Apple iPod shuffle 512MB - Expert Reviews

Review summary: The iPod Shuffle is just about the smallest media player out there right now, thanks in part to its screenless design. The iPod Shuffle doesn't have much of a user interface to speak of: you can set it to randomly play a song or repeat a song. There ...

Verdict: The iPod Shuffle (1GB) currently retails for around $50

Review summary: The iPod Shuffle is an interesting study in extremes. First of all, the device is extremely small: it's a shirt clip with a media control buttons and a wee Gigabyte for storage. Secondly, the Shuffle only has two settings: randomly play a song that ...

Pros: Very, very, very small.; Good buttons ; Great frequency response, low noise, good overall. ; iTunes gives you some good options to further enhance your shuffling

Cons: No screen ; No screen ; Bad packed-in headphones, below average output power. ; As with all iPods, you can't just connect the device and use a file browser to drag & drop songs

Verdict: You probably knew whether or not you wanted the Shuffle before reading this. It is what it is: a clip that shuffles through your music. Good for exercising? Yes. Good for a party? Yes. Good for a $50 media player? Maybe. Really, while the Shuffle is ...

Review summary: If the lack of a display or hold button don't bother you, this is a superb player

Verdict: And we mean go. The shuffle is shaped to be as much a fashion accessory as a music source: the famous clip means you can wear it just about anywhere, its inch-high form means you're barely aware of it, and it comes in a range of no fewer than five ...

Review summary: 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.

Pros: A dead-simple user interface with satisfying tactile controls ; integrated belt clip ; includes cute little syncing cradle

Cons: No screen ; might be too small for some users ; non-standard USB syncing removes plug-and-go appeal

Verdict: 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 ...

Review summary: The more I think about it, it's probably about time that Apple shifted its iPod lineup and eliminated the smallest member altogether...

Verdict: With the pending launch of the $199 Apple iPhone 3G just around the corner, many people are pondering why they would even bother with the more expensive (though sans contract) iPod touch. After all, why would you spend an extra $200 on what is ...