The smallest of all the iPods released. The iPod Shuffle is known as “the most wearable iPod ever”. When first released, the iPod Shuffle sported a candy bar shape. It was either worn around the neck or with a band. Later developments on this tiny iPod resulted to its current clip form. This new look allowed the user to clip the iPod Shuffle anywhere desired.
The 2nd generation of the iPod shuffle now sports four new colors plus the original silver. The iPod shuffle has a few things in common with its bigger siblings. Like most of the other iPods, the iPod shuffle has a Click Wheel control pad. The iPod Shuffle has a Shuffle Switch to allow you to play your tunes in Random or switch it back and play it according to the order you downloaded them from iTunes.
This iPod has 1GB capability, or in music talk, it is able to hold up to 240 songs. Very teeny at just 1.62 inches by 0.41 inches and 0.41 inches thick (including the clip). This iPod definitely gives new meaning to the word handy; in fact, handy doesn’t seem to do it justice. The iPod Shuffle comes with earphones, a dock and a quick start guide. The battery can last for up to 12 hours of audio playback.
The Shuffle’s volume is quitter than most iPods, but it can still hurt the eardrums. You can however reset the maximum volume with the use of iTunes. The earphones that come with the shuffle are still the same earphones used since the iPod was introduced. The iPod Shuffle was however, not given the new earphones of the iPod Nano, and the other iPods. This is because the older earphones have a better bass setting, compensating for the lack of EQ capability in the Shuffle.
The iPod shuffle has LED indicators that glow green when you have enough battery and that turns amber when energy is running low. This version of the Shuffle lacks the built in USB connector that was found in the older version; it, however has a dock that can be used for charging as well as input and output purposes.
The new iPod shuffle retails for $79 US. All in all, the new iPod shuffle is a stylish upgrade from the old one and it has a much lower price than the original. Some problems found is that the shuffle exhibits an audible hiss when used with other earphones and you have to have the dock connector with you if you want to charge or sync this iPod.