Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB White (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
by Apple Computer
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List Price: Our Price: $24.50 You Save: $75.49 (75%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple iPod shuffle 1 GB White (1st Generation) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: this little thing rocks my world
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought my iPod Shuffle after spending a week debating between it and an iPod mini. I'm an Mac-user, and I used iTunes long before I thought about buying the Shuffle, so there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to buy an iPod of some type, because I feel from my experience that Apple products are very high quality. Luckily I had two friends: One with a iPod Mini and one with an iPod Shuffle, both of whom were very satisfied with their respective products. I didn't buy the iPod mini because I felt the Shuffle was exactly what I was looking for and the iPod mini was a bit too much for what I wanted, but the Mini's are very cool. However, I have not for one second regretted buying my Shuffle.
For a simple, cool little Mp3 player, the value of a Shuffle can't be beat. First of all, the value of using it as a flash drive is almost alone worth the price. 1GB is a huge amount of storage for something this small. It weighs next to nothing, and if you don't watch, you'll leave it in your jacket pocket and lose it. However, good things come in small packages and the sound quality is just plain awesome.
With their "Life is Random" slogon, it is amazing that Apple has launched such a great advertising campaign based upon what many see as a flaw: the lack of a screen. I feel that this actually benefits from the lack of a screen. It wouldn't be as light and the battery life wouldn't be as long if it had a back-lit LCD screen, and in my opinion the screen on most flash Mp3 players (telling you only the name of the song that is playing) is kind of useless and pointless. I've had my Shuffle for a month, and I've never felt that I once desired a screen. Sometimes I let the iTunes software fill it up with autofill and it's cool to listen to it on shuffle mode and get surprised with what comes up. iTunes will also let you set up a playlist in order which you can play straight through.
Other flash players in this price range do not have this much storage. I'd honestly take the extra space over a un-necessary screen anyday. All of my friends with non-Shuffle flash-based Mp3 players are jealous of my Shuffle.
Some people sometimes complain that the only way to charge the Shuffle is through a USB port unless you buy an adaptor from Apple. To be honest, there are computers everywhere today, and almost any one around will be able to charge the Shuffle. The battery life is really 12 hours like they say it is. The fact that the USB port is right on the Shuffle is much nicer than a real iPod if you want to use it as a flash drive. If you want to use a real iPod to transfer data, you need to carry a USB cable with you. The shuffle is much more convenient because it plugs right in. The connection may or may not be as fast as firewire, but if you've got USB 2.0 ports on your computer, it's plenty fast enough.
The only downside to any iPod is that while the earphones sound great, they're not the most comfortable earphones. Some people I know complain that they always fall out. I don't have this problem, but I find that they feel uncomfortable after a couple hours of being in my ears. It's not enough to make me buy a different set, but it's sometimes a bit annoying. Still, if you factor in an extra $20 for the cost of different set of earphones, it's still well-worth the price.
This is a great Mp3 player if you want something to run with, fit in your pocket at work, listen to on the subway, or use also as a quality flash drive to store data on. This is NOT for people who want to put all of their music on it with 70 different playlists to choose from and keep a calendar and everyone's addresses on it. Get a real iPod if that's what you want. If you want an ultra-portible, great-sounding, good-value-for-your-money music player that is easy to use, doubles as a convenient flash drive, has good software, and has good battery life, by all means go for the Shuffle and you'll love it.
Customer Review: A Nice Small Device
Summary: 5 Stars
It's time to review the newest gadget in my life, the 1 gigabyte iPod Shuffle. Overall, I have been very impressed with the device. The device does have a few drawbacks, but for what I've found it's perfect for my usage style.
I'll start with the positives and there are quite a few. Judging the size and weight, the device is amazingly small and light. I can easily shove it in my pocket or put it around my neck (with the including lanyard) and within seconds I'll forget it's there. This is a large plus for me, as I want to be able to carry it everywhere effortlessly. A nice feature that avoids bulk is the cover for the USB connector is an interchangeable piece that can either be a flat stub (how the device is often pictured) or the lanyard clip, like I wear it. Most of the accessories take advantage of this space for their connection to the iPod.
The storage capacity of the one-gigabyte version is perfect for my use. I have personally rated most of the music in my iTuneslibrary over the past year (8000+ songs) and use the autofill option to fill the device with music from the "My Top Rated" playlist. I can pick and choose music I would want to include and then autofill the rest of the space, but I rarely go that route. The autofill feature is flawless and ensures a steady variety of good music from my collection. I can go for a couple weeks at a time (or a sixteen-hour drive to North Dakota and back like last weekend) without hearing the same song twice, because I have roughly 220 songs on the device at any time. The battery life seems great to me, it lasts at least the 12 hours Apple says. The battery charges when plugged into any USB port, making it easy to charge anywhere you are. The USB drive function of the device is an added plus, I can carry a gig of data with me at any time if need be and I can play the music on the Shuffle in MP3 software on any computer I plug the device into (like I do at work).
My heaviest use of the device occurs in the car. I want to be able to sit-down, pull the device out of my pocket, plug it in to my tape-deck adaptor, and jam away. That's exactly what I am able to do with the Shuffle. The device pumps out some pretty good sound quality at a volume much higher than my previous MP3 device (Palm Zire 71). I think I would have a much harder time doing this with the other iPods and any larger MP3 player.
Comparing the device to the other iPods and most of the upper-tier MP3 players, it has that nice factor of not having to worry about it. If you're at all like me you want to take good care of your portable devices (PDA, cell phone, digital camera, etc), the iPod Shuffle makes this easy. The device is light but of decent size, this makes it a perfect size to stay in my pocket without annoying me. Because of the cost and size of the device ($150 for the 1GB version) I don't panic when I fall over and have it on, it's small and is not going to set me back a month's salary if it gets damaged. I have successfully (unfortunately) bumped the device into numerous things including the basement and my car door, and when I expected it to quit working it has kept on jugging.
On the negative side... If you're one that has to have your entire collection with you (I can only see this if you are gone for days at a time), this device is not for you. If you're one that needs the screen because you can't handle a random song, this device is not for you. If you're one that really likes big bulky device, the Shuffle is not for you.
If you are one that finds anything I said before remotely applicable to them you may be interested in the iPod Shuffle. It has been definitely been a great device for me, and I recommend it to anyone out there looking for an MP3 player to take jogging, carry in their pocket, or to replace their existing USB flash drive.
Customer Review: Shuffle your Life
Summary: 5 Stars
Mixing the unpredictability of the lottery with the compactness of a pack of chewing gum, Apple has created something much more enjoyable.
Apple mixed the versatility of the original iPod with some randomness, and came out with the smallest, least expensive iPod- the iPod Shuffle. Smoothly making the transition to mp3 players without screens, Apple created an eye-opener with this new item. The distinguishing features of the shuffle are its simple, easy-to-use controls, small dimensions (3.3"x0.98"x0.33"), and the unpredictability of its songs. The Shuffle is reasonably priced with two storage options, the 512 MB version, which can store 120 songs or the 1 GB version, which can store 240 songs. The controls are well placed. A Pause/Play button in the middle surrounded with buttons for skip, fast forward, and volume control help the busy user quickly browse to the level they want. The backside of the player sports an on-off slider. Users can either face the unpredictable and slide to the shuffle mode, or know what they're up against in the "play in the order" mode. On the bottom is a USB port, compatible with USB 1.1 or 2.0, that allows users to quickly sync their songs and download new ones using the award winning iTunes software, which is included with the iPod. Apple's signature white earbud earphones accompany the iPod, along with an extra USB cap with a lanyard.
The Shuffle is a jewel of an mp3 player. It packs an enormous amount of punch for a player so small. I found the buttons easy on the touch, and simple to navigate. Even without a screen, the iPod is suitable, because you can control what you will hear on the computer, unless you really want unpredictability. In that sense, who needs an electricity-sapping screen? The storage was good enough for me to download my albums of songs into my 1GB, with some space left over. I especially liked the size, the weight, and the new flash drive. The miniscule Shuffle could fit in tighter spaces, making it more ideal with jeans that are jammed full with other items. The weight is like a feather-literally. 0.78 ounces does not bother me running, hiking, or doing any kind or exercise I want to do. The flash drive is the best new technology on the market. With the Shuffle, Apple decided to invest in this growing share, and they hit right on the spot. The 1GB is right around the maximum of storage a flash player can have, and since iPod users usually gobble up a large amount of storage, this option fits those people. More frugal people, however, will go with the 512 MB version, which is still a large amount. The flash capability offers more features on its own. It is harder to jar, unlike the hard drives in the older iPods. Also, the "extras" make the Shuffle versatile. Don't want to risk scratching in that overused pocket of yours? Just put the lanyard cap on, instead of the regular cap, and it can go snugly around your neck. The battery meter on the back gives everyone, with a press of a button, whether the Shuffle needs charging, or if it's still going strong. The iPod's earphones deliver great quality, and with extra ear mufflers, I could choose whether I wanted to put them on or not, and if I lost a pair, there is still another pair waiting in my box. With this new iPod, Apple has again foiled the music world, coming out with a low priced, on the go iPod to complement the full size iPod and the best selling iPod mini.
Customer Review: The latest news about iPod family
Summary: 5 Stars
**** LATEST update to iPod family ****
- iPod & iPod photo lines merged; no more iPod photo 30 GB
- iPod comes in two capacities - 20 GB ($299), 60 GB ($399) with color screen & photo support
- U2 iPod (20 GB) down to $329 from $349 - with color screen & photo support
- iPod shuffle 1 GB down to $129 from $149
- iPod 60 GB down to $399 from $449
- new version of iTunes (4.9) that support podcasts
This is not a review of iPod shuffle as such - great reviews are available already. Here is some information that might help in deciding which iPod to go for.
Apple announced a major upgrade to the iPod lineup today (23 Feb 2005).
The biggest advantage is the reduction in price ($ per GB) and improvement in battery life. Another significant change is that USB 2.0 is being emphasized although FireWire continues to be supported. AC adapter is USB based instead of FireWIre and the FireWire based AC adapter still sells as a separate product.
The impact on iPod mini:
> A new model, iPod mini 6 GB is introduced for $249
> iPod mini 4 GB now priced at $199 ($50 down from earlier price)
> Change in colors - now mini is available in new shades of Silver, Blue, Pink, and Green (the Gold color is discontinued)
> Major improvement in battery life - up to 18 hours (was 8 hours earlier)
> AC adapter ($29) and firewire cable ($19) no longer shipped with mini (you may not need them really)
> iPod mini 4 GB and 6 GB now ship with only three things: earphones, belt clip, and USB 2.0 cable
> The indicators on the click wheel now match the color of the iPod mini
The impact on bigger iPods:
> iPod 40 GB is discontinued
> iPod photo 40 GB is discontinued
> iPod photo 30 GB (new product) replaces the 40 GB iPod photo and the regular iPod 40 GB
> iPod photo 60 GB now costs $150 less -- $449 instead of $599
> iPod photo 30 GB costs $349 ($150 less than iPod photo 40 GB and $50 less than regular iPod 40 GB)
> iPod dock ($39), AV cable ($19), carrying case ($29), and firewire cable ($19) do not ship with iPod photo (you may not really need them)
> Now we get three things with iPod photo: earphones, USB based AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable
> In additon to the above, a firewire cable continues to ship with iPod 20 GB & iPod U2 edition
> iPod photo Camera Connector is introduced - this can be used for connecting your digital camera directly to the iPod
With these changes, there is an interesting $50 gap between:
> iPod 20 GB and iPod photo 30 GB
> iPod mini 6 GB and iPod 20 GB (as earlier)
> iPod mini 4 GB and iPod mini 6 GB
> iPod shuffle 1 GB and iPod mini 4 GB
> iPod shuffle 512 MB and iPod shuffle 1 GB (as earlier)
Price, size, weight, and ease of use are major considerations while buying an iPod shuffle. If price is the only factor, iPod mini could be a better choice over shuffle. I have all the models of iPod (shuffle, mini, regular 40 GB, and photo 60 GB) and I find myself sticking to the iPod photo 60 GB since it carries all my music and has a better, color-based user interface.
Customer Review: Ok, everybody think of its actual purpose.
Summary: 5 Stars
Will this thing play your songs out of the box? No, you have to use iTunes to set it up. But isn't that true about every iPod? Or for that matter every MP3 player. That's always hit me as the "weak link but not quite" in the MP3 player realm. If you can set it up beforehand on the computer then what's the point, as the capacity of MP3 players gets smaller, of setting up the MP3 player through the unit itself? I can see the need on high capacity MP3 players, but there's only so much you can set up on smaller capacity players that the setup options tend to get in the way since there aren't that many songs on it anyway.
How I think about this is this is like a portable radio with one station tuned in. Your own. And when you think about it, since you already know the names of the songs anyway you really don't need to know what's playing to enjoy it. You don't have, on traditional radios, anything more than the dial to show you what station you're on.
And again, there are a select few songs downloaded to this player to begin with. It's not meant to hold your entire library. It can't. Physically it can't.
The iPod Shuffle is for quick runs around the park, trips to the grocers, errands that don't take that much time, work that doesn't last more than 8-10 hours. that kind of stuff. It's certainly not for road trips, long plane flights or extended listening (over a week or more).
It has a very specific use that the original iPod is just overkill for.
And man is it tough. I must have dropped it more than 4 times in the time I've had it and it plays as well as it did when I first loaded it up. It's scratched a little, but I don't mind. I'm just handling it more gently now and I'm going to buy a "skin" for it. But despite it being scratched a little it still looks cool.
The sound is extraordinary! I found that the earbuds that it comes with are the best for it. My big earphones barely pick anything up. And my other various earbuds from other devices also barely pick anything up unless I turn the volume way up. Nice bass, nice tone.
The interface is logically possitioned.
The one gripe. The lanyard. It plugs into the USB plug. Not to the player itself. So if anybody comes along and snatches it it's pretty easy to do.
And if you want, get the "dock". It's not really a dock except in physical design. It's more of an extension cord. And I've used many other devices through it and they work just fine. It turns out to have a practical purpose beyond the designers' intention.
I just wish people had a better understanding of the differences between MP3 players and what dirty tricks other companies use to fit the claimed amount of songs on a 256MB player.
Just be aware that other companies are using dishonest marketing tactics to fool the public as Apple comes out with these products and services and gobbles up more of the marketshare than the rest are comfortable with. Last I heard it was 92% of the market.