ipod shuffle consumer electronics review

ipod shuffle consumer electronics review: introduction

Apple first introduced the iPod shuffle to a muted crowd. The buzz was still much around the bigger iPod that had all the full features that we come to expect from an iPod. But then people grew to love it the price tag at the time was one of the main reasons under £100. Apple aimed this model towards the smaller mp3 section of the market for the casual users. This is a large market as there are many manufacturers out there with similar products some which actually have a screen. But with most things Apple it was deemed fashionable and it caught on like wildfire. I generally think that this is the final piece of the iPod road map, Apple have an iPod for all markets. They have their top end iPod touch – iPhone and their mid range iPod video and their lower end Shuffles this should cover the whole marketplace.

ipod shuffle consumer electronics review: Main Facts

Apple claim that it's the smallest mp3 player on the market, there are many people out there who disagree. The iPod shuffles vital stats are 27.3 x 41.2 x 10.5mm and a lightweight 15.5 grams. This is a fantastic size for using it on the go.

The shuffle was intended to make the iPod accessible to the mainstream audience at an affordable price. The first generation iPod shuffle sold around 10 million units so they must have got something right. It has been estimated that 1.8 million of the 5.3 million iPods sold in the first 4 months of releasing the iPod shuffle were iPod shuffles.

The 1 GB iPod shuffle can hold about 240 songs in either ACC or MP3 format you could fit more on depending on the quality settings you choose when ripping your cd's. There is a newer version of the iPod shuffle comes with a 2 gb memory this is due to be released at the end of Feb 08. The iPod shuffle controls remain similar to the old controls, unfortunately it isn't the flagship wheel control that fits most iPods.

ipod shuffle consumer electronics review: Conclusion

I think that Apple has gone into more detail with the cool aluminium style and sturdy incorporated belt clip. The current Shuffle looks like they have put more effort into the style and not just grabbed stuff that was hanging around.

The iPod Shuffle is ideal for sports with the integrated clip you don't need to have pockets you simply can clip it to your clothes and off you go. But remember to take it off when you're washing your clothes!