CNET Editor's rating: 6.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Jasmine France
Review date: 01/30/07
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 second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.
It's true: The second-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 pink, orange, green, 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 second-generation iPod Shuffle has no screen for navigating through music or other options (of which there are none). Instead, you get a simple and ample-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, 7.0.2) 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.
Intro:
The Apple iPod Shuffle is a 1 GB, flash player.Compared to other flash MP3 players on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $80.
Noteworthy Features:
Has a 0.6 oz weight, which is somewhat lighter than some similarly priced MP3 players.Also, this MP3 player has a 0.4 in depth, which is somewhat more favorable than some similarly priced MP3 players.By way of comparison, the typical cost of a product with this favorable a depth is $125.
Weaker Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Suitability:
Suited for those who want to store a goodly amount of songs.According to the manufacturer this player will last approximately 12 hour(s) between charges; your run-time will vary based on use and power management configuration.Comes with a 1 year warranty, which is standard in the industry.
Value:
Overall, this MP3 player's features are as expected for this price.
Suggestions:
Audiophiles may wish to buy aftermarket headphones for better sound reproduction.
10 out of 10 - Perfect You Just Don't Get It
I just don't understand all of the complaining about "no screen." Waaaaaah. Look outside of your own universe people. ...
I just don't understand all of the complaining about "no screen." Waaaaaah. Look outside of your own universe people. There are those of us who want to go to the gym, or ride a bike, or go jogging and we don't need 120,000 songs and we don't want to bother with a screen and looking up artists, songs, etc. and I don't want this dead weight hanging off an armband or in a pocket. I want compactness and compatibility. I have a nano and it doesn't play video, but I don't *****. I understand its purpose. You need to understand why this product is being made and who is ultimately going to use it and buy it. Finally, I find it amusing how everyone talks about its functionality and lack of a screen, etc., but no-one talks about the sound quality...it's a freakin' music player after all! Waaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh - I just want to complain and say the same thing everyone else has..... wahhhhhhhhhhhh...btw, I think it sounds just fine...waaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh.
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by Tech2005 (see profile) -
November 4, 2006
6 out of 10 - Good Nice looking redesign, but...
For a cheap mp3 player that will hold a decent amount of tracks, this isn't a bad buy. The ...
For a cheap mp3 player that will hold a decent amount of tracks, this isn't a bad buy. The redesign looks a lot better than the original, though it wasn't really a selling point for me. The clip is nice to have, but it seems a little weak. Yes, it doesn't have a screen, but that would just end up shortening the battery life, so I can live without it.
What's irritating is the fact that, comparing it with the 1stGen 512MB Shuffle I have, the sound quality is worse. There's a little static if you twist the plug, as CNET mentioned. However, there is also a soft high-pitched whine that does not occur on the old Shuffle. Perhaps it's just my unit (and if you're the type to blast music loudly, you've probably lost that portion of your hearing anyway), but I'm a little disappointed.
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by bluemonq (see profile) -
November 4, 2006
8 out of 10 - Excellent See my trick to boost the volume and change the eq sound!!!
As it lacks bass as all the ipods do here's the tip and then it'll sound tons better......
As it lacks bass as all the ipods do here's the tip and then it'll sound tons better...go to your music library...then select all in edit...right click anywhere...choose get info...you'll see a box...drag the volume slider 95% to the right and change the eq setting to hip-hop...select ok...and ok the change for multiple items in the next screen...when your screen turns back to blue...click anywhere...resync your shuffle...and wow!!!...just lower the volume before you replug your headphones in so you can readjust it...and now you have a little powerhouse...I give it an 8 because it came with the old style headphones, but I don't use them anyway...
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by JJJJJETS (see profile) -
November 3, 2006
9 out of 10 - Spectacular It can never be too small!!
I ordered 2 second generation iPod Shuffles direct from Apple and had them personalized with custom laser etching. When they ...
I ordered 2 second generation iPod Shuffles direct from Apple and had them personalized with custom laser etching. When they arrived they looked beautiful and you couldn't ask for a simpler mp3 player.
I've read complaints about the lack of a screen and that it might be too small. How can an mp3 player be too small???? The smaller the better if you ask me. I clip the new shuffle to my belt loop or even my shirt and I never have to worry about it getting in my way, taking up too much space in my pocket, or worry about a screen getting scratched. I can't think of a better gym accessory.
Why do you need a screen? If you are loading the songs onto your own iPod, I imagine you recognize each song as it plays and don't need a visual reminder. Also, the whole point of the shuffle is too keep things simple and to get away from the navigational tools that people use to listen to the same songs in their collection over and over again. With the shuffle you might hear a song that you forgot about....the next song is always a surprise.
The new iPod shuffle is a great little player and I reccommend it for anyone who cares about style and minimizing bulk, while still getting to listen to all their favourite songs. This player isn't for the hardcore techy who must have all their music perfectly categorized all the time and have every song instantly accessible. That's not the point of the shuffle, that's what the Nano and iPod Movie are for.
Updated I've had this ipod for a couple days now and all I can say is wow. Great sound, easy controls, no worrying about an ipod protector or skin.....and boy does it turn heads. I walk around with it clipped to my jacket and I swear the little iPod turns heads better than a Ferrari driving past. Heads keep turning in my direction and I've actually been stopped by people asking me where to get one!
9 out of 10 - Spectacular One word: wow
I'd have to say that Apple has done it again. Personally, i can see this as a great 2nd ...
I'd have to say that Apple has done it again. Personally, i can see this as a great 2nd mp3 for anyone with a pvp or other high-capacity premium player that supports video. Its size makes it perfect for day-to-day use and the included dock and a decrease of ports to just one(!) just seals the deal. although audio battery life is but a mediocre rated 12 hours, i can't blame it because of its sheer size. I am definitely getting one of these to sub in for my old RCA =)
Updated first off, my primary player is NOT an ipod. I am not an ipod fanboy, nor am i an ipod hater. I anm only trying to give an objective, albeit somewhat biased review of a product i've compared with similar offerings. given the price, sound quality and size, this is a very good player to consider.
8 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular How does CNET mark it down for being small?
How can CNET seriously mark the score down for the size being too small. In the age of gadgets getting ...
How can CNET seriously mark the score down for the size being too small. In the age of gadgets getting smaller and smaller, Apple designs one that is very small, why complain about it?
If another company besides Apple came out with one that is similar size, I bet James Kim would love it. The Mobiblu Cube2 is about the same size, and no negative mention was about size in the Cube2's review cons. Is it just because it's from Apple?
Also, here's something Apple doesn't want you to know: the Shuffle doesn't have a screen. What!? So how am I supposed to see what songs are coming up? Oh wait, that's the point of this player, the iPod SHUFFLE.
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by cpearson (see profile) -
November 16, 2006
8 out of 10 - Excellent HATE APPLE .... LOVE THIS IPOD
I have alway hated Apple, and Itunes, I hate being forced to use a certain application to use a product. ...
I have alway hated Apple, and Itunes, I hate being forced to use a certain application to use a product. My girlfriend got this item to work out with, I was convinced it would be good for that purpose so I didnt totally pursuade her away from it. She bought it, and I was jealous, after a week and half I went out and bought one. I love this products size, and built in clip. I just wish I could charge it with a usb cable, hate having to take the dock whenever I want to transfer music or charge. Overall I love this product.
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by JRHOADES20 (see profile) -
March 21, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect No LCD? Who Cares!
All I hear is "Wah wah! There's no LCD!" Well look at the name "iPod SHUFFLE" The purpose of ...
All I hear is "Wah wah! There's no LCD!" Well look at the name "iPod SHUFFLE" The purpose of this is to not know what the next song will be! Now that I've got that out of the way here's what I think makes it perfect. The small size makes it almost unnoticeable. If you constantly forget where you put your things, this is not the player for you. The simple design is also a plus. Just a play/pause, stop, rewind, fast forward, and volume up/down. The clip is a first on all the MP3 players I've ever seen. Now I can clip it to my backpack walking home. The clip is also a fashion statement. So all the people that want to be noticed should buy the Shuffle if they're not going to whine about the lack of LCD. This is probably one of the best MP3 players I have ever had. Go buy it if you're willing to give up a LCD for design and something that lives up to its name.
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by goldberg3971 (see profile) -
January 16, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 out of 10 - Very good Important to note! It's a 'Lossless Loser'
Ok. This baby just about won it all around for me -- until that is, I found out that it ...
Ok. This baby just about won it all around for me -- until that is, I found out that it does not support AIFF or Apple Lossless formats.
I guess Apple thought that they should play the 'parent role' by limiting our ability to gobble up the 1GB of memory using a high bitrate/lossless codec format. Bad move.
Who is Apple to say how I should think about my music as it relates to playback quality? So what if I can only squeeze 50 songs onto the unit (admittedly, one can probably put more than 50 at lossless). To me, quality is more important than quantity. If I wanted quantity of music, I'd get the Nano or Ipod and benefit from more storage space and better navigation options.
Wow. I'm really disappointed. I do love this little guy. Apple -- can you send us a software update to enable AIFF/Lossless support. Think 'Let the consumer decide'. Or, anyone in the community 'hack savvy'?
Updated Sadly, this little guy pooped out. It seems like such a premature death. I don't think I had more than 10 listening sessions with him before he passed on.
Won't power up -- can't perform a reset on it, and feel like I'm stranded. And now, wouldn't you know it, Apple has colored these guys up (tempting).
I bought my GF the ipod nano with the nike+ in-shoe chip for running. It is very cool.
What to do? Maybe go for the nano/nike combo? Chance it on another loser?
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
Min Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later,
Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later,
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later
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