Apple 2G iPod Shuffle Review
| Design |
| The 2G iPod shuffle is being pitched as the smallest MP3 player in the world. And so far no one has stepped forward to challenge the statement. The sleek machine comes in a durable anodized aluminum casing and measures 1.62 × 1.07 × 0.41 inches. Now that’s half the size of the original iPod Shuffle. But it’s the weight that makes this special too – it only weighs 0.55 ounces, making it ideal for sports fanatics. There’s still no screen on this Apple MP3 player which is no surprise really considering the size. And other than the size very little has changed in the looks department. The second gen iPod Shuffle still has the wheel for navigating at the front and at the top you’ll find tiny switches for power and shuffle mode. At the back of the 2G Shuffle you get the Apple logo as well as the small clip for attaching your Shuffle to your clothes. And finally down bottom you’ll find the socket for the USB docking station – yes that’s right there’s no integrated USB interface like with the previous one. |
| Setup/Installation |
| Setting up the iPod Shuffle (2nd generation) is no different to any of the iPod range. Charge up your device (using the docking station provided). Load up the software provided and start storing music on your computer. When you plug your 2G iPod Shuffle docking station into your PC via the USB port it automatically syncs up and starts transferring music to your MP3 player. You can also download tunes from iTunes for around 79p. Actually operating the new iPod Shuffle is easy - click the center button to play and pause and click the outer buttons to move back, skip forward, and adjust volume. |
| Features |
| There’s little to say about the features. The 2G iPod Shuffle has a scratch resistant aluminum coating and comes with a 1GB USB flash drive that allows up to 240 songs which in our books is more than plenty for the gym or your travels. And there’s the shuffle button which automatically changes songs over for you. It comes with a USB 2.0 port and a docking station for charging up your 2G Shuffle and for transferring music. The Shuffle comes with a built-in clip so it can be worn proudly as a fashion accessory and the battery life lasts for a whole 12 hours. |
| Performance |
| We’ve yet to give the second generation iPod Shuffle a full work out but as soon as we do we’ll give you the low down on performance. From first appearances though it seems like Apple hasn’t let us down. |
| What's In The Box? |
| 2G iPod shuffle, earphones, Dock, quick start guide. |
| Overall Opinion |
| We love the look of the new, improved iPod Shuffle. The fact the storage space has been bumped up is a good thing and the obvious size reduction makes it ideal for carrying around anywhere whether it’s in your back pocket or pinned to your lapel. It still lacks any substantial features like an equalizer or a screen but its limited functions have allowed Apple to create such a small MP3 player. From first impressions it seems much better than the other MP3 players in its price bracket such as the SanDisc Sansa or the Aigo and is likely to be a big hit this Christmas. |
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Pros + Ultra small + Gorgeous silver finish + 1GB flash drive + Scratch resistant surface |
Cons - No screen - No equalizer |
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Songs Capacity 7/10
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Appearance 9/10
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Build Quality 8/10
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Ease Of Use 8/10
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Value For Money 8/10
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Overall Rating 
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2/11/2006
at 2:25:10pm
Read Apple Reviews
| Web Reviews - beta | |||
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Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd generation) If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the secondgeneration iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easytomisplace player.. read | |||
By Jasmine France at
cnet.co.uk
5/2/2007 1:01:10pm
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