Customer Reviews

Apple iPod shuffle 512 MB White (1st Generation) OLD MODEL

5 star:		(239)
4 star:		(109)
3 star:		(26)
2 star:		(31)
1 star:		(84)

 

 

This is an amazingly small version of an Ipod that can hold a fair amount of music (about 8-10 CDS or so) and play it back with the really great sound that Apple's much pricier Ipod players have. The great thing about an Ipod is that you can essentially load your CDs onto it though Apple's Itunes software and then use your Ipod to access the CDs or lists of songs you create from these CDs on your computer. The negative of the Shuffle player is that you basically load a batch of CDs or lists of songs from your computer and have pretty limited control on how you access them - either just shuffling though them on a random basis or skipping through them in order. Is this a bad thing? It depends on what you want. If it is a chance to have a good batch of songs to play through without a lot of need to select specific songs, it is great -- kind of like a super radio station that can play selections you want to hear, either randomly or in some basic order. If you want to create a music library in your pocket to easily select from a mix of songs, the Shuffle doesn't work well.

The unit is great when you want a mix of music (say for a plane trip or for a week of daily runs) or a program in a certain order (say a talking book). The unit is incredibly easy to load up (just plug into the USB port of your computer -- also charges here) and Itunes software is a cinch to use to import music from CDs (or purchase music files from Apple).

Given the price, it is (by the standards of Ipods) a good deal as a way of getting great sounding music in a small unit. It presents a nice alternative to a heavier and much more expensive Ipod -- good things as long as you accept its limitations.

I finally broke down and acquired my very first iPod (from a credit card rewards program) after my SanDisk MP3 player stopped functioning. Originally I was going to replace it with another SanDisk, but then decided on joining iPod nation. Even though the SanDisk had an FM receiver and a voice recorder, the primary use was MP3 playback, and even though they offered a good product for the money, it wasn't the easiest thing to navigate and use in a pinch. I figured millions of iPod users can't be that wrong, but I didn't yet want to get a more happening iPod with 20 gig memory, photo playback, or even a Mini iPod. So I went for the most entry-level Apple offers and hoped for the best. Honestly, it could almost not be any easier to use and enjoy. The iPod Shuffle is a great example of very good product design and user-friendliness. Granted, you don't get an LED readout of the tracks or any info, so you have to make do without that. No FM, voice recorder either (no iPods have that...yet). No equalizer or tone settings (guess you have to set that from your playlists when loading the files into the iPod). Those are not the worst of cons. The pros outweight them - great quality sound (then again I don't use those awful bud headphones, always use Sony MDR's on all portable CD/MP3/radio devices), real simple to operate and load tracks into the unit. Plus it's so lightweight and portable, if you wear it around your neck, it's like wearing an ID badge - you barely notice you have anything on you. The 'shuffle' of course is its big selling point - not that big a deal but it can produce interesting radio-station-ish results if you pick a certain set of songs for your daily commute or workout. Overall, I believe the iPod Shuffle is a good choice for anyone willing to join the cult of iPods but wants to spend around $100 and really doesn't need anything fancy (no photos, videos, not even a way to see what track you're playing), this is the one to get (unless you shell out some more money and get the 1gig version).

Apple's iPod "Shuffle," released after a flurry of hype early in 2005, is a combination of many wonderful features with many drawbacks -- though it is up to the individual user and his or her needs that decides whether or not these drawbacks are serious.

Pros:

1 - iPod "prestige" -- what this means is that you have the great feeling of owning an iPod -- a trendy device that many young people like to own, not only for its practical uses but also for the sake of having it and showing it off in public. "Look everyone, I'm using an iPod -- yeah, it's just the shuffle model, but still, it's an iPod which makes it a million times cooler than the other brands out there that might actually be better but they s^&k because they're not iPods..."

2 - holds tons of music -- sure, larger, more expensive iPods (along with larger, more expensive products from other manufacturers that aren't as trendy to have a product from -- ie, "I-river") hold more music and other material, but for all practical purposes, the +/- 110 song capacity of the iPod shuffle is adequate for most people's listening needs, unless they plan on being away from their larger source of music and won't be able to change or replenish the shuffle songs for a long time.

3 - cheaper -- of course, a hundred dollars is a hundred dollars, but still, if you lose your iPod shuffle or break it or have it stolen it won't be as heartbreaking as if you lost your $300 full size model. Also since it's cheaper you won't often think twice about taking it absolutely anywhere with you, or even getting a little careless with it sometimes.

4- you can store and transport other, non-musical files on it. The memory capacity on an iPod shuffle can be used to download (via its USB port) text, photo, and other files from one computer and upload them to another computer or device -- making it a convenint, portable zip-type drive -- though of course the iPod itself has no capability to access and use non-musical files.

5 - it's small and doesn't sag in your pockets. the tiny size and meager weight of the iPod shuffle make it perfect for running and taking to the gym, as it doesn' create any unsightly lumps in your clothes, nor does it sag in your pockets with every step you run.

6 - the controls are easy to use. it takes only a few minutes to become accustomed to the "circular button" system on the shuffle. After a couple of days you don't even have to look at the buttons anymore because you'll know them by feel

Cons:

1 - no visual display screen. Some people really must see the song artist, song title, and elapsed minutes/seconds of each song to be happy. If you are this person, maybe the iPod isn't your ideal mp3 player.

2- less control over which song is played, and WHEN it is played. This isn't quite as serious as it sounds, since we all know how easy it is to rapidly press "skip" dozens of times to get to the songs we want. An equivalent level of frustration might be like when we're pressing the digital "seek" button on a friend's car radio when you don't like any of the presets. Plus, with only a hundred or so songs, it can't really take THAT long to get to the track you want

3 - battery charge time -- unfortunately, the ipod shuffle takes three hours to fully charge and give you 12 hours of listening time. However, if you're only going to use it for an hour or two at a time the 3 hour charge time isn't as much of an issue. And, since many iPod users tend to charge their iPods overnight, the charge time isn't much of a concern.

4 - sometimes people mock the iPod shuffle since it is a "cheap" iPod and certainly less capable than the Mini or Nano. However, people who are overly concerned about being teased for their iPod shuffle are probably a bit too image conscious. After all, it's function first, and then fashion second.

5 - the tiny size of the shuffle makes it somewhat easy to misplace/lose,

6 - after only a few months the maximum battery life tends to dip from 12 hours when brand new to about 8 or nine hours

7 - sweat from your body when working out, or any other moisture, is extremely corrosive to the iPod. Even though it is somewhat more durable than the larger iPods (you can drop it and nothing in it will break) users still need to take emementary precautions when they work out. As in, protect your iPod with an armand or wrist band or other accessory, or at least prevent skin-to-iPod contact.


So with these pluses and minuses considered, please purchase wisely! I recommend the shuffle both for its relative value and features, and although its limitations are sorely felt sometimes, they are usually only a minor irritation and don't detract from the overall pleasure of owning one.

~ Kai

I have owned an iPod Mini for the past year, and it is truly a wonderful device. Even so, and as small as the Mini is, it can still feel a bit bulky and cumbersome to use while out on my daily jogs and walks with the dog.

So enter the iPod Shuffle. The two big things it has going for it is the weight (feels as light as a feather), and its ease of use. I am able to start and pause with a quick tap of the finger. With the Mini, I find myself fumbling around with the belt clip, and struggling to not hit the wrong button.

One final point: this device is ideal for use with Audible dot com books. For one thing, you don't really need a display to listen to books since most people listen to only one book at time. For another thing, Audio books don't get shuffled, so you'll always be able to find your book, even if you have 50 + songs loaded on the Shuffle.

You can't go wrong with this little device. If you're torn between the Shuffle and Nano or Mini, then take the easy way out and get both.

P.S. Audible dot com is giving these away for free if you sign up to a six month subscription.

I purchased the Ipod Shuffle on the first day it actually came out in stores. By the time i got there it was practically sold out. This Ipod Shuffle is great because it's super light, easy to carry around, and it's pretty cheap compared to other mp3 players that aren't as fashionable or convenient. I find it fascinating that to recharge the Shuffle all you really have to do is stick it in your computer. There's no confusing wires, docks or adapters, and basically all you need is a USB port to a computer. It comes with a nifty lanyard and a pair of headphones. They also provide you with the ITunes program that is really easy to use. And also, the uploading of the songs doesn't take much time at all. I would definately recommend this product, even though it's really hard to get because it just came out.

First of all, the name iPod "Shuffle" is misleading. You can choose whether or not to have the songs shuffle or play in the listed order you've chosen. You can do this from the playlist in iTunes or on the iPod Shuffle itself by clicking on icon that has two arrows going in a circle.

Finally got my iPod Shuffle after one week and a day delay in delivery but so far I'm very happy with it. Here's a breakdown of pros and cons.

Cons
-It cannot hold tens and thousands of music like its sister counterparts iPod mini and iPod.
-No external charger. You have to leave Shuffle plugged into your computer or laptop to charge. But actually, this is a blessing in disguise. I usually leave my computer on for hours and this is a convenient way to charge your shuffle and even better when you are traveling and you can charge with your laptop on the go. My iPod Shuffle is charging this moment while I am editing my playlist. ;)
Charge out of the box for me took about 3 hours or less to fully charge.
-No screen but I really didn't care since I knew the list of the songs and the order because I put it together. In addition, I KNEW this didn't have a screen when I bought it.

Pros
+Lightweight, lanyard is excellent for traveling and you won't believe how small it is until you see and feel it.
+Absolutely no skipping from the Shuffle. You don't heard those grinding noises you hear from hard drives on the shuffle between song changes.
+Looks very durable compared to iPod mini which can be very fragile.
+Sound quality is very good from the Shuffle. I like the earpiece. The sound does not vibrate outside of the earpiece whic h is good.
+Charge time was rather fast especially on a USB 2.0 port.
+iTunes software is awesome. It was so simple to use. The quick start in the manual is not long and to the point and can be all be read in 10 minutes or less. Easy to understand and you'll have songs transferred quickly and using your Shuffle in no time.
+USB 2.0 transfer speed wasn't too bad. Not as fast as firewire but its no slouch in transfer speed. There is only 512MB of space in my Shuffle so USB is fine (transferred and filled up the entire 512MB of space very quickly) since I won't be transferring 20GB or 40GB of songs which would be better suited for firewire.

One more thing. I don't know why people complain about the slide button on the Shuffle. It is not slippery (unless you are eating potato chips or grease food while using the Shuffle) and I had no problem switching it off/shuffle/continuous play. I actually like carrying this thing around in my pocket since it's so small and you can put it away easily without worrying about being too fragile. The cap is solid and won't fall out easily like those Sandisk flash drives.

I really regret not getting the 1GB. I love this thing.

Here's a brief overview of the quick setup step.

1. The first thing you do is install the software that comes with the iPod shuffle which installs the iPod software and iTunes.
2. After installing the software, plug in the iPod shuffle into your USB port and let it charge for 3-4 hours. The yellow light indicates charging and green light indicates full charge.
3. Make a playlist by pressing the "+" button on the iTunes and drag or add your songs to the playlist.
4. Choose your playlist from the drag/drop down list and then click "Autofill" to transfer the songs into your shuffle (plugged to the USB port).
5.iTunes will let you know once the transfer is complete, unplug and play your music.

If you really need a screen to look at the song that is playing or hate skipping through songs to find the one you want to listen to, get the iPod mini. If you need something that is much smaller but extremely portable, easy to use, great battery life, durable, excellent sound quality (without skipping), and in budget, get the Shuffle.

I used my shuffle while running, and it was great; used a larger set of headphones, as those supplied fall out of my ears when running. After a month or so, the sweat from my body killed the iPod: at first it would cut out during a run and then come back to life after it dried. After a few runs like this, it quit altogether: the switch no longer turned the unit on. Apple needs to make the unit more robust. I would run with it under my shirt; if you do get one, make sure you keep it away from your body.

Unlike some of these reviewers who don't even bother to try it, I've actually owned the iPod Shuffle for 9 days now (since the day it was released). No it doesn't have a screen. Does that matter? As it turns out, and much to my surprise, not really. Is it better than the regular iPods? For some things, yes - running, biking, more "active" activities - you can wear it around your neck, and you hardly notice it's there. And you don't have to worry so much about dropping it. 512 MB flash cards are already going to run you $50-70. So you pay a little extra to get a built in MP3 player (that works with iTunes) and a set of headphones.

The shuffle is not going to win everyone's approval because there is no display. This however is the only shortcoming, and shouldn't detract from the otherwise wonderful functionality that it offers at an agreeable price.

I use my 512 Shuffle for exercising. For this purpose, it is doing just fine. Because it is light enough to drop and hang off of your earphones, because of it's sturdy hard drive free construction, and because it is very small and will fit into the tightest pocket, this mp3 player is the perfect biking/running companion.

Unless you run multiple marathons one after another, you will not go through 512 megabytes worth of music. Unless this is going to be your everyday mp3 player, you will not be rummaging through a playlist looking for a particular song. In that case, get an iPod with a HD! The flash players (Muvo) that are competing with the Shuffle that offer a screen give you a 2-5 second advantage in determining the title of a particular song! Big deal. You STILL DON'T GET to scroll through a playlist to look for a song. You'll still be pressing fast forward just like me. Only go that route if you really want the FM radio.

This is the perfect exercising companion. For when you don't want to hear the traffic and don't care to hear commercials. If you want a workhorse mp3 player for your everyday excursions during your commute, your lunch breaks, get a full service mp3 player. Otherwise, for your running/biking companion, get the cool looking, incredibly light, high quality Shuffle.

5 stars.

I decided to get an ipod in early January. Being 12 years old, I didn't wan't to spend too much money. That's why I decided to get a shuffle. I ordered a 512 MB shuffle from the apple website after figuring out that it wasn't in stores yet. Three long weeks later, it came!

I bought some songs on iTunes (all of my CDs suck and online music is cheaper that CDs) and plugged the ipod-stick into the keyboard. It appeared instantly in iTunes, and I autofilled it with the twenty-odd songs I had purchased. Later, I changed my songs to a certain order that I could memorize.

I currently have 74 songs on my shuffle and I love it! It is so easy to hang it around my neck and take it anywhere. The headphones are a bit uncomfortable but the sound quality is great. The headphones fit me well, so they don't fall out very often.

The battery life is okay. It would be better if it was, say, 18 hours like the new mini, but I can live with it at 12. Actually, the battery seems to last more that twelve hours. I went to Cancun, Mexico recently and I took it. I listened to it almost nonstop on the planes and buses and the battery indicater still was green when I got home five days later. It is annoying to have to plug it into the USB port on the back of a computer to charge. It would be so much easier to have a dock thingy that plugs into the computer or the wall, but I'm not going to spend $30 on that!

The lack of a screen is only a minor setback, if you memorize the order of your songs and know all of the songs on your ipod (you should, because you can only have 120!). It is a bit tricky to slide the off-on-shuffle switch. It is much too easy to slide right past normal order mode to shuffle mode (I almost never use shuffle mode).

I love to show off my shuffle. Some jerks think it is stupid (but I think they're jealous) but most of my friends think it's so cool.

I highly recommend the ipod shuffle to anyone who wants an inexpensive MP3 player to play a smaller collection of songs. It is great for someone who excersises a lot because of the flash drive (no skipping!), and a screen isn't really required for excersising. I also recommend you get one from macmall.com, because they're only $94 and come with free speakers and an FM transmitter.