Customer Reviews

Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB New Bright Blue (2nd Generation) [Previous Model]

5 star:		(312)
4 star:		(89)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(43)

 

 

I picked the Shuffle for my wife because she wanted an simple music player, had no interest in pictures or videos, and needed a device that was easy to sync with straightforward software. I have experience with several MP3 players used on Windows platforms, and I knew she would be frustrated with the downloading issues. The Shuffle works perfectly. It is easy to sync with iTunes, it is very compact and can be clipped to a T-shirt, it holds plenty of music for her purposes, and the sound quality is great. If you want just music, a compact device, and simple operations, the Shuffle is for you.

BACKGROUND: I am an experienced mp3 player user, and my current other unit is a SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Black). I bought a silver 1 Gb iPod Shuffle primarily to use at the gym; however, I will also comment about general usage as well. This is also the only Apple device that I have owned of any kind.

SETUP: There are two things to note about the setup process for the iPod Shuffle. Neither of them is complicated, but they are annoying. Unlike most other mp3 players that use a mini-USB cable for charging and transferring music, the Shuffle requires the use of a proprietary docking station. As such, I wasn't able to reuse any of the myriad of mini-USB cables that I have from other devices. So you either have to buy a second docking station or take the one that comes with the Shuffle with you for charging away from home.

The other thing about the Shuffle that I found frustrating was that you are limited to using iTunes for music transfer. Further, you can only transfer music from a single computer. This is a very restrictive requirement for such a low end device. Finally, I was surprised by how slow iTunes is. Believe me; the last thing I expected was for iTunes to perform slower (by a significant amount) that Windows Media Player. I am no Microsoft lover or apologist by any means (I actually prefer Linux).

SOUND QUALITY: This is the area where I give the Shuffle its best marks. The sound is great whether I am playing m4p formats from iTunes or mp3s that I have ripped from CDs or purchased elsewhere. It is equal in dynamics and range to my Sansa Clip, and it even sounds good plugged into the AUX jack for my car stereo.

Of note, however, I am not using the headphones that came with the Shuffle. I have never thought of myself as having small ears, but I found that the headphones that come with the Shuffle seem rather large and hurt my ears immediately after putting them on. For my workouts, I am using a pair of Skullcandy Buds Ink'd Earbuds - Dark Gray because they are inexpensive, and the in ear style have a secure fit while active. While these ear buds will not win any awards, the Shuffle still sounds good even using these.

USAGE/NAVIGATION: This is the area where the Shuffle is way behind the competition. Without a display, you essentially have one giant playlist that is in the order that you put songs on the device. You can either play straight through the list, or you can "shuffle" your music. However, I noticed that between 30 and minute minutes into shuffling, the first song gets repeated. This was with over four and a half hours of music on the device. Unlike every other CD or mp3 player that I have ever had, I was surprised to find that the Shuffle repeats songs before going through the entire list.

If you decide that want to find a specific song, best of luck to you. You have skip and reverse navigation, and you'll need a good memory of what order you synced things to your device. Ultimately it is not worth it to try to use the Shuffle this way. It seems that it is really geared toward the gym/active user who doesn't need a lot of control over their music. With this in mind, I can hardly see the point of even having a unit larger than 1 Gb. It would seem to make sense to have a 512k offering to better match the functionality.

In short, it's great for working out, but it would be extremely frustrating to use this as your portable music collection.

OPTIONS: Really, the only option that you have on the device itself is the toggle between continuous or shuffle play. From iTunes, you can update the software for the Shuffle and change a few settings that most people won't alter from their defaults.

COST: You are paying a premium for the Apple name, but you probably already knew that. Creative and SanDisk both have competing offerings with more functionality at a lower price.

CONCLUSION: The iPod Shuffle as an expensive offering that really only makes sense to a specific subset of mp3 player users. While the sound quality is good, it is really only for brand loyalists looking for a player to use at the gym.

Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Silver (2nd Generation)

Apple's iPod Shuffle finally has a higher-capacity big brother. This compact MP3 player was always great for active users who enjoy working out, running or music listening on the go. The new 2GB model offers consumers an Apple version of capacity the competition has been offering for a year. Great as a gift, extra player, or exercise companion.

Pros
- New 2GB provides better capacity at a lower price per gigabyte!!!!
- Enlarged capacity allows for more song storage and less swapping in iTunes!
- Compact and functional design
- Nicely integrated clip - No case needed!
- Nice battery performance for long use
- Great family of Apple accessories
- Great for those already used to iTunes
- iTunes also good for inexperienced MP3 users
- Included in-ear headphones are great for a starter pair
- Same great color options (silver, green, purple, blue)
- Highly durable player
- Apple brand and reputation

Cons
- Still a premium price compared to competing players in total $ terms
- Competing products offer more features, including fm radio and voice recording
- No screen to view track names
- Difficult to control / select tracks via playlists
- Proprietary dock / jack for syncing
- No expandability
- Limited native file format support in iTunes (MP3, AAC)
- No drag and drop music control
- Non iTunes fans are still forced to deal with software limitations

The Form Factor

The long awaited 2 gigabyte iPod Shuffle has the same body that has captured a large audience of fans. Size has always been the iPod shuffle's greatest asset. The integrated clip is no doubt its second greatest asset. Big intuitive buttons make fast learners out of new users.

This unit works fine with no extra case, though there are still case options. The composite case comes in one of several popular color options, including silver, blue, green and purple.

Apple's proprietary headphone jack is still used for syncing. Most competing players use a standard USB B port. Still a great overall design.

Durability

Apple deserves points for the more durable player in this group. Even with the composite body, these guys do hold up to a lot of abuse. Creative's failure rates are too high, but Sandisk's Clip is gaining ground in this area.

Capacity

The 2GB is LONG OVERDUE!!! Amazon's long wait times will surely have some going to Apple stores.

The 1GB size was Apple's only option for a LONG time. The market has been flooded with 2GB players from the competition, as well as shuffle lookalikes. Still, as Apple finally ups their size, Sansa now offers the Clip in a 4GB size, though with long backorder waits. SanDisk Sansa Clip 4 GB MP3 Player (Silver) Still, expanding options makes the current starter MP3 market very good for consumers right now.

Creative Zen Stone Plus 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)
SanDisk Sansa c150 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)
SanDisk Sansa Express 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)
SanDisk SDMX7-2048 Sansa c250 2 GB MP3 Player
SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)

Features and Software

Competing players over simple screens for track viewing as well as FM radio and voice recording. The Zen Stone Plus by Creative and the Sandisk Clip each offer all three features at better price points. Apple's reliability and brand loyalty has allowed the shuffle to survive with limited features.

Competing players also offer drag and drop syncing using standard USB cables or, in the case of the Sansa Express, via direct USB. Apple still requires the proprietary dock.

It still seems excessive to have to use iTunes software to sync 2GB of songs. Competing players have even worse software, but allow you to drag and drop files on these devices like USB thumb drives.

iTunes is both a curse and a blessing, depending on your point of view. For those who are used to iTunes or totally new to MP3s, the interface can be a great plus. For anybody who wants more direct control over their music collection, some of the features within iTunes can become burdensome. Not to mention, it seems every week iTunes requires a new software update.

Once again, if you LOVE Apple and iTunes, or if you are totally new to MP3s the software will still be a net plus for you.

For those that care about file options, Apple's software allows only limited MP3 and AAC music formats. You can easily convert other formats to these, but be aware of the limits. This is only a negative for those really loyal to a certain file format, such as the growing group of WMA users. Having to have 2 format copies of all your music can really hurt as your collection grows.

Sound

The sound this unit produces is pretty good though not great. While I still feel the first generation shuffle sounded much better, the tradeoff was worth the smaller size.

Cost

The shuffle's price has finally come down to about $65 for 2GB or $50 for 1GB. While not a bargain, this price makes the sting much less painful for Apple loyalists. The dollar per gigabyte cost is at least approaching that of competing players. The absolute dollar cost is still a premium when you factor in features.

Players like the Sansa Clip continue to offer more features at this capacity. If you want a small player and you are open to brands beyond Apple, your options continue to expand. The Creative Stone Plus, Sansa Clip, and new models from Samsung and Sony are all worth a look.

Once again, Apple's reputation is well deserved. This model still requires you to pay a premium for it, though a slightly shrinking premium. :-D

Conclusion

If you must have Apple and need a small player for high impact workouts, this new 2GB shuffle is it. If you and can afford it, stepping up to the Apple iPod Nano 4GB will cost you $140 but gives you twice the capacity and video. Still, if you're not an Apple die-hard, the Sansa Clip and other options deserve serious consideration.

Research your options and choose the player that's right for you. Overall this is a good player at an improved price.

Enjoy!!!

I already have an iPod classic that's large enough to fit my 10,000 song collection onto it. I purchased the new iPod shuffle because I got really tired of holding onto my chunky Classic when trying to go running, and the sleak clip-on design of the Shuffle was just what I needed. I have no complaints. I essentially use it to play a specific playlist that I've developed in iTunes so I don't need a screen to tell me what I'm listening to. And I don't need it to be able to hold 1000 songs since I only go through about 10-20 in one workout period.

The volume goes as high or as low as I need it. There is a toggle switch to turn the "shuffle songs" feature on or off which is nice so that I don't get tired songs being played in the same order over and over again.

The overall usability is just as simple as I need it to be while I'm jogging. It's clipped onto my pants or my sleeve or my pocket and I can quickly press whatever button I need to take care of business without having to break my stride. And I've never had it come off which is what I was worried about the most.

The only thing that didn't work for me was the earbuds. They tend to hurt my ears, and when running they work their way out of my ears completely. So I just invested in a pair of earbuds that wrap around my ears.

Some folks have issues with the fact that you can only charge it through a computer. This has not been a problem for me seeing as I update the playlist often and the shuffle recharges while I'm doing that. But the battery rarely runs down regardless.

I highly recommend this product if you're just looking for a simple, inexpensive MP3 player to have on your body without it getting in your way. It's worth every dime.

I am a Senior citizen and not familiar with the new electronic gadgets
or computers that are on the markets these days. Not to mention afraid
to venture in this direction. Well I decided to step out of the box and
join a gym, get in shape and get a computer. Then I found out about the
Apple Ipod shuffle, just what I needed for the gym. Had a little trouble
figuring out how to put music on it, but Apple Support Centre helped me
and now I can help my other senior friends as they all want an Ipod now
that they have seen mine. I just love the compact size and the music is clear and it inspires me to walk.

There is nothing wrong with this iPod Shuffle. However, as time has worn on, it's simply less exciting.

It wasn't actually updated on the September 2008 update, but some additional colors were added including this sharp blue.

Overall, the Shuffle still works great. You sync some of your favorite music to it, and then listen in order, or choose to shuffle it. I must admit that mine sits on my desk and isn't used very often, but it's still nice to have, for its amazingly small size and light weight. Some like having an extra small device for traveling, but I find the Nano and Touch to be perfectly small enough, and the Nano starts at 149.

If you're really trying to save some money, and you just want to get some music out of iTunes onto a device, this will do it for you at a really great value. No problems. Also, perhaps you want it as a second iPod, another fine option. However, if you are getting your first iPod, and you do not mind the cost of an entry-level Nano, you'll enjoy being able to find your music on the display.

The Shuffle has its place and gets the job done, but it's just not as exciting as the other iPods, nor is always having your playlist "blind," always convenient.

I bought this specifically for the gym, using either a treadmill or elliptical. I don't wear an Ipod weight training. The size is excellnt, so small you don't even know your wearing it, I just clip in on my shorts pocket.
I didn't buy the 3rd generation because of the poor reviews involving headphone/earplug control failure due to moisture from sweat. Also the fact you can't use a different pair of earplugs which I do becasue I like mine better.
It does just what I wanted it to do, I can load up a bunch of songs & changing songs and volume is simple even while running. I also don't see why some people have a problem with the small dockinig station to recharge it. It just becomes part of my routine, come home from the gym, take it out of my gymbag with other stuff, plug it into the docking station attached to the USB on the computer, and it's gets recharged eventually before the next day. I'm always online in the evening, so it's never a problem, besides there are other charging options available if you wanted them.
I think this is an excellent product for what it is.... Not a lot of bells & whistles..... Just a small simple Ipod for active people.

I bought 1 iPod shuffle for my 18 year old daughter for her birthday. When I received it in the mail and opened the box to look at it before I wrapped it up for my daughter I thought the iPod was missing. My 16 year old daughter started laughing and picked up and handed me the iPod. I thought it was just the belt clip it was so small!! I joined iTunes so she could download music I told her I wanted to check out the quality of sound man was I blown away with the sound quality. As a matter of fact I am going to buy one for myself the sound is that great. Also the price is right I have a mp3 and the difference between it and the iPod is about the same as compairing an
8 Track player against a CD player.
DueyP

I am not sure why....no matter where I go or whom I talk to I keep hearing and reading the same thing...."it has to be used with iTunes and can only sync to one computer".... This is WRONG!!! If you are stupid enough to read the directions and accept that you have to use their software then you can have the hassle. I have had several iPods hooked up to my computer that had NO PROBLEMS using Media Monkey (my preferred software available free online)I hooked my iPod up and it was recognized as an external drive. I do the drag and drop and sync selected songs without problems. If I want to remove one song I just select and click delete. As for only being able to use it on one computer.....that is because you set your iPod up to "auto sync" when attached. If you don't do that then you can go between computers. I just had a friend ask me to put some of my music on to his iPod shuffle and I hooked it up and presto. Media Monkey recognized it without problem, removed the songs he didn't want and added new ones WITHOUT wiping it clean! I wish instead of people complaining about iTunes they would just not use it! Just because the directions tell you to do it doesn't mean you have to! This is Apples greatest moneymaker and idea! Fill the world with mp3 players and tell people you can only use iTunes and make a s**T load of money! Stop buying into it! An iPod is just an external drive like any other. Use it that way and you won't have any problems with it! I have NEVER used iTunes in my life and never will. So go get your iPod and enjoy!!!!!!

I own the IPOD shuffle as well as an 80gb classic. I was reading the reviews of the shuffle and was somehow aggravated. The IPOD shuffle was not designed to be used as mass media music collection storage device. If you want that then you will need to purchase the big boy (classic). The IPOD shuffle is perfect for use when running, working out, or just a brisk morning walk.

It is smaller than a pack of matches and you never even know that you have it. It took me all of about 20 minutes to add the music from I TUNES to it. You can open i tunes and throw in your favorite cds, and it will copy the songs to the shuffle. I have 200 songs on mine and really did not pay a dime for any of the songs.

There is some negativity about not being able to copy music not purchased through I tunes into the i tunes library. Well I have an extensive music collection and not all of it was purchased through i tunes.

Solution to the problem, I just burn my favorite songs to a discs and then i tunes will copy mu songs into the i tunes library from the discs.

All in all the IPOD shuffle is a top of the line music player, it is not complicated and there is not onscreen display, that on most cheaper mp3 players is just plain aggravating to navigate through. If you are on the market for an MP3 player : buy the shuffle! Small, easy, and portable.

My children love theirs! They rock on road trips.Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB Bright Green (2nd Generation)