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

Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB225LL/A

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$47.00 - $49.99 at 7 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.0 stars Good
Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Product series; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the third-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.

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CNET editors' review

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

price range: $47.00 - $49.99

Reviewed by: Jasmine France
Reviewed on: 09/12/2007
Released on: 09/07/2007

The good: The competitively priced iPod Shuffle has a dead-simple user interface with satisfying tactile controls, and its integrated belt clip provides a handy way to keep track of the player. The Shuffle is available in five, metallic colors, and the package includes a cute little syncing cradle.

The bad: The iPod Shuffle has no screen, so there's no way to navigate easily among artists, albums, or playlists. And it only offers so-so sound quality. The player might be too small for some users, and nonstandard USB syncing takes away from its plug-and-go appeal.

The bottom line: If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the third-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.

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Photo gallery:
Apple iPod Shuffle

Editor's note: The following review was originally written for the second-generation Apple iPod Shuffle. The latest series of the Shuffle is functionally identical to the second-generation series, although the color options have changed.

It's true: The third-generation iPod Shuffle (1GB) is the lowest-profile MP3 player we've laid eyes on. Apple may have been slow out of the gate, but the company has succeeded in launching perhaps the tiniest and simplest player on the market--and it sports a price tag to match: $79. The new Shuffle is appealing in its elementariness, too, but the itty-bitty device is far from perfect. Its screenless design means you get few navigational options and no extra features. And how small is too small?

Even the Shuffle's box is small.

At 1.6x1x0.4 inches and 0.6 ounce, the iPod Shuffle is one minuscule music player. In fact, it's so inconspicuous that we have trouble keeping track of it--if you're constantly misplacing your keys, this player probably isn't your best option. If you just can't help yourself, go for one of the brighter color options. The red, green, purple, and blue models will probably be easier to spot on a cluttered desk than the muted silver one is. That said, the integrated belt clip on the back of the Shuffle helps keep the player within easy reaching distance. Some users have complained that the clip isn't very durable, but it seemed fairly sturdy during our testing.

The Shuffle is a little longer than the MobiBlu Cube2, but it's smaller overall.

Like its predecessor, the third-generation iPod Shuffle has no screen for navigating through music or other options (of which there are none). Instead, you get a simple and amply sized five-way control pad on the face of the player: play/pause in the center, surrounded by volume up/down buttons and track shuttle keys. There's no way to navigate among specific albums or artists, but you can click play/pause three times fast to skip through playlists. The bottom edge of the player houses two switches: one for powering the unit on and off and the second for toggling between shuffle and repeat modes. A standard-size headphone jack--which doubles as the Shuffle's USB syncing port--rests on the top side of the device. There's also a tiny LED indicator that lights up different color combos (orange, red, and green) depending on the status of the player

We're rather fond of the teeny cradle.

To charge and sync content to the iPod Shuffle, you'll need to use the included cradle. It's a rather cute little piece, but we'd prefer a standard mini USB port or the older Shuffle's built-in USB interface. However, some users may prefer the 3-plus-foot cable attached to the dock for easy USB access. Apple also includes a pair of the newer iPod earbuds now; initially, the Shuffle was packaged with the older, less-sleek set. For music management, you'll need to download the latest version of iTunes (currently, 7.4) from the Apple Web site. As with all iPods, the Shuffle supports MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, and both protected and unprotected AAC files. And like the previous Shuffle, you can click Autofill in iTunes to automatically replace contents with music from your music library or playlists.

As you might expect from such a small player, the Shuffle's rated 12-hour battery life is nothing impressive, though CNET Labs tests proved that Apple underestimated the player: we eked out a decent 15.8 hours. In cursory testing, we found the Shuffle's audio quality to be decent through the included earbuds, but bass was lacking, and we could detect some light static when we twisted the headphone plug during quiet moments. Swapping in a pair of Shure E4cs improved the bass situation, but overall, music was still too bright and lacking in warmth for our tastes. We could also detect noticeable background noise during silent segments. Suffice it to say that the newer Shuffle doesn't sound as good as the older one.

In final analysis, the iPod Shuffle is a decent player that offers a sleek, compact form factor, an excessively simple user interface, and a low price. Fans of ultraportable gadgets will no doubt be drawn to it. But audiophiles, beware: this is not the player for you. If you're discerning about audio quality or tend to misplace things easily, steer clear.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 11 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 11

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10 stars

For the Active-A Perfect iPod

by rexusmelexus on November 30, 2007

Pros: Small form factor, Great Sound, Wear-ablility

Cons: None worth mentioning

Summary: This is the iPod you want when you're out running or in the gym. The sound is pretty much as good as the big boys and, when married to ...

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Summary: This is the iPod you want when you're out running or in the gym. The sound is pretty much as good as the big boys and, when married to the itunes software, gives you a decent selection of your favorite tunes to move to. Great batter life, easy to use and inexpensive to boot. Nothing even comes close to this model for what it is supposed to do. They should have called it the "iPod Sport".

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

Not worth it

by anonymous0012 on October 18, 2007

Pros: Small............

Cons: Where do I start?

Summary: The Shuffle does not sync with my PowerBook. Sometimes, the Mac can't find it, and other times, when it is connected, it complains about not being able to find ...

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Summary: The Shuffle does not sync with my PowerBook. Sometimes, the Mac can't find it, and other times, when it is connected, it complains about not being able to find the "hard drive." It's slow, and the sound quality is poor. All around, the lamest thing ever.

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2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

An Affordable Player That Does What it's Suppose Too

by Logan Cooke on February 25, 2008

Pros: Price, Just $49 Dollars. Size, Barely even know its there.

Cons: Ummm..............They Got Rid of Orange

Summary: The iPod shuffle is the perfect device for anyone riding there bike, going to the gym or just an iPod that is small and lightweight. When i First opened the ...

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Summary: The iPod shuffle is the perfect device for anyone riding there bike, going to the gym or just an iPod that is small and lightweight. When i First opened the iPod, the size was breathtaking. It was tiny, and I loved hopw when I hooked the ipod into the CPU using the included Dock, iTunes immediately asked me what I wanted to do.
I could
A. have it Autofill my iPod using randomo music form my library
B. Autofill from a selected playlist
C. Manual drag and drop the songs I wanted on there.

I made a playlist and synced my iPod up That was it. I clip it to my shirt when I go to the Gym and thats all she wrote. I get a solid 12 hours to a charge and recharging it is quick and painless. The ipod seems well built and doesn't feel like something you could crush in your hands.

Overall, the perfect budget iPod.

But, why did they get rid of Orange?

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 stars

does not syn podcasts

by ii4him on August 27, 2008

Pros: good for gym use, shuffles the songs

Cons: not the best sound

Summary: wish I had upgraded so it would syn podcasts

Summary: wish I had upgraded so it would syn podcasts
8 stars

I love this unit, it's size, I got the purple one and I am delighted with the sound quality!

by calvin quinn on August 2, 2008

Pros: The device that attached to you is strong and sturdy and after 3 days of use, it has yet to come off with normal use.

Cons: None yet. But the day has not ended yet.

Summary: Overall I give this unit an 8/10, I am pleased!

Summary: Overall I give this unit an 8/10, I am pleased!
8 stars

i love this ipod!!!

by zarian_atsui on May 13, 2008

Pros: its so handy and portble and sleek

Cons: it has no screen for viewing a specific album

Summary: i love this ipod because it is so cute,very appropriate for me 'cause im a student and always on the go,. so i need to this ipod to carry ...

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Summary: i love this ipod because it is so cute,very appropriate for me 'cause im a student and always on the go,. so i need to this ipod to carry with me., and its light and handy!!!

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7 stars

I love my ipod

by photonewton on May 7, 2008

Pros: awesome quality pictures

Cons: Battery dies to quickly

Summary: This was a great investment. I wish the price of my ipod could of been cheaper, but oh well what can ya do? My ipod is handy dandy and I ...

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Summary: This was a great investment. I wish the price of my ipod could of been cheaper, but oh well what can ya do? My ipod is handy dandy and I take it everywhere with me, and I love all the features. The only thing I don't love about the camera is the fact that the battery dies to quickly. I didn't even have my ipod for a couple months before the battery had died. I had to purchase another one. I found a site that has super duper low prices and bought an extra couple of batteries from them. Here is their information I urge you to check it out. The battery only cost me
$7.99
http://www.needbattery.com/Mp3-Players/Apple.html

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7 stars

Even better with the price drop!

by FatherTime128 on April 3, 2008

Pros: Simple to use, easy to manage

Cons: Sound quality is not as good as the big boys

Summary: If bells and whistles are your thing, this is not the iPod for you. But, if you want something simple, small and affordable, this is the player for you!

I

...

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Summary: If bells and whistles are your thing, this is not the iPod for you. But, if you want something simple, small and affordable, this is the player for you!

I was the extremely satisfied owner of an iPod Classic before I bought my Shuffle. I was looking for an MP3 player that I could use at the gym or when carrying around my Classic just wasn't practical. The fact that all my music is on iTunes definitely played a role in my decision to get a Shuffle, but I was plesantly surprised at how easy it was to manage my Shuffle and to get the music I wanted onto the player. I use a Dell laptop at home, and I found that managing multiple iPods on a single computer was a breeze! I might just have to go get an iPhone now.

No, the Shuffle is not flashy (or mabye it is, if you pardon the horrible pun), and the sound quality isn't as good as to be had on its big brothers and sisters, but as a second, ultra-portable, super-simple option, this is the way to go. Plus, the 1GB model is only $50. What's not to like?

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9 stars

Great iPod for a great price!

by 208GadgetGeek on March 15, 2008

Pros: The price and it's a simple iPod the works well

Cons: Wish it had a small screen to display the time of day.

Summary: I went out and bought a shuffle 2 weeks ago. I wanted one for when I go to the gym . I looked at the Apple web page the morning Apple ...

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Summary: I went out and bought a shuffle 2 weeks ago. I wanted one for when I go to the gym . I looked at the Apple web page the morning Apple dropped the price to $49. I jumped right up and drove down to the local Apple reseller and purchased one.

I like the little thing... It's my third iPod. I'll probably use it more then my nano and my 80GB. LOL

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5 stars

Okay i guess...

by natilator3 on December 31, 2007

Pros: really tiny and simple

Cons: you need a special dock (unlike the first gen) and there's no screen to choose what song you want

Summary: In my opinion, the shuffle isn't worth it. Yeah it's really tiny and cute, but i'd pay the extra cash to buy a nano. The only reason ...

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Summary: In my opinion, the shuffle isn't worth it. Yeah it's really tiny and cute, but i'd pay the extra cash to buy a nano. The only reason I would see why you'd skimp out and buying this is if you want a darn cheap music player for whatever reason.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Apple
Part number: MB225LL/A
Description: Marketing description is not available.

General
Width 1.6 in
Depth 0.4 in
Product type Digital player
Height 1.1 in
PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
Weight 0.6 oz
Color Silver
Available body colors Blue, Silver, Red, Purple, Green
Flash memory installed 1 GB Integrated
Digital storage None
Dimensions (W x D x H) 1.6 in x 0.4 in x 1.1 in
Body material Anodized aluminum
Included accessories Docking station
Packaged quantity 1
Software type iTunes 7.4 or later, Drivers & Utilities
iPod Generation 2G
Digital storage media type None
Digital Player / Recorder
Digital player supported digital audio standards WAV, AIFF, Audible, MP3, AAC
Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Digital player supported bit rate 8 - 320
Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
Carrying Case
Case type None
Battery
Required Qty Lithium ion
Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
Technology Lithium polymer
Recharge Time 4 hour(s)
Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Mfr estimated battery life 12 hour(s)
Audio System
Sound output mode Stereo
Additional features USB 2.0 compatibility, Battery level indication
System Requirements
Peripheral / Interface devices USB port (compatible with 2.0 specification)
Min Operating system Apple MacOS X 10.4.8 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later
Connections
Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm

Power
Power Supply / Device None
Manufacturer Warranty
Service & Support 1 year warranty
Audio Features
Amplifier response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
CD System
Digital audio standards supported Protected AAC, Audible 3, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible 2, AIFF, MP3, AAC, Audible 4
Remote Control
Remote control None
Headphones
Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
Sound output mode Stereo
Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
Impedance 32 Ohm
Connectivity technology Wired
Battery / Power
Power device type None