Apple iPod Shuffle -page 2-

Additional Images

These controls are all very easy to read, and just like all Apple products, easy to use. The volume goes up just as loud as the iPod, and just as low as well. Very easy to use.

Control Center of Shuffle- The Backside

The back of the unit features a switch; with this switch, you determine in what manner your songs are played. Having a name of Shuffle, one would assume that the device somehow “shuffles” your songs. What the Shuffle does is make life “random” as their ad slogans say. When put it shuffle song mode, the Shuffle plays all of your songs… in a different order every single time. When you start playing, you will have no idea what song will come up. The next song is just as random. This means you better like your music. Many times while listening to my iPod, a song will come up on my playlist that I really just don't want to hear, so I'll skip to the next one. Of course, you can do this on the Shuffle, but when you have to do it constantly, it can be a pain. Of course, if you want to be more traditional you can always play the songs on your Shuffle in the exact order to put them on. By moving the switch to this mode, your songs will play in order with no “randomness.” If you want to go to the beginning of the playlist, hit play three times. Not too bad. The only other thing on the back of the unit is a battery indicator. I think that this is a very cool way to check on your battery status. By pressing a small rectangular button, a tiny light will shine green, orange, red, or… not at all. Green means good charge, orange low, red very low, and no light is dead. Having a visual indicator for battery is very cool, and even though this is just a small feature, its cool to have.

No Screen Yields to a Light Indicator

Without a screen, the only indicators you get is a small light. Unless it is on, you can't even see that it exists. Every time you press a button, a small green light blinks. Likewise, if you are holding down a button, the light stays on until you let go. There is no hold switch on the Shuffle. But don't think Apple let you down. If you hold down play for three seconds, you have entered hold mode… number three symbolism huh? When your device is on hold and you press a button, the light does not shine green. Instead, it gives off a nice orange color. Variety rules!!!

Connecting the iPod Shuffle to your Computer

How do you connect the Shuffle to your computer? Simple. The bottom tip of the Shuffle detaches to reveal a USB port. The high speed USB 2.0 port will download your songs quick… not as quick as firewire, but quick enough. This makes the Shuffle very easy to connect to any laptop computer or a G5 with the USB port right up front. If you are using a PC with a USB port all the way in the back of the computer, this can get annoying. You will have a small stub sticking out of the back, when you want to transfer songs or when you want to charge. Yes, you charge the Shuffle by leaving it plugged in to the computer.  But hey, you can always get a USB hub if it really bothers you.

Sound Quality and Headphones

As for sound quality, what do you expect from Apple? Only the best. Just like the iPod, the Shuffle delivers your music with crisp sound, and honestly, no complaints here.

Additional Images

Just like the fourth Gen iPod's, when your headphones get detached from the unit, the iPod pauses the song just where you left off. Very cool. As for usability, a monkey could operate this thing. It doesn't get any simpler. Battery life was also good. Transferring songs with iTunes is as easy as it is with a normal iPod. No problems here.

 

Overall

So do you want the Shuffle? It all relies on one integral question; how much music do you want to carry around with you? If you are the kind of person that can forget about every single Beatles album and live with Beatles 1, then the Shuffle will work out great for you. It is a great little unit. Although it isn't a real iPod, the Shuffle rules it's own domain. The domain of people who settle for less.