If you are in the market for a new iPod, here’s the skinny on the new iPod Shuffle.
It’s small. Really, really small.
It weighs 0.38 ounces, which is apparently “only 10% more than a single sheet of letter-sized paper” (Engadget), and has a storage capacity of 4 GB.
The iPod Shuffle has no display screen or built in buttons. It tells you what is playing by speaking it into your headphones in a robotic voice. You can control the iPod with a three button controller built into the headphones. Sadly, headphone makers will have to get a license from Apple to make their devices compatible. In my opinion, this is a deal breaker for two reasons.
- I don’t want to buy new headphones. I like mine.
- I refuse to encourage Apple’s heavy handed control of everything they touch.
The Geek Whisperer 
That’s small but what’s the downside?
As I mentioned, the policy is the downside from my perspective.
i just find the fact that i would be unable to use any other headphones/earbuds/speakers except the apple earbuds not right.
I’ve heard that they will have an adapter for third party headphones, but I haven’t seen anything that suggests that they are available. Additionally, I think it is crazy that Apple is constantly making these closed products.
Almost looks too small. I’m forever now losing thumbdrives (and yes, content.) There’s something to be said for a little heft and bulk.
And, Apple earbuds don’t work for me, especially working out. They bounce out when running.
Sorry, Stevie, I won’t be buying this latest offereing. Thanks for the report, GW.
i got mine just today…what i like about it, i had it personalized (engraving)!
Mark, I’m with you on the size issue. I also like having the screen and the ability to easily browse for a specific song.
nelle, I agree that the engraving is pretty cool. They have been doing that for a few years now.
Oh, really? I didn’t know that! I got my ipod video just late last year and I haven’t heard that they have that. I even inquired from the local Apple store here but they don’t have any idea when it will be available coz I am planning to have my ipod video engraved. :(
That’s odd. I have an 80 GB iPod Classic that I bought about two years ago from Apple’s web site that is engraved. Have you tried looking on their site instead of going to the Apple store?
During the time that I am on the process of planning to buy the classic, I am browsing the net already. This is really the first time that I saw the “engraving” thingy! It’s really odd!!!
I visited the Apple store after purchasing on-line the “micro-mini-shuffle” the other day just to inquire if they offer this “personalizing the ipod”. Sigh!