IPod Shuffle Product Review

The newest iPod Shuffle from Apple is a little gem. The iPod Shuffle provides 1 GB of storage space for your listening pleasure. This 1 GB of storage space translates to approximately 240 songs of 4 minutes average length each. The iPod shuffle only stores music files, not videos. The iPod Shuffle will also include earphones and a docking station to interface with your Mac or PC.

The best selling points of the iPod Shuffle are its light-weight design and clip-on feature. If you enjoy listening to music while walking, running, or exercising in any capacity, the iPod Shuffle is just what you need. Weighing in at a scant few ounces, it is virtually weightless. No need to carry it in your hand or pocket any longer, as the iPod Shuffle boats the handiest little clip-on feature. Clip it onto your clothing (or anywhere else), turn it on, and go. The entire back side of the iPod Shuffle itself is actually the clip, so it is of substantial size and quite sturdy. I have logged many miles of jogging over the past 2 months with my pint-sized iPod Shuffle, and not once has it ever come loose, bounced off, or in any other way become unclipped.

While exploring the iPod Shuffle, you will notice that unlike the full sized versions of the iPod, there is no visual user interface on the Shuffle. There is merely one large, round button on the face of the iPod Shuffle and a couple of toggle switches flush on the bottom of it. Look closer and you'll find that the round button on the face does contain 4 directional buttons around the edge. These will control the volume and the song navigation for you. The middle of the button will toggle between Play and Pause.

The two toggle buttons on the bottom of the iPod Shuffle will allow you to power on/off and select between the two types of track selections: shuffle (random) and play in order. Next to the power switch, there is a small light that will turn green when the power is on and/or blink green or orange to inform the user of different things. These will include, low battery, charging battery, hold status, and various error messages. The iPod Shuffle includes a small card to help remind the user of what the various lights mean. Honestly, I've never used it. I turn my iPod Shuffle on, push play, perhaps adjust the volume now and then, and turn it off when I am finished. If it ever does not work for me, then I will reluctantly dust off that little cheat-sheet card and troubleshoot.

While it does not have all of the additional features as its big brother iPods such as video, full color screen, etc, overall the iPod Shuffle is a dependable little music player perfect for the person on the go. Retailing at around $80, it is a bargain to boot. I don't know how I got along without it.