Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 1GB, red)

December 13, 2007 12:28

4.0/5
I'll start off by saying I have never anticipated buying an iPod before. I have never been an Apple fan, and always considered iPods as gimmicks ever since they've become so popular. The last time I used an Apple product was when we had to use Macintosh computers back in elementary school in the late 90s. I decided that despite this it was high time I get a portable MP3 player and I considered an iPod as an option. Because size was a very important issue, it had to be small. Space wise, I didn't really need more than 1GB, so the iPod shuffle from the get-go attracted me. Although I had looked at the Zune, Zen, and other options, it was bascially going to come down to the Sony Walkmans on SonyStyle and the iPod shuffle. I chose the shuffle because as shallow as it may seem, they just looked better than the weirdly-shaped Walkman.

Now, I am definitely still not an Apple fan, but I am pretty pleased with my dealings with them thus far. Apple store delivered this to me in 2 days after date of order with standard shipping, which was pleasantly surprising. The product worked precisely as I expected right out of the box. The packaging is very nice and you get these nice looking Apple stickers (so I guess the aim was so you can sticker other things and show your support for Apple).

I must also say that I am pleased with the audio quality I'm getting from this cute little toy. I haven't bothered trying the packaged earbuds to see how they are and instead use my own monitoring headphones (I cannot justify earbuds for more than 20 minutes tops -- after that they start to really hurt my ears). Also, I use a car cassette adaptor in conjunction with this iPod shuffle and it works just fine listening to the music through my car's speakers. It's pretty cool because since the shuffle is so small I can just put it in the ashtray compartment (don't worry I don't smoke so it's clean!).

I wouldn't say I'm that much of an audiophile, but I am pretty pleased with the iPod shuffle all in all and would recommend it to anyone who may have similar needs as I did. I purchased the (PRODUCT) RED because to be quite honest none of the other colors looked that much better (no jet black option!). That, and it's always comforting to know that at least some of your money is going to a good cause (AIDS in Africa). I think the red looks better in person when you see it, and the back of the shuffle where it says iPod and PRODUCT RED looks pretty.

Now, I wouldn't say the iPod shuffle is the best bang for your buck, but if looks, quality, and portability are all you care about, then a shuffle is for you. One last thing: Just know that the REPEAT function on the shuffle is meant as a REPEAT ALL function, not a REPEAT-1 function. In other words, you cannot listen to one single track in repeat without pressing the previous button each time. Not a MAJOR drag, but had I known this, I probably would have bought the Sony Walkman instead (assuming they have that feature). I deduct 2 points for not having this feature. (Yes, I know the point of an iPod shuffle is to "shuffle" the tracks, but the reason I bought this was for the size not for the name.)

Oh, and you can only get this special edition from the Apple store as far as I know. Like with the other iPods, the iPod shuffle (PRODUCT) RED is listed as Designed by Apple in California and Made in China.

- Spotted

February 20, 2008 06:15
Excellent
2.0/5
Apple did the same to iphone users and lowerd the price. Now its done it to the ipod users. Something has to be done. It is not fair. It is hard to move files over to the shuffle

- acousticb1