4 hours. And theyll be tying up one of their USB ports.
- Some people are not too happy about being forced to buy a new Shuffle when (NOT IF) the battery can no longer be charged. The battery replacement fee is about the same as the cost of a new iPod Shuffle.
- Some people write that a screen is not necessary, that if you didnt like the tune, you shouldnt have loaded it and that they arent looking at the screen anyway. I agree with everything. However, some of us have a life. When I work out, I want to listen to my high adrenaline tunes. At the end of a workday, I want to unwind with my mellow tunes. When Im concentrating, I like to listen to classical music at a very low volume. And my MP3 player has all my favourite high adrenaline, mellow and classical stuff in separate folder (playlists). But I still need a screen to fast forward to the type of tunes I want to hear depending on what Im doing.
- Some people have a hard time setting up, getting iTunes to work properly with their iPod Shuffle.
- Some people think the cost of those extra iAccessories is outrageous.
Random may be the New Order, but hey, LIFE IS ABOUT CHOICE!!! To quote Shania Twain, "That Dont Impress Me Much".
So, if youre an iCult member, and you need a cool, cute, light, small, trendy, elegant MP3 player which will hold about 240 tunes and you dont mind the "Im-stuck-with-iTunes-my-iAccessories-are-expensive-I-need-to-replace-this-in-3-years" concept, this is the perfect device for you.
I bought the SanDisk 1G Silver MP3 player. Its not as "in", not as small, not as elegant, not as hip, not as cute, not as fashionable, not as thin, not as cool, not as light, not as trendy as the iPod Shuffle. On the bright side, I wont have to replace it every 3 years. It takes good ol standard 1.5V AAA batteries so Ill never have to wait for it to recharge, never worry about being out of power. I always carry a spare battery or 2, I just pop in a rechargeable battery (which takes about 3 seconds). I can be running my MP3 player non stop. And no matter where in the world I go, I can always find some AAA batteries. It has a screen so I can easily find the tune I really want to listen to at any time. It also has a radio which I can listen to for a change of pace and to get the news. And I can record with the built in voice recorder. Oh yeah, and the SanDisk 1G Silver MP3 player costs less too! :) And That Do Impress Me Much!!!
On: 2006-02-25
The best things about the Shuffle are
1. Loud and clear
2. The fact that the mechine , automatically downloads from where ever in the computer , randomly so that you do not have to specify the songs , if you are lazy and time constrained... works well.. and you can star grade songs you want often.
Good battery life ...
Have fun...
Con: Accesories are outragiously expensive...May be you , need a stand alone chatrger , so that you dont have to have the computer on ,...
On: 2006-02-23
I got an iPod Shuffle about a week before the release of the Nano, great timing on my part. At the time, I had a rather small music library, so the small capacity (I got a 1GB model) wasnt a problem. All of the music on the device was music I liked and would like to listen to at any given moment, so the lack of screen wasnt a problem either. Unfortunately, this did not last. On a recent 5 hour busride I had a rather large problem with my iPod. The new music I had JUST put on it that morning took 2 1/2 hours to find! (stopping to listen to other good songs it brought up of course) I have my eye either on a Nano or Video these days. I am actually looking to sell my shuffle. It is a great product and I highly recommend it, but it is quite simply below my requirements at this point. If you are interested though, drop me a line at invidleader@yahoo.com it only has slight wear/tear and my replacement warrantee expires September of 2007!
On: 2006-02-21
Wow! What put me off the Shuffle at first was the fact that it didnt have a screen but it really doesnt make much difference! In my opinion if youre gonna be listening to the music whilst walking, moving or anything its more convinient to get this one as the ipod video is LARGE and the Nano is still a bit big. The shuffle also comes with this thing you could stick on it so you can hang it round your neck and unlike a CD player it doesnt give you a neck ache! Also i think this is the only ipod you can hang around your neck OR stuff into your pocket..all the rest you gotta put them in your pocket or hold them or put them on a table..so its not very convienient..for me! I also love the sound the iPods got ..its GREAT!!! I would really recommend this to anyone (oh and another good thing about shuffle - no screen means less chance of it breaking!!!)
On: 2006-02-21
This tiny contraption is the coolest invention ever. It still blows my mind as to how convenient this product (the iPod shuffle) is. I am in college, I take it everywhere. I use it in my car, walking to classes, to the rec center, etc. I could not have put money into a better product. I highly recommend it!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-02-15
I purchased the iPod Shuffle before I got an iPod Nano because, as an athlete, I like to go to the gym and use it for running. Unlike the Nano, I dont have enough time and I dont want to stop mid-run to fiddle around to choose a song; sure, it lacks the trademark LCD display screen--but thats minimal in terms of downsides for this product, folks. Trust me, if you like to go to the gym and run this is the ideal iPod for you. If you like to just "chill" and become one with the music, get the Nano or the Video. Either way, iPod is in.
On: 2006-02-11
Ok, Im not on the iPod hype wagon. Ive been doing portable MP3 players for over 5 years. Since the Nomad days. This thing is nearly perfect. The size and weight makes it almost negligible to carry. The small ear buds fit inside my motorcycle helmet. It works extremely well. Im totally satisfied with it.
On: 2006-01-29
I got my iPod Shuffle for my 18th birthday last year, and since then, it hasnt let me down once. Ive read about people complaining that it breaks after awhile or the batteries die fast, but Ive had no problems and certainly no complains to make.
Everybody know the specs of the shuffle, youve read all about it, so I wont bother to talk about that. Ill just give my opinion on the features of the shuffle.
I love the size - when Im walking, I can put it in my pocket without a worry - when it is on shuffle mode, I hardly need to take it out at all. When I choose my playlists in iTunes (that comes on a CD-ROM packaged with the shuffle - brilliant programme <3), I have all the songs I need and love, so theres no need to be changing songs all the time. I love the fact that it doesnt skip or jump like discmans do, and its very portable and easy to use. With the earphones wrapped around it, this thing is tiny and easy to pop in your pocket.
One negative thing, of course, is there is no screen. But I reckon thats the whole point of the shuffle - to have random songs and not know whats coming up next. Another bad thing, is the largest size it comes in 1 gig. I have over 3.5 gigs of music on my computer and choosing only 250 songs out of almost 1000 library is very hard. So it ends up being my 250 favourite songs of the time, then I just change them when I get bored.
The battery life is phenomonal on these iPods - 12 hours of non stop playback. I dont use my iPod THAT much, so the long battery life lasts me ages, I dont need to charge it up often. That brings me to another point - it charges up through the computer, which is convienent for me as I always have my computer on anyway. And I dont know what people are on about when they say the shuffle breaks easily - Ive dropped mine numerous times (sometimes on concrete!) and it hasnt broken. I dont like the white colour though, I want to buy some covers but theyre expensive. The white gets dirty easily, especially when the shuffle is just sitting in my bag or my pocket.
But apart from the small negative points, this iPod is durable, portable and good for people who dont want to lug around a large music player. 5 stars!
On: 2006-01-26
I bought this Shuffle after my Nano broke, to act as a relatively inexpensive "replacement" iPod until my Nano is repaired. This is a fun little music toy! Per the product description, it isnt much more than a 1GB Flash drive that randomly plays the music loaded onto it, but it performs that particular function very well, and the sound is quite good. I like it because its so much more portable than my Nano, and its so light that I hardly even notice Im carrying it half the time. Best of all, I keep smacking it into things and its hardly shown any wear and tear at all. Great, durable little toy. After I get my Nano back from repairs, Ill probably continue to use the Shuffle quite a bit -- possibly even more than the Nano!
On: 2006-01-17
I have to say that when i bought this i was very excited to be able to run with this while listening to music. Its a hardy little item, but now, you can get much more for your money. The thing with this, being that it was one of the older orginal ipods, is there were still some "bugs" that needed fixing, for instance whenever i tried to download updates on my ipod shuffle with the new software it never STAYED downloaded, it would download, but once i unplugged it from the computer, and then re-plugged it, it would say that i still needed the same update. Also some songs caused the ipod to freeze up, im not sure if this was the songs or the ipod though. Its a cute item, and with the apple case you can buy seperately it stays spotless and its splash-proof, but compared to the new ipods its old news. However the new ipods scratch easily, so i suggest waiting for new ones that are stronger and more durable than the the nano, and video ipod.
Also, if you wait for apple to fix its current problems, you could win free items like the nano among other things(viza gift cards, psps, etc.) just by searching on this engine powered by google(its legitimate, i was very skeptical at first to)---->
http://www.blingo.com/friends?ref=JgVcU4-cRE5XGTQ-1ZyZ_sCHwTg
On: 2006-01-17
Getting the 1 GB shuffle offers more storage, but in the streamlined shuffle case. We bought 2 for our older daughers at Christmas and they love them. Easy to charge up and really easy to import songs.
We shopped around for the best price and Amazon beats everyone by $5.00 Then if you get free shipping, youve got a great deal.
On: 2006-01-15
I liked Ipod shuffle 1 GB so much that with in weeks I am buying another one as my earlier one was given as a gift. The best features are lightest possible weight, lowest power consumption ( yes lack of display is better for long battery life), and excellent integration with itunes. It just so happens that the kind of music I listen to (old songs at low bit rates) it can also take almost 700 songs. In accessories, an external charger is a must as that makes charging convenient ( as opposed to plugging into the computer for hours, though that will work).
On: 2006-01-02
I have had the shuffle for a few months now and have been completely satisfied with it. It is extreamly portable and light weight and easily travels anywhere. I also found it amazingly water and heat resistant as it went through the washer and the dryer in a sweater pocket and both the shuffle and headphones worked perfectly with no problems which is pretty incredible. I would definately recommend it.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-12-30
I have to admit the iPod Shuffle really isnt tremendously interresting. I mean it has no screen, not alot of features-and this can be a real downer for some people(including myself). But there are also some pretty cool things about it to, like it comes with a lanyard,the classic white earphones, a Cd to install the software,stickers and an information booklet and it is suprisingly easy to use. You just flick on the back switch pick if you want it on shuffle or regular mode and youre set.To charge it you just put it into this little slot in your computer.Anyways if you are lucky enough to own a real i-Pod or i-Pod nano you will probably notice that this is a lot easier on the wallet(cheaper). Sorry if Im wrong, but I think the 1GB runs from about 140$ to 180$ depending on where you buy it from. It holds about 240 songs.It also looks really cool, like when I pulled it out of the stunning green box a Im just like, "Hey, this looks kinda cool!". It is also the smallest and lightest i-Pod yet. So there you have it, my review for this new "gadget", and even though its not suped up, like all the other i-Pods its still is a cool and "cheaper" gift to give to anyone who is a fan of i-Pods.
On: 2005-12-29
Actually before buying the Ipod Shuffle, I read all the reviews on Amazon about it. Most of them were good, so I decided to buy it at Best Buy. It was so easy to work! I thought it would be hard to get I-Tunes started, but it was easy! For now, I just have songs that were on my CDs. I havent bought any off of I-Tunes. But I definetly reccommend this Ipod! It holds 120 songs and is smaller than the Ipod Nano [not in width size, though]. Even though it doesnt have a screen, it doesnt matter at all. Actually, as I am writing this review, Im listening to Ipod Shuffle! Its on shuffle mode right now, so it just plays random songs. Right now its Avril Lavinge, and the next song will be...WHO KNOWS! Thats what I love about this Ipod Shuffle. And plus, it was only $99, where others are $250 and $200. Buy this RIGHT NOW! You wont regret it.
On: 2005-12-27
I purchased two apple products this year. A Ipod shuffle 1gb and a Ipod nano 4gb. The nano was doa and the shuffle died this week its also doa. dont think ill buy anymore apples any time soon.
Now the best part: whent to the apple store in the Houston Galleria. At 1:30 I signed usp for the next available appointment (8:00 pm). I waited and waited untill it was my turn. The teck agreed both were broken. However, the service side of the store had nomore equipment and would have to order replacements, but the custom engraving would be lost. The solution was for me to contact the online store and return my Ipods to them. The store had a stock of Nanos and Shuffles, but the service side and sales side of the same storefront were different...............
On: 2005-12-27
I got this for Christmas yesterday. I immediatley took it out of its box and installed the software on my computer. After plugging the IPOD in the USB slot and going into ITUNES nothing occured. I thought maybe it had to be charged so I let it charge for the entire day. Last night I tried unsuccessfully 3 times to install the software again. The computer wouldnt take it. Now my dad has spent 2 hours of his life calling Apple (who were quite helpful) and getting the SHuffle ready to be sent back. I will probably be getting a 2GB nano. A bit more money for a screen and the abilty to pick your own songs.
On: 2005-12-25
I have two new, sealed box, iPod 1gb shuffles left for sale as of 12/24/05. Price $125.00 plus shipping. Email me at classiccamerasus(at)yahoo.com.
On: 2005-12-02
Mixing the unpredictability of the lottery with the compactness of a pack of chewing gum, Apple has created something much more enjoyable.
Apple mixed the versatility of the original iPod with some randomness, and came out with the smallest, least expensive iPod- the iPod Shuffle. Smoothly making the transition to mp3 players without screens, Apple created an eye-opener with this new item. The distinguishing features of the shuffle are its simple, easy-to-use controls, small dimensions (3.3"x0.98"x0.33"), and the unpredictability of its songs. The Shuffle is reasonably priced with two storage options, the 512 MB version, which can store 120 songs or the 1 GB version, which can store 240 songs. The controls are well placed. A Pause/Play button in the middle surrounded with buttons for skip, fast forward, and volume control help the busy user quickly browse to the level they want. The backside of the player sports an on-off slider. Users can either face the unpredictable and slide to the shuffle mode, or know what theyre up against in the "play in the order" mode. On the bottom is a USB port, compatible with USB 1.1 or 2.0, that allows users to quickly sync their songs and download new ones using the award winning iTunes software, which is included with the iPod. Apples signature white earbud earphones accompany the iPod, along with an extra USB cap with a lanyard.
The Shuffle is a jewel of an mp3 player. It packs an enormous amount of punch for a player so small. I found the buttons easy on the touch, and simple to navigate. Even without a screen, the iPod is suitable, because you can control what you will hear on the computer, unless you really want unpredictability. In that sense, who needs an electricity-sapping screen? The storage was good enough for me to download my albums of songs into my 1GB, with some space left over. I especially liked the size, the weight, and the new flash drive. The miniscule Shuffle could fit in tighter spaces, making it more ideal with jeans that are jammed full with other items. The weight is like a feather-literally. 0.78 ounces does not bother me running, hiking, or doing any kind or exercise I want to do. The flash drive is the best new technology on the market. With the Shuffle, Apple decided to invest in this growing share, and they hit right on the spot. The 1GB is right around the maximum of storage a flash player can have, and since iPod users usually gobble up a large amount of storage, this option fits those people. More frugal people, however, will go with the 512 MB version, which is still a large amount. The flash capability offers more features on its own. It is harder to jar, unlike the hard drives in the older iPods. Also, the "extras" make the Shuffle versatile. Dont want to risk scratching in that overused pocket of yours? Just put the lanyard cap on, instead of the regular cap, and it can go snugly around your neck. The battery meter on the back gives everyone, with a press of a button, whether the Shuffle needs charging, or if its still going strong. The iPods earphones deliver great quality, and with extra ear mufflers, I could choose whether I wanted to put them on or not, and if I lost a pair, there is still another pair waiting in my box. With this new iPod, Apple has again foiled the music world, coming out with a low priced, on the go iPod to complement the full size iPod and the best selling iPod mini.
On: 2005-11-30
Oftentimes, you notice what you dont like about something, not what you do like. Ive noticed a lot of things about the ipod shuffle that I dont like, but none of them affect its playing quality. It is easy to use, as well as the software. I have had some problems with it though. Mine will actually only hold a bit over 800 MB instead of the full 1GB. The itunes software has no solution to fix this, which is probably extra stored data or something that I cant find. Secondly, I would recommend with any ipod product to buy new headphones. These are the most uncomfortable earphones I have ever used. My doctor told me that they are actually pushing my jaw socket and to buy new headphones. I have not spoken with anyone who ones some form of Ipod who liked the headphones. Also, it bothers me that none of the awesome extra things you can buy to go with Ipod are not compatible with shuffle, like the radio or the speakers. I did not want a full sized Ipod because I dont like enough music to fill one up; I dont even have 20 Gigs of music on my PC. There are a lot of little inconveniences like that that go along with the shuffle. It doesnt really shuffle well either...it tends to repeat the same songs a lot and not play others at all. I would seriously recommend getting another version of an iPod, because the sound quality and the playback is excellent, but the shuffle itself is not the best they have to offer.
On: 2005-11-27
this shuffle isnt the best. the charger never works and this is for all shuffles. If your gonna buy any ipod get the nano or the mini or just the regular dont waste your money on this
On: 2005-11-22
I have a complaint about my iPod Shuffle: the forward-reverse navigation buttons are slow to respond, and it usually takes several tries to go backwards. Its a real pain in the keister if you want to find a specific song, even more so since there isnt a display.
Since navigation is a feature I was counting on, this is a big disappointment. However, if thats not so important to you then this is a nice little toy. It will play your songs randomly or in squential order (though how you control the order has remained a mystery to me). The sound quality is excellent, and it is a no-hassle storage stick as well. And it is very cool that it doesnt need a battery.
Oh wait, I have a second complaint, about iTunes - it erases my iPod shuffle immediately when I plug it in, despite my instructing it not to.
On: 2005-11-21
When the Shuffle came out early in 2005, it had its day as the newest and coolest in the iPod lineup. I was an early adopter. Since then, the Nano and the video iPod have arrived. So how tempting is the Shuffle almost a year after its introduction?
I remain a Shuffle fan. I would buy it again even given the choice of the newer models. Its not just that it costs less -- I prefer it even without factoring in the price.
The Shuffle is a real workhorse and a tough unit -- theres no need to worry about scratches. Ive used mine without a case, keeping it in pockets and bags with keys, pens and other sharp objects, and have never obsessed about keeping it pristine. Despite this, it still looks good. A case for a Shuffle is completely unnecessary. With a Nano, by contrast, a case is, by all accounts, a necessity if you want to avoid scratches that spoil the look and, moreover, reduce the functionality of the tiny screen (which is a pity because a case hides the Nanos good looks and adds to its size).
I use the Shuffle for audiobooks and podcasts as well as for music. It is an excellent device for these purposes. And the sound quality is just as good as on a bigger iPod.
Battery life has been good. I get the rated 12 hours, if not more. (I did buy Apples AAA battery adapter for use on long journeys, but have never actually had to use it. That said, the fact that you can use AAA batteries is a plus over the other iPods.)
I also I like the fact that one can plug the unit directly into a computer without wires. Wires, like cases, complicate the iPod experience - more "stuff" means more mess and more not to have with you when you need it.
The absence of a screen does not bother me. I regard iTunes on my computer as my way of looking inside the Shuffle -- there, I can decide what to manually place on the Shuffle and in what order. There is no need to have iTunes randomly fill the device with the "autofill" feature, although that can be fun when you are in the mood. Likewise, there is no need to have the Shuffle play what is on it in a random order -- if you prefer, you can play it in the order you established using iTunes.
The 1GB capacity is plenty for the way in which I use the device. I keep my library on my laptop and, using iTunes, simply decide what I want to have on the Shuffle at any given time. I dont see the need to keep everything on an iPod at once so long as it is on a computer to which the Pod connects.
In short, the Shuffles simplicity and elegance define its appeal. To complain about the features it lacks is to miss the point. Its like complaining that the Mini is a small car. Simplicity is the Shuffles whole point. In a world of clutter, the Shuffle is a tidy device that works. The fact that it is the least expensive iPod is a bonus.
On: 2005-11-19
When I first saw the shuffle, I thought it was the dumbest thing ever. Why would you want a 1GB flash player w/ no screen? Now I know. I already have full sized ipod and a bunch of music ripped to itunes, I wanted something small for the gym, the shuffle is perfect. Now that I have it I find I use it all the time, I can fill it with songs from my "top rated" list and have a nice greatest hits soundtrack thats easy to carry around.
If you dont use itunes, there are probably better flash players, but if youre looking for a second ipod for exercise, etc. the shuffle is really great. The simplicity of it is actually its strength. I find myself just kinda staring at it and admiring its design. No screen, nothing to scratch when you throw it in your pocket. If you use shuffle play on a normal ipod frequently, youll love the shuffle. If you need track info and instant access to a large library, you wont like the shuffle.
one other thing, I saw another review that suggested that the shuffle is essentially a disposable player, and Id have to agree with that. Once the battery dies, its going to cost as much as a new one to replace it. It annoys me that apple refuses to make their batteries replacable, but I love the ipods enought to deal with it.
On: 2005-11-15
I love the iPod but I cant use it because it will not recharge. The shuffle says it will charge through your USB port and having a brand new laptop I figured the USB port would charge the shuffle. However, now I find that my USB port only outputs 500mAmps and needs to have at least 1.0 Amps to get this charging. I am buying a iPod USB Power Adapter for $30 and hope this will solve the problem. I am still disappointed because the cost of the charger negates the value of this product and would have been more effective to buy a larger iPod that included a charger to start with and would have had other features as well. This unit is great but if cost is your concern- you might want to price this with a charger versus other models/packages out there that include a charger because it is unlikely youll be able to charge this using your USB port alone.
On: 2005-11-13
My ipod shuffle is great! Having a screen would, of course, be a little more functional, but for the price, (as compared to the new nanos), it cant be beat! And the iTunes gift card offer really sweetened the deal.
I think it depends on what youll use your shuffle for. I use mine primarily to download a series of podcasts that I listen to when Im at the gym. Its great for that kind of listening!
Working through an audiobook, however, is a bit more challenging. I have a "learn italian" audiobook, and you cant easily peruse the chapters, unless you have your shuffle docked.
Unlike the Nanos, which I hear are scratching way too easily, the shuffle has held up well under a lot of wear and tear. Again, I think for the price point (and if youre willing - *gasp* - not to have the "latest and greatest" from Apple), the shuffle cant be beat!
On: 2005-11-09
I received this iPod shuffle for Valentines Day. By mid-March, I was experiencing problems charging it (it would no longer charge). This was purchased with a warranty, so I was able to get a replacement shuffle by late March. In mid-April, my second shuffle broke as well; if I attempted to use the forward or backward buttons, it would turn the iPod off completely. Or, it would play a song for about 20 seconds, then turn off completely. Highly annoying and frustrating.
On: 2005-11-03
My Shuffle has revolutionized my life. Previously, I carted around CDs in the car and bulky MiniDisc cases in the field. I no longer use CDs or MiniDiscs and my shuffle is constantly at my side. I use a cheap FM modulator in the car since I dont have a tape deck, and it works perfectly. Audio quality and sound are flawless. I purchased my shuffle right before the Nano was released, and I was a tad disappointed for not waiting, but after holding a Nano, the shuffle better fits my outdoor lifestyle. I recommend purchasing the waterproof sports case sold by apple if you intend to take your shuffle out trail running or for a hike. The case also helps protect the on off switch and the front controls which can be too easy to push when carried in a pocket.
On: 2005-11-01
Look, if youre looking to get a great mp3 player and thinking "aha! I can save money and get a multifunctional mp3 player" then this is not for you. Quit being a cheap whiner and fork out the dough for what you want. The shuffle works well and serves its purpose, but not beyond that. It is nice for workouts and for when you just need a nice mix of familiar music in no particular order.
I do agree that $125 is way overpriced. I would not have bought it in any case. I got mine for free so I like it quite well.
On: 2005-10-31
I own a Creative muvo FM and an iPod shuffle. Each of them come with their own +ves and -ves.
What is better in shuffle than a muvo ?
+ Simplicity
+ Looks - very sleek
+ Durability and long lasting (thanks to simplicity)
+ In built rechareable battery (No battery cost), but what is the cost of replacing it if the in battery dies ?
+ Better sound quality
Why do I like my muvo better ?
+ FM, FM, FM - muvo comes with FM player - and I love FM, keeps you up to date with the latest music on the street
+ Voice recording
+ Song and singer title display
On: 2005-10-25
I have had the same experience listed as some of the other reviewers. It is amazing how frustrating something so small and compact can be. I got this as a gift. I opened it and recharged the battery on my USB port. That charge did last about four hours or so... and thats it! Done! Have not been able to recharge since. I have not gotten this "sweaty" as what the problem was attributed to in other cases. Although I used it working out the unit sat on top of an eyptical training not touching my person ever. Until I kept trying to get it to work. It know plays a song for approx 45 seconds then turns off. I just "Recharged" it again for 4.5 hours and then it played almost 1 song and died. I have heard from friends that apple has problems with batteries. So glad this was gift else Id be really angry!
On: 2005-10-22
ok, now i want the nano... but this thing is tough, sounds great, gets great battery life, and is rather affordable. also, it is very helpful as a jump drive. no extra features, but i dont think i need other features. i dont mind not having a radio, voice recorder, or screen.
its tiny, light, cute, and simple to use. the only drawback is those times when you really, really want to hear a particular song (like when you want a friend to listen to a particular song), then, the 1gb of music is torture to skip through.
still, a 5 star product.
On: 2005-10-21
I had the same problem described by a recent reviewer: sweat will corrode the Shuffle to the point where it stops working. I used the Shuffle on the treadmill at my gym for only about two weeks. It first started turning off by itself and eventually wouldnt work at all. I took it to the Apple store in Seattle and the customer service rep was rude and told me that it was my fault for breaking it because it was obvious that it was caused by "user-initiated water damage". I then spoke to the manager named Susan Bell and she said the same thing. She told me she goes to the gym all the time (which Im sorry to say I dont believe judging by her looks) and hadnt had that problem. Even though Ive only used it for a couple of weeks, she said there was nothing she could do because it was my fault. How is it my fault if the Shuffle is advertised for recreational use? I cant believe these penny-pinchers!
Apple: you just lost a customer for life.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-10-15
I was on amazon searching for the smallest mp3 players they got out on the maket. So, i looked up ipod and they had the ipod shuffle. It looks awsome. Super small, light weight, but no screen. COME ON APPLE!
This made me mad. Sorry apple, with no screen i will take my buisiness elseware. There is a Creative Zen Nano for only 100 bucks and it has a screen. If u want money, make a screen on the shuffle, if u dont want more money and u are too lazy, its not my problem. Cause the Creative Zen Nano holds 1 gb and has a screen and costs less than apples shuffle. What are u paying for in the shuffle, it has a shuffle feature, big whoop, all u pay for is the little apple simbol and the apple name. Its retarted.
If u want the same quilaty mp3 players for less, look up creative zen mp3 players and they have some very good and cheap ones. I have bought the creative zen nano and i think its awsome, has a screen, and it costs less.
HELLO, APPLE!, get a screen on the shuffle and MAYBEE i will consider buying it, or getting it as a gift for someone!
On: 2005-10-14
If you like surprises, this iPod Shuffle is for you... It uploads with random music from your library in iTunes and you have music to go.. You will be surprised for the next song.
It is very small and light so you can hang around without worrying about it..
Definitely a must if you like music, but not if you like tons of music and wanna see each song name or artist (as you dont have a display)
This iPod is for people who like to be dynamic and random.
On: 2005-10-14
When I first heard of this offer, I became a big skeptic. However, I put my initial feelings aside and decided to try this offer. After a few simple steps I had a BRAND NEW IPOD delivered right to my door. This site is legitimate and really works!!! Try it for yourself if you dont believe me
(...)
On: 2005-10-12
The shuffle was so the way to go for me because I dont claim to know music well enough to know what song I want to hear next. I love the shuffle feature!
My iTunes software sometimes crashes my computer... dont know why though.
On: 2005-10-08
The item works really well.
No problem with the transaction and the shipping.
Im Italian and many sites in the US dont allow me to use my Italian credit card. Here I can do it.
And Im very happy for that!
On: 2005-10-05
My 1 Gig shuffle has served me well. Its best aspects are its lightness and portability. The lack of a display is what made me decide to upgrade - if you have a lot of music or if you like putting new stuff on your Ipod, youll probably want a display so you can see who is playing what.
1 Gig may be too much storage for a unit like this. Why? Because you probably only want your favorites on this device since its pretty much impossible to find a specific track without skipping and skipping and skipping through all your songs. If you just put what you want to hear on it with no surprises and not too much random crap that you may or may not want to listen to, then it works fine.
Podcasts work on this too, but of course theyre difficult to find if you have a bunch of music on there too.
On: 2005-10-05
i love the shuffle. it is very small and compact and is great for working out.
On: 2005-10-04
The iPod Shuffle was announced and made available, in January 2005.
I received my iPod Shuffle, about five weeks, afters its introduction, so I have been using it, for over seven months. I should point out that I already had a full size iPod, but I wanted the shuffle, for its small size and extreme portability.
The shuffle is incredibly impressive, when you first receive it. Its tiny size and light weight really strikes you as unbelievable.
The shuffle charges and syncs to your iTunes library by USB 2.0. Charging takes about three hours, if you want a full charge, and the syncing of songs is pretty fast. You can have the shuffle select the songs randomly from your iTunes library, or choose your own custom mix.
I find the lack of display on the shuffle to not be an issue. The reason being is that this shuffle holds about 240 songs, so there really isnt a need, for a display. After all, who wants to be looking at a tiny display? I just want to listen to my music. You can have the shuffle play your songs in the order you setup in iTunes, or have it mix things up, with a random shuffle.
The shuffle has been reliable over the past six months. It still works great, looks great, and the battery still lasts close to the specification 12 hours.
Overall, I still use my full size iPod, for the majority of the time. However, when I want extreme portability and something that is not weighing down my pocket, I use the shuffle. It is also nice to use, if youre going to be an environment where youre concerned about damage or theft to your iPod, since the shuffle is less expensive. The iPod Shuffle makes a great second iPod, for iPod fans. However, it makes a great first and only iPod, for many people too. The iPod Shuffle brings the convenience of having any song (up to approximately 240 on this model), from your iTunes music library with you, wherever you go. Music makes life a lot of fun, and this shuffle helps bring the music to you.
On: 2005-10-02
I have only had the shuttle for a short time but it has met all my expectations.
On: 2005-09-26
Okay, I just had to get this little thing. Suffice it to say, that I have had at least 5 different mp3 type players.. and they were all at least good, some were frustrating, but good. Some better than others...
BUT!!!
If you prefer an Mp3 player that does NOT have confusing menus .. useless menus, or menus that just seem to be outright dumb and nonsensicle... some menu items and screens are there I feel, for self serving promo reasons (with our mp3 player you get 10 thousand menu options!!! -who cares)... but with this device, it is all about the music.
All of the menu options (and no silly screen to tell you the name of the songs that you put on the player..) you will use. Volume up and Volume down. Previous song, or in case one stinks, Next song. A little sliding device in the back so you can have either shuffle, or not shuffle. So, what else does a human need? NONE MORE FOR ME PLEASE.
I bought the gig version to get the max out of it, and I am presently listening to u2 right now.
I found it funny that when I Auto filled the shuffle, the first song it played was u2. Ha.
O, yes. The iTunes software is quite good. You can autofill from your library, or you can make a playlist of whatever you want, and have the default fill from that .... quite nice.
easy.
Have fun.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
UPDATE
I originally owned the 40 gigger iPod. It was a monster. And I enjoyed it for a month until it just up and died. After getting this iPod Shuffle I was confident that it would hold up better.... but, while Autofilling the Shuffle, it died too. Good news is, Target exchanged it no problems. but, I only owned it for a month and a half.
So if I could change my stars, I would give it a three. five on the sound and portability and overall coolness but ZERo on toughness and durability.
And with Sony releasing a smaller version that gets 50 hours with battery life... the only question will be, is Sonys little Mp3 player more durable than Apples... lets hope both offer better quality in the durability department.. because Apples is very nice... just very fragile.. and Im not doing anything but carrying it around in my pocket playing music on it, and autofiling it...fragile indeed.
Have fun
On: 2005-09-24
It does what it is meant to do--plays music and stores files. Though sometimes I miss having an LCD screen, it doesnt bother me too much.
On: 2005-09-22
After owning a regular iPod for over a year, I decided to purchase an iPod Shuffle mainly for active use in situations I would not feel comfortable using my regular iPod. There are obvious missing features on the iPod Shuffle which I was willing to accept in exchange for a more durable device. While feature cuts only make sense given the size and the price of the iPod Shuffle, I believe a couple key functions would greatly improve the iPod Shuffle.
A major missing feature on the iPod Shuffle is some kind of indication of what track number you are on. While a full screen is out of the question on such a small device, I think a simple LCD one would be a huge help in searching through tracks. Second, there is no option to jump ahead more than a single track or jump from one album to the next. This is a feature that could have been easily added in iTunes, so its exclusion is really inexcusable. Third, listening to files from Audible.com is a real pain because there is no option to skip ahead into a track exceeding an hour in length. While simple elegance in design is a key factor in what you get from Apple, I believed the possible features I mentioned could have been easy been included in the iPod Shuffle design. For instance, a track number could light up and show through the surface of the iPod Shuffle without the need for an actual screen. Jumping from one album to the next could have been accomplished by holding the forward and backward track buttons for a second or longer and skipping forward through a long track could have been accomplished with a tilting dial on the back of the iPod.
Speaking of the back of the iPod Shuffle, I believe the toggle switch between off, repeat, and shuffle functions is difficulty positioned. Currently you need to flip the device over in order to select one of the settings. While a small detail, I think a switch on the edge of the iPod would be much easier to use.
In terms of size and sound quality, iPod Shuffle cannot be beat. Its just plain practical for no matter where you happen to be. It is small enough to fit in a pocket and not notice it and large enough to comfortably hold and operate with a single hand. If you want music on the go, in a small package, this is a great option. It also serves well as a flash drive, crossing between mac and windows. Youll soon love having this little sound stick in your shirt pocket whenever you need it.
In conclusion, Im happy with my purchase, but I think the functionality is not up to typical Apple standards. Apple finally released Mighty Mouse as their first two-button mouse. Its about time we see a Mighty Shuffle.
On: 2005-09-22
This device does not work with WinXP64 nor does software install correctly. The ipod appears for about 10-15 secs before it drops out again. Apples support is non-existant. Its too bad cause this looked so cool.
On: 2005-09-17
I must say first that I was mad that I bought this and found out that the new ipod nano is out...I think I might have went with that instead...maybe! As for my shuffle, its great. Ive been using it for about 2 weeks and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. I think I shouldve went with the one that hold 220 songs, but I was being cheap. Anyway, 120 songs is sufficient.
I love it because:
Its small and light weight
It looks kewl (lol)
Great sound
Gives me randomness, never know what Im going to get:)
Sticks very nicely into my laptop.
Why it lost a star:
BATTERY LIFE SUCKS!!! OMG, it is awful! My travel time during anyday is 2 hours. Then I like to listen to it on my lunch break at work and between classes at school. So I need at least THREE hours of battery life per day. I get about 2 hours, some days I get 1 1/2 hours. When I first started using it I think I got like three hours of life. Im not sure what the book says batt. life should be, but Im tired of my music cutting off in the middle of a good song after I charged it for FOUR hours (thats about how long it takes to charge) the night before. Grrr!
Moving on, the litte rubbery end of the headphones picks up all the colors of my clothes. When I stick it in my pocket the color rubs off on the cord and it DOESNT come off. Im a little anal about that and it looks dirty...yuck! It bugs the heck out of me.
Next, the accesories, as many have mentioned, are wicked expensive. Lawd haf mercy....the dock-or whatever its called-is almost as much as the ipod itself. After you get all the accesories you end up spending more on that than the actual shuffle.
Last, why can we only charge the thing if the computer is on? I think this is the only way to juice it up..not to sure. I hate having to cut my computer on just to give it a charge. And it will only charge if I open up and connect to itunes. Im NOT computer savvy so it could be something Im doing wrong or just missing something in the directions, but I swear this is the only way to charge it up. Is there no regular kind of charger, apple people, that we can use to gas up our shuffles? AND it runs my computer battery down waaaay fast when I do it that way.
As for downloading, I have no problems. I just download from itunes and my CDs. Im not with all that high tech I want to download from here there and everywhere, so this works great for me. Though Im not too sure how it works when you try to take song OFF of your ipod!
But no matter what its a great little device. Its worh one hundred dollars, it gets he job done, and its so bloody portable its amazing. If you are considering a shuffle I say go for it, its AWESOME!!!
On: 2005-09-13
Dear all,
Amazon asked me if I¡¦d like to post a review on the purchase of my I-Pod shuffler.
Here it is, the I-pod shuffler is for the most just as I expected, light and look sophisticate.
So in order to make this review as complete and simple as possible I¡¦m going to use the pros and cons approach.
Pros: it¡¦s sleek, looks better and is way more fashionable than other mp3 player.
Weight close to nothing, can be plugged directly to an USB port and the sound is GREAT!
You can use it as a shuffler or just play your song in the order.
And finally, it has a full assortment of accessory.
Cons: considering the some what low price of the shuffler the accessories tends to be expensive, take for instance the I-trip system to connect your I-Pod to your car radio, cost about $60 that is half of the price of your device.
The USB connection on your I-pod is some-what shorter than the regular USB plug, and had a hard time to connect to my Dell, so I had to get the desk top connection, you may just use a USB extension cable, but they come out to be about the same price.
No way to predict the next song, but hey it¡¦s a shuffler and is what I like about it, we are not looking for mobile DJs here!
The I-Tune software is not as easy to use as the window media player, but that is just meļ
In conclusion I¡¦m very happy with the look of the I-Pod shuffler, the sound is great and it turns heads some-what. I would definitely recommend this product to somebody who goes to the gym, or like bicycling and is not looking for something complicated to use.
On: 2005-09-13
This is a great little music machine! Its small, can be charged directly on the USB of my computer, and it holds a lot of songs.
The only thing we dont like is that you can only download songs from one source (library). If you want to go elsewhere to download, you have to delete what is already in there. I dont think this is operator error, but I could be wrong.
All in all, its fabulous - great sound quality!
On: 2005-09-10
This little device has quickly become my favorite electronic and accessory. I have been unable to put it down since I bought it. I also have an iPod mini and trust me, this little guy leaves the house with me much more frequently. Convenient, compact, GREAT battery life, and REALLY great storage space. Only downside: beware of the glamorous multitude of iPod accessories...Ive spent quite a bit more money for things I probably dont REALLY need. Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!
On: 2005-09-10
Just wanted to add what I have not noticed in other reviews: if you intend to also use the iPod Shuffle as a jump drive, its NOT compatible with multiple operating systems (or even multiple versions of an OS)!
Apple tech support confirms the Shuffle formats itself based on the first computer you dock with, and must be reformatted on another computer to use the data storage feature (assuming that other computer has iTunes installed).
Leave it to Apple to take the Universal out of Universal Serial Bus.
On: 2005-09-09
Yesterday I learned that Apple was releasing their latest iPod family member: the iPod nano.
First of all I must say I disagree with those reviews or reviewers which complaint about things they knew before purchasing the item: yes the shuffle lacks any sort of display.
Fast reviewed facts:
- Ease of use: this is the real plug&play thing. It wont get any easier to use, yet it comes with a pretty good menu of advanced features in case you might want to customize your iPod shuffle so that I will store both data and mp3s. Charging is also simple, come on I hate all A/C adaptors, you can really forget about wires, voltage etc. Yet this might be a drawback if you lack a USB port around, but... how would you transfer songs in anyway?
- Reliable: even though this is not a waterproof or shock resistant player, I take it with me while doing downhill bicycle riding and I have been under heavy rain and rough terrains yet my iPod has never failed (although it has been quite wet). Also batteries last as stated in the technical specs, perhaps 30 mins less (this will depend mostly on the volume you listen your music at).
Size and weight: simply small and light.
In my opinion the iPod shuffle player is the best for use while doing any sport. I ride bycicle quite often and I couldnt care less whether my mp3 player had display or not, because I wouldnt be able to look at it anyway, yet the weight of a normal iPod would actually bother me. I also enjoy of listening to my songs randomly but hey! you can also organize all sorts of ordered playlists.
Only drawback: iTunes could be a bit complex sometimes, the latest version iTunes 5 just came out, Ill have to try that one out. But as I started my review i must finish by saying that this iPod is more that I spected, therefore no reason for giving it less than 5 stars, I only review items I own and use.
On: 2005-09-08
I bought this once I found out that my ipod wouldnt fit in my camel back for bike riding. But now I pretty much excusivly use the shuffle for everything. Its fast and easy to use, doesnt take any setting up and is ready out of the box. The only problem I have found with it is that the shut off switch is on the back and its hard to remember to shut it off everytime Im done with it, which leads to the thing being compelety drained. But, its easily solved because the thing charges very quick.
In fact, Im using it right now...
Id pretty much recommend this to anyone that is considering getting a mp3 player of any type, even over the larger bigger ipods... espeically since you dont have to worry about it breaking or the screen fading... cause its cheaper and quite durable.
A must have for any sport enthusist... runners, bikers etc..
On: 2005-09-07
The fact that it can hold data like a jump drive was one of the main reasons I bought this thing.
The only con I have about the suffle is that it has a small pause between songs which ruines the flow of my "en concert" type of albums i put in this thing. Other than that, the suffle is great
On: 2005-09-04
If you just want something that is small, affordable and will give you some variety in your music, then the iPod Shuffle is for you. If youre looking for something with a lot of bells and whistles, then youre better off looking elsewhere. The deciding factor for me was that I didnt want to fork over the extra cash to pay for features that I would probably never use in the first place.
Pros:
- Small, portable, easy to use
- Allows you to play songs in order or in random/shuffle mode
- Great sound quality, considering there is no equalizer
- Software is very easy to use. Its all drag and drop
- The Autofill feature will randomly load songs to the Shuffle if you dont feel like adding the 240 songs yourself. You can also do a combination of hand-picked songs and Autofilled songs.
- Battery life is on par with the advertised 12 hrs
Cons:
- Fingerprints show up very easily. If youre not a big fan of smudges and the sort, you may want to get a skin.
- If you turn off the Shuffle after playing in Random and then you turn it back on, you will repeat the songs you already listened to before you get to new songs. This is a little bothersome
- You will need a dock/USB extension if your computer is tucked into a corner or enclosed space. If you dont, it will be a pain to continuously reach behind your computer just to charge/swap songs. I went with the extension cable as it was much more cost efficient than a dock.
Summary:
This is a great base mp3 player at a very affordable price. Most of the cons can be remedied so that helps a lot. If your main priority is to only listen to music and you know your music library like the back of your hand, then dont pay for another player with more features. The Shuffle will do fine.
by: Anonymous On: 2005-09-01
The shuffle is the best Mp3 Player ever created! I like the iPod shuffle better than my iPod Mini (Can hear bass really well on shuffle). I highly recommend the iPod shuffle to anyone who loves music. You can hear parts of songs that you havent noticed before! So treat yourself, and get an iPod shuffle!
On: 2005-09-01
Im amazed by the size of this thing and how much it holds...awesome product, i take it everywhere i go.
On: 2005-08-31
I have tried serveral times to load my shuffle with music with no results. My computer keeps saying that no iPod is recognized.
Whats with this. With all the money I spent on this thing it should work. I am very disappointed with this product.
Linda Larca
by: rd55127 On: 2005-08-30
Apple continues to lead the pack with attractive, well engineered products and excellent functionality. This small MP3 player will hold more music than you can listen to in one sitting or workout. The musical clarity is excellent and the battery life is very good. The controls take a bit of playing with to understand - the middle position in the "on/off" slider allows you to run through your songs or podcasts in sequential order whereas the full "on" position will present them in shuffle or random order. You can also fast forward in a song by holding down the >> "ring" or click it and advance to the next song. I am very pleased with this unit and consider it an exceptional addition to my collection of MP3/iPod/MiniDisc players.
On: 2005-08-28
Highs: Great little unit. The tiny light weight design is really great. It almost is like you are not carrying anything extra. The Apple iTunes sofware is very easy to use, almost dont need a manual to use it. Good battery life.
Lows: The headphone wires are always getting tangled. The power switch on the back is difficult to slide with no rubber gripper or even notches for your finger nails engage. An LCD would be nice to know battery life, song selected etc. But with only 1GB of space you basically only load up songs you love so its not a real big deal. It would also be good if battery charge could be checked while pluged into the USB port and using iTune software.
Overall: Highly recommended.
On: 2005-08-26
For the size, cost, functionality, and ease of use, this 1GB Shuffle is tremendous. Very happy with it!
On: 2005-08-26
Whether the shuffle is right for you or not depends on how you interact with music.
If you want to have an extensive collection with you all the time and always select the specific CD or songs you listen to, one of the regular, HDD based iPods is better. If you want a device to provide background music while concentrating on other activities, the Shuff | | |
