All things Ipod

Introducing the mini iPod Mini: the iPod Shuffle

The iPod shuffle is fundamentally a littler version of Apple’s exceedingly popular iPod and iPod Mini. The shuffle is a great deal littler than the iPod (about the same size and weight as a pack of gum), but holds fewer songs as a result. You can now purchase either a 512MB iPod shuffle, or one with a full 1GB. Keep in mind that the regular iPod can now hold up to 40GB, so it has quite a bit more storage. The shuffle though is planned to be a super-mobile, light-weight device that you will be able to wear around your neck and take just about anywhere. You’re restricted to about 10 CDs worth of songs that play in a random order on default. Below you’ll discover some more info about the device, including a manufacturers description and review.

Firstly, the iPod shuffle is a very simple looking device that follows the similar style as the illustrious iPod. It really is the size of a decent pack of gum, easily worn around the neck as Apple proposes, or in your pocket. The connection to your computer could not be less problematic; all you have to do is hook it into your usb port like you’d a regular usb memory stick. You will be able to then copy onto the shuffle any songs or groups of songs you’d like. For those of you who already own and iPod, you will be happy that the device takes AAC files, as well as MP3. Once on the shuffle, the songs begin to play out in random order. If you want to hear a particular song, you’ve to keep hitting forward until you reach it – there is no display on the device to show you what songs are coming up. This is among the very few downsides to the music player.

The music sounds really good, even with the headphones it comes with. The music didn’t skip once, affirming Apple’s anti-skip claim. It would have been nice to see an FM tuner feature, on the other hand again, it was planned to be a simply device without the bells and whistles that make other similar players $100 costlier. Also, the battery life is about twelve hours, which is about five hours less than the industry average. Most of the time this isn’t a problem, nevertheless, since it’s so simple to recharge (it even recharges while you’re loading up songs onto it).

The fact that the songs play at random on the device is going to be seen differently by various people. It may be slightly freeing not to have to worry about which song you will hear next, or in what order you’ll hear a group of songs. As a matter of fact, it’s just like mindlessly listening to the radio, except that you simply hear songs you like, and there are no commercials – two genuinely good things! If you require more control over your songs, or you really need to see where you’re in your play list, then a regular iPod may be the more beneficial choice. But for those who want a simple, light-weight, spontaneous alternative to the iPod, the shuffle is nearly the best selection.

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