www.DigitalMania-Online.com presents
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www.DigitalMania-Online.com presents
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New iPod Shuffle Review
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The New iPod Shuffle - a closer look
Pros - Size, price, durability, battery life and design. Cons - Indicator lights are small and dock (included) required for synch and charge. Cannot be used as a flash drive without the dock.
"Fit in your jeans pocket small" it is smaller than a matchbook and about as thick as your little finger - make that about 1/4" plus a little more for the clip. Unlike the old Shuffle (plastic case) this one is finished in an attractive brushed aluminum and includes metal spring-clip on its back which will secure it to your clothing, backpack, or purse. The clip is fixed to the back of the case and the spring seems adequate for its purpose although gets in the way if you want to hang it around your neck. What's not to like?Well for starters, it has no display. This actually isn't a big deal at least for the audience it is intended for - price conscious shoppers, those of us who work out, first time iPod owners and let's not forget your children. While the lack of screen makes it nearly impossible to navigate to the track you want I think it is better to think of it more as a radio station without the ads. I fill it with "my" music and bring it to the treadmill, set it to shuffle mode and spend the next 30 minutes pleasently surprised when I hear my favorite tunes. It has changed my workouts to something more pleasant than the mouse on a treadmill feeling I used to have. While the 2G iPod Shuffle differs little from the original it does require the included dock for syncing and recharging. If you're familiar with the first Shuffle you'll recognize tehPlay/Pause button and four controls arranged around a rocking click wheel on the 2G model. The controls access previous track, next track and volume up/down. The 2G has two small Shuffle Indicator LightsThe indicator LEDs - located on both the top and bottom of the unit - will glow green, orange, or red. The colors and blink rate of these these lights will tell you the charging status when docked, iPod’s hold switch position on/off, and warning that indicate the shuffle’s firmware is corrupted. Apple provides a small "cheat" card that decodes what the blinks and colors mean. As is the case with nearly all flash based MP3 players you can set aside some of the iPod’s memory for data use - turning the shuffle into a USB flash drive. This is handier than you might expect and is a real bonus, now carry your tunes for working out and your doc or xcel files too. One caveat, you'll need to take the dock along for this to work. ConclusionLegendary ease of use, great design and excellent engineering have long been an Apple trademark and the new iPod Shuffle doesn't disappoint. It may not have all the features of its bigger brother but given how it’s likely to be used - during workouts or for kicking around when a larger iPod is more than you need—it’s likely to become a favorite take along. The new iPod Shuffle or 2G Shuffle (for second generation) is perfect for your children (who have been begging you for an iPod). If you haven't yet purchased on iPod (objecting about price or what will I do with it) this will a great introduction to what the rest of us already know. I am going to keep mine and add it to my growing collection. Recommended - a perfect stocking stuffer. More for iPod Shuffle here at DigitalMania-Online.com |
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The iPod Authority
New iPod Shuffle - matchbook small
The new iPod Shuffle may become this season’s most popular stocking stuffer (I know I'd love to find one in my stocking). Priced to move - $79 - virtually indistructable, it holds more than enough music (1GB capacity, about 500 songs) for your longest workout and has the battery power to last over 12 hours. This maybe the perfect "first" iPod for the kids. or just a great gift for yourself.
switches on the bottom—one on/off and the other selects Shuffle or Repeat mode. The headphone jack is located along the top edge of the iPod. The earphones that are supplied with your new Shuffle appear to be the same that were shipped with all iPods until recently. While the audio quality is good I have always found these particular earphones uncomfortable to wear. You can easily buy inexpensive replacements - you'll need something different if you use your Shuffle for working out.
