Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MC164LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The third-generation iPod Shuffle is the next best thing to an invisible MP3 player, but the quirky controls and microscopic design make it a limited recommendation.
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CNET editors' review
Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, black) price range: $69.00 - $79.99
- Reviewed by: Donald Bell
- Edited by: Lindsey Turrentine
- Reviewed on: 03/12/2009
- Updated on:09/10/2009
The good: The third-generation Apple iPod Shuffle is as light as a feather and as small as a paper clip, and it includes VoiceOver cues, and improved support for podcasts and audiobooks.
The bad: You need to operate the Shuffle using a pill-size remote control on your headphones, battery life isn't great, features are few, and the design is a bit boring.
The bottom line: The third-generation iPod Shuffle is the next best thing to an invisible MP3 player, but the quirky controls and microscopic design make it a limited recommendation.
Editors' note: Apple gave the third-generation iPod Shuffle a minor refresh in September 2009. The line added new color and capacity options. Find out more here.
Apple's third-generation iPod Shuffle MP3 player ($79) is the smallest MP3 player you can buy. Its unique size and uncommon, remote-controlled design won't suit every purpose, but people looking for the next best thing to an invisible iPod will appreciate the player's minimal approach.
Design
At first glance, the iPod Shuffle looks almost like a practical joke--as if someone is trying to persuade you that their tie clip plays MP3s. The aluminum-encased hardware measures just a few hairs larger than a paper clip (0.7 inch by 1.8 inches by 0.3 inch) and includes not a hint of button, knob, or screen. The headphone jack sits on the top edge of the Shuffle along with a switch that controls playback mode (shuffle playback/consecutive playback) and power.
Fortunately, Apple doesn't expect you to control the Shuffle's volume and playback using mind control (not yet, at least). The earbud-style headphones bundled with the Shuffle include a remote control on the cable, just below the right ear. The remote offers three buttons: two for volume control (up/down); and a central button with multiple functions. You press the center button once to pause music playback, twice to skip forward, and three times to skip back. Of course, the downside to this headphone-controlled design is if you lose your headphones, you also lose control of your iPod. Apple's replacement earbuds for the Shuffle cost $29, but it's possible to grab third-party headphones and adapters for less. And if you don't like Apple's earbuds, it is now becoming increasingly possible to pick up third-party headphones with integrated iPod remotes.
The headphone cable reaches 3 feet, which should be more than enough length considering that the Shuffle is meant to be clipped to your clothing. A hinged chromed metal clip runs the length of the Shuffle on one side and includes a slot for attaching a lanyard or keychain. An Apple logo is engraved on the clip, and custom engraving is offered on orders placed through Apple's online store.
Features
The Shuffle is purely a digital audio player. There's no FM radio, no voice recording, and--obviously--no photo or video playback. Audio formats supported include MP3, AAC, Audible, WAV, AIF, and Apple Lossless, but no hope for WMA or FLAC.
The third-generation version of the iPod Shuffle offers a few new features over previous models, though. For one, this is the first Shuffle that tells you what you're listening to, which is no small accomplishment considering the player doesn't have a screen. The Shuffle uses a synthesized voice to announce artist and song title information whenever you hold the headphone clicker down. Apple is calling this feature VoiceOver and offers support for 14 languages, with voice quality hinging on what type of computer and operating system you're using. To be clear, even though the Shuffle can speak, it doesn't respond to your voice--so don't go talking to your iPod like a crazy person.
We found the voice feature useful during those moments when a great song popped on that we couldn't identify, but we're glad the Shuffle doesn't announce each song automatically (that would get annoying). But if you just can't stand the thought of a talking iPod, it's possible to turn the feature off using Apple's iTunes software.
Another feature new to the Shuffle is the capability to sync and navigate between multiple playlists, audio podcasts, and audiobooks. Again, Apple uses the Shuffle's VoiceOver feature and headphone remote to accomplish this, announcing your playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks one by one if you hold down the clicker for approximately 3 seconds. Once VoiceOver starts listing your content, just press the clicker again to select the content you want to play. If you've got a ton of playlists, you can use the remote's volume keys to quickly skip back and forth through the list.
The Shuffle handles the playback of audiobook and podcast content differently than music files, and assumes you'd prefer to always play this type of content sequentially--even if the iPod's shuffle switch is on. Audiobook and podcast content is also kept out of the Shuffle's start-up music mix, ensuring that a stray chapter of "A Tale of Two Cities" never ruins the mood of your workout. But if jogging to classical literature is your thing, you'll be relieved to know that any audiobook synced to the Shuffle is treated as a separate playlist. Podcasts all get thrown into a shared podcast playlist, and play in the order of show title, not release date. Like any other iPod, the Shuffle automatically resumes your podcasts or audiobooks where you last left off--allowing you to enjoy them in small doses without scanning back and forth to find your place.
As far as charging goes, the Shuffle comes with a 4-inch USB adapter that connects between the iPod's headphone output and your computer. The Shuffle is rated at 10 hours of playback time, with a full recharge in about 3 hours. A series of battery drains performed by our CNET Labs team consistently reached 11 hours of playback time. By comparison, these same tests were able to pull nearly 16 hours from the
It's also worth noting that the Shuffle can be used on your computer in disk mode, allowing you to store and transfer files without interfering with the audio content on your iPod. As expected, you can't access the music files stored on the Shuffle without going through Apple's iTunes music software (version 8.1 or later is a required download for the Shuffle.
Performance
The third-generation Apple iPod Shuffle has a lot of things going for it: the aluminum and steel construction is sturdy; the design feels invisible; there's a whopping 4GB of storage; and VoiceOver technology lets you control playback without taking your eyes away from what you're doing. The Shuffle's small size and minimal design come at a considerable sacrifice, though, and we have a hard time giving it an unqualified thumbs-up.
Compared with other sub-$100 MP3 players on the market (Sansa Clip, Creative Zen Stone Plus, Samsung Pebble), the Shuffle's microscopic design isn't enough to make up for the limited features, relatively high price, diminished battery life, quirky navigation, and a headphone remote system that reeks of planned obsolescence. MP3 players like the Shuffle that are aimed at the gym and jogger crowd are particularly susceptible to issues of headphone fit, comfort, and wear and tear, and Apple's unique headphone remote needlessly complicates the process of replacing or upgrading the Shuffle's earbuds. This is not to say that headphone control is a bad feature, but redundant controls on the actual device would help avoid confusion over navigation, and improve the product's usefulness in the long term.
Audio quality on the third-generation Shuffle is noticeably better than the previous generation, and sounds comparable to the iPod Nano (fourth generation) and iPod Classic (second generation). The sound has a fuller range, with better bass response and less background hiss. Of course, the improvement in audio quality is hard to notice using the bundled earbuds, and standard headphones lack the remote control necessary for adjusting volume and skipping tracks. Fortunately for this review, when the Shuffle is connected to a standard pair of headphones and then powered on, it automatically starts playing music at the volume level it was last set to; however, you have no control over song playback or volume adjustment.
Third-party accessories such as replacement headphones, headphone adapters, and remote-equipped auxiliary cables are available (or soon to be) for the third-generation iPod Shuffle. If you expect to use the Shuffle with an existing pair of headphones, a home stereo, or a car stereo, you should realistically figure in the cost of some of these accessories with the purchase price of the iPod.
User reviews
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What happened to actual reviews?
by wfbnadador on March 13, 2009
Pros: Small, simple, light, great for running
Cons: no dock connector, could have made a sturdier metal usb to headphone adapter rather than a flimsy cable
Summary: I gotta say I love how people review something they've never used. I used the headphone remote for the iPhone for months, very intuitive and did everything this one ...
Summary: I gotta say I love how people review something they've never used. I used the headphone remote for the iPhone for months, very intuitive and did everything this one does, but this one added volume controls. Truth is, for all the complaints, none of these folks whining have ACTUALLY tried the thing. I have, and I love it.
Key points:
-You rarely skip backwards when using an mp3 player (be honest) so the most likely thing you'll do is double click anyway.
-Beyond that you probably just play and pause which is one click away.
-Ten dollar adapter cables are coming out to let you use your old phones, but really, this is an entry level pod, so those with it will probably be just fine with the included set.
-The controls are closer to your face, and easier to find in a run.
-Less seams to collect dirt and grime, sweat and other garbage.
-Support for multiple playlists is very nice, now that we have 4GB to play with.10 out of 15 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Who knew I needed this problem solved?
by Zippy-T-Pinhead on March 13, 2009
Pros: Inline controls.
Size.
Ease of use.Cons: Not being able to use my H20 waterproof case that was designed specifically for my 2d-Gen Shuffle. (Guess I'll just have to keep the old Shuffle too)
Summary: I ordered my new Shuffle the day it came out and didn't even realize how much more convenient it was going to be until walking home last night . I ...
Summary: I ordered my new Shuffle the day it came out and didn't even realize how much more convenient it was going to be until walking home last night . I always had to clip my 2 Gen Shuffle in a spot where I could reach the buttons, oriented in a manner where I knew which end was up and which control was volume versus forward/reverse. Also, since I always clipped it on my pants pocket (that was the most user-freindly location for me in most situations), if I wore a coat, it was always hard to get to the controls.
Actually, I do use the voice command for one thing which is a great improvement: it can now tell me how much battery life I have left. I really don't understand the uproar on this new Shuffle. I love it. Now I'll just wait for the 3rd party earbud extravaganza to commence.
Well not anymore!
I just love that now I can clip (or not clip) my Shuffle wherever I want and not need to worry about which way it's clipped (facing in, facing out), what direction the controls are facing, and whether I can get to them. They're on the headphones. Easy breezy.
I've had an iPhone since day 1 and always loved the inline controls (just always wished they controlled volume). So having all that in my iPod is great. Honestly, I don't care about the voice feature. I don't have playlists and know the title and artist of every song I've downloaded - um, because I downloaded them.
Now I'm just waiting for the Scosche replacement earbuds to come out, just like I waited for the V-Modas to come out I use on my iPhone. I was never a fan of Apple's earbuds...
Updated on Mar 13, 2009
Updated on Mar 13, 2009One more thing. Being able to hear my battery level is crucial to me. I'm color blind and was unable to discern the different colors of the status light on my old 2d-gen Shuffle.11 out of 18 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Product, Great Value
by hangdawg on March 13, 2009
Pros: Great price point, good design, great battery life. Control operations are straightfoward and simple.
Cons: There aren't any for the price.
Summary: Not sure where the editors were thinking when they reviewed this little beauty. It's the low end price point in the iPod line, great for the gym, running, biking, ...
Summary: Not sure where the editors were thinking when they reviewed this little beauty. It's the low end price point in the iPod line, great for the gym, running, biking, hiking, etc. If 8 to 10 hours of battery life is not enough out of a unit this size then someone has unreasonable expectations. Control functions are straightforward and easy to use. It's not a $300 unit it's $79 holds about 1,000 songs and is great for on the go, active lifestyles that they can use with minimal weight and interference.
7 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Utter rubbish
by 80sriy on May 3, 2009
Pros: None really - can play apple protected material and the drive does not fall apart like those of the bigger ipods with a mini (i fall apart at the slightest provocation) disk drive
Cons: The control has a life span of about one week.
Summary: THis is designed for people who do not perspire or who live in a zero gravity environment. If you happen to perspire, even a little, you will find the perspiration, ...
Summary: THis is designed for people who do not perspire or who live in a zero gravity environment. If you happen to perspire, even a little, you will find the perspiration, pulled by gravity flows into the little, non-waterproof, volume control and surprisingly, the perspiration mixing with the copper in the control, causes the control to cease functioning .
This is utter rubbish, poorly thought out, and simply a way of causing consumers to part with their money with little or no thought given to the quality f the product. Steve Jobs is clearly ill and no longer assessing the quality of the products. This is shameless profiteering. This is a memory stick with a control. The quality is very poor. the sound is fine but do not attempt to rely on that control-it has a lifespan of about one week. DO NOT use whilst exercising-it will die very quickly. Utter rubbish and a great disappointment3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If minimalism is a fetish of yours.....
by cynicselectant on March 14, 2009
Pros: Small
Basic Design that camouflages itself easily when clipped to clothing.Cons: Small Capacity
Pricing is non-competitive
Easily Lost
No Screen
Must buy $30 adapter to use non-apple headphonesSummary: This is a cool design concept from apple but it should have stayed a design. It is not an intelligent product. Physically it is easily lost and it skimps out ...
Summary: This is a cool design concept from apple but it should have stayed a design. It is not an intelligent product. Physically it is easily lost and it skimps out on the size to appeal to its size. The fact that apple has attempted to justify this design with their headphones is laughable. In one foul-swoop they have tried to force you to buy their accessories while justifying this absurd idea.
All in all if invisibility gets you excited than this may be for you, but the sansa clip sells for much less and actually gives you controls and a screen as well.4 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sound Malfunctions
by FlyingZeke on April 25, 2009
Pros: Small size
Cons: 1. Sound malfunctions when you perspire.
2. Controls are hard to use while in motion, like running or riding a bike.
3. Sometimes the selection of playlists is less that easy with the in-line control.
4. Earbuds come out of my ears while exercising.Summary: I wouldn't buy this again until it comes with better headphones. I am very disappointed.
Summary: I wouldn't buy this again until it comes with better headphones. I am very disappointed.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Amazing 3g Shuffle
by northchil on March 17, 2009
Pros: This has got to be the easiest and best shuffle yet. Working out, working in the yard, etc. is the perfect place for this. Now when someone wants to talk to you, no more fumbling to find the wheel to pause.
Cons: Clip should open from opposite end to keep cord out of way.
Summary: Don't knock it till you try it. Voice recognition is fantastic and amazingly clear. Cannot think of anything else other than the position of the clip that I would ...
Summary: Don't knock it till you try it. Voice recognition is fantastic and amazingly clear. Cannot think of anything else other than the position of the clip that I would want to change.
I think this is a very good iPod for $79. Apple got it right.
I have had iPods since the beginning from Classic, Nanos & Shuffles, and next to the current Nano this little gem is my favorite.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Apple Headphone Only
by brockkranz06 on March 14, 2009
Pros: Small, Compact and 4GB for $80 Good deal.
Cons: All the control are on the earphone. I spent over $100 for a bose earphone not long ago and now I can't use it.
Summary: Its a great that the shuffle is really tiny, but can't use 3rd party headphones really got me disappointed.
Summary: Its a great that the shuffle is really tiny, but can't use 3rd party headphones really got me disappointed.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good as a 2nd ipod for the gym or while walking about
by Food doc on March 14, 2009
Pros: Easy to conceal, (I'll explain that later), syncs with iTunes
Cons: Small size makes it easy to lose, enclosed power cable is too short. Proprietary headset
Summary: I got this as a secondary iPod for my son to use on the train to and from school & while at lunch. The reason that I wanted one easy ...
Summary: I got this as a secondary iPod for my son to use on the train to and from school & while at lunch. The reason that I wanted one easy to hide is that there is a relatively high risk of iPods being snatched from students while on the crowded buses & trains & this one is less expensive than his touch and easy to slip into his jacket pocket without leaving a bulge. I just wish the headphone cord wasn't white since that's a dead give away that you're listening to an iPod. For what is it it does what we want it to do, syncs all of his music and keeps the play lists straight. I have only 2 major complaints. 1) The enclosed usb power cord is too short. Since his computer isn't on most of the time he wants to charge it on his bedside table as he does with his touch and, while the usb cable can be used with the wall adapter it's too short unless you put the adapter on an extension cord. Apple will sell you a longer cord but I feel that they should have supplied both or just the longer one with the original unit. I'm guessing that Griffin Technology or some other company will make a dock adapter for this new shuffle similar to the ones for the 2nd gen shuffle but we'll have to wait for that.
I just realized that Apple makes an 'in-line' remote for some of the larger ipods which included all the of the functions of the tiny remote on the headphones, I wonder if this would control the ipod shuffle? Does anyone know?
2) The proprietary headset, My son doesn't like the regular Apple ear buds but now will have to use them with this unit until adapters are available which will let him use his regular headphones..
Updated on Mar 24, 20092 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for any situation!
by kaex on March 15, 2009
Pros: Smal/sleekl design, same great quality you expect from Apple, and voiceover option.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: Great price, great design, great product. I don't regret buying it at all.
Summary: Great price, great design, great product. I don't regret buying it at all.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MC164LL/A
- Description: Even the iPod shuffle clip gets the rock star treatment. Now forged in stainless steel, the clip attaches securely to your shirt, jacket, workout gear, even your backpack. And the sleek, durable, anodized aluminum case - makes iPod shuffle a wardrobe essential. You've probably made multiple playlists in iTunes. With the iPod shuffle, you can sync your playlists and always find the perfect mix for your activity or mood. VoiceOver tells you the name of each playlist, so it's easy to switch between them and find the one you want without looking. The shuffle switch has three positions. Flip it to the left, and your music shuffles for a "whatever happens, happens" flow. Flip it to the middle, and your songs play in order. Or flip to the right to turn it off.
General
- Product type Digital player
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Flash memory installed 4 GB Integrated
- Digital storage None
- Weight 0.4 oz
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 0.7 in x 0.3 in x 1.8 in
- Body material Anodized aluminum
- Color Black
- iPod Generation 3G
Carrying Case
- Case type None
Digital Player / Recorder
- Supported digital audio standards AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless
- Playback modes Playlist, Skip playback, Random play / shuffle
- Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Supported bit rate 8 - 320
- Additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
Audio Features
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Additional features VoiceOver, USB 2.0 compatibility
Remote Control
- Remote control Player remote control - Cable
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Impedance 32 Ohm
- Connectivity technology Wired
Connectivity
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable - External 2 in
- Connector type 1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Battery / Power
- Battery Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 10 hour(s)
- Recharge time 3 hour(s)
- Power device type None
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port (compatible with 2.0 specification)
- Operating system Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP3, Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP3
Product series
-
Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB, silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 2 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB, black)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 2 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB, blue)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 2 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB, green)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 2 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 2GB, pink)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 2 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, blue)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, green)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
-
Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, pink)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
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Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, polished silver)
Manufacturer: Apple
Specs: Digital player, 4 GB, AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Audible, Apple Lossless, Lithium polymer Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Accessories
Manufacturer info
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- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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