iPod Shuffle

Introduction

The Shuffle was launched by Apple in 2005 as their budget model. With the Classic and Nano models costing relatively large sums of money, especially in comparison to competitors such as Cowen, the Shuffle enabled a cheap entry point into the iPod product line.

Apple did name their budget model 'Shuffle' for a specific reason, in that, it will play any songs loaded in a random selection. Therefore, Apple was marketing the Shuffle with the tag 'life is random'. Whether this lack of control over a playlist is a positive attribute is debatable however.

To date there has been two Shuffle generations, the first launched in 2005, and the second in 2006. The 2G model being remarkable small, with Apple claiming that it's the smallest digital music player currently in existence.

The Shuffle utilizes flash memory, and was the first iPod to use it, a predecessor to the Nano in this respect. Therefore, it was the first effort by Apple to enter the lucrative flash-based mp3 player market. Apple had claimed over 50% of the market share by 2006, and reached total worldwide sales of over 10 million units.

In terms of dimensions, it's quite difficult to gage how small the Shuffle is, unless it's compared to something else. The second generation is perhaps a third the size of the first generation, and twice as slim. Below are a couple of images to display the size of both generations, 1G on the left, 2G on the right.

• 1G
  • 
• 2G
  • 

The 1G Shuffle only came in white, but the 2G model has been released in nine colours. Which are as follows, silver, red, pink, mint, green, turquoise, blue, orange, and lavender. The 2G model also features more memory, 1GB and 2GB versions, in comparison to 512MB and 1GB versions for the 1G. Another difference between the two generations, is that the 1G model had a cap at the bottom which unleashed a USB plug for connecting directly into a USB port. Due to the size of the 2G model this was not possible, therefore, Apple supplied a docking device with the 2G Shuffle, pictured below. Both generations can be used as a USB flash drive. The battery of the Shuffle is also charged when connected to a PC via the USB plug. However, the Shuffle will not be charged if it's on sleep mode, power standby, or the hibernated mode.

• 1G
  • 
• 2G
  • 

Unlike the 1G model the 2G model also featured a clip, which enabled Apple to name the Shuffle 'the most wearable iPod ever'. As shown below, the clip allows the Shuffle to be easily attached to a pocket or T-shirt collar. It makes the Shuffle ideal for joggers.

• 2G Clip
  • 
  • 

One thing that has stayed the same for both generations is the lack of support for Apple's 'Lossless' file format. Due to the relatively low storage capacity it's probably a wise move on Apple's part, just like when they lowered the bit rate of songs to 128 kbit/s for a lower file size. If you are trying to free up some space, or dislike the software managment applications on the Shuffle's memory, then it is possible to remove them and rebuild the Shuffle's database. What your left with is more control over your iPod, which is an mp3 player just like any other, but which is still compatible with iTunes.

The sound performance of the Shuffle has been commended by many reviewers. Superior to the iPhone for example, it's a great little pickup and play device, especially if all your after is portable music playback. It's also fared well when compared to earlier generation Classic's and Nano's, and the Touch in sound quality bench tests. The Shuffle is also surprising strong, reports have suggested that it can surprise being driven over by a large car. Making it easily the toughest iPod to date. Combining good battery life (12 hours), it's a surprise Apple haven't made more fuss over it. If your popping down to the gym, going for a bike ride or a run, then you cannot go far wrong with an iPod Shuffle.

The price of the Shuffle has recently come down, originally costing around £50-60, you can now pickup a 2GB version for £41.

Apple announce new Shuffle colours

September 08, 2008

Apple have decided to replace five of the current Shuffle colours, pastel blue, pastel green and pastel purple for a more solid blue, green and pink (replacing the purple). The shades of the silver and red have also been brightened somewhat.

Apart from the new colours little else has changed, with the functions and price of the Shuffle staying the same.