The Apple iPod Shuffle
posted January 11th 2005 2:11PM
Guess that explains the shuffle banner! So we also got you hooked up on the new iPod Shuffle, too: their new flash based player, as we just found out, will come in 512MB and 1GB sizes (for $99 and $149, respectively), and can act as a USB 2.0 mass-storage device by taking off the cap on the bottom. (Hasn't Apple learned anything about flash drives with caps?) It will have have no display as you can see (we're on the fence about this), but it is interfaced with simple play/pause, volume up/down, track foward/back buttons, and a slider on the rear that engages the player and plays songs in order or shuffled. In that little 3.3 x 0.33 x 0.98-inch package you've also got a USB-rechargeable 12-hour battery. The whole thing weighs 0.78 ounces, and is shipping now, yo. Not too shabby for a flash player!
Thanks, guys. We’ll make sure not to do that.
To get to song 184 of 190, given that it's running off of a playlist, you could likely just hit the back(rewind) key 6 times, which isn't such a hassle.
What a disappointment... better flash devices than this have been out for years.
On a side note, if you go to Apple's iPod Shuffle site, it shows a photo of the iPod Shuffle next to a pack of gum for comparison: "iPod Shuffle: smaller than a pack of gum and much more fun.", and then a footnote on the bottom of the page reminds us of a very important fact: "Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
Finally an mp3 player my mom can use. No Joke! Apple will rule!
doesn't look like that bad of a product... especially since it can be used as a usb mass storage device. I've been contemplating buying a 1G usb stick and an mp3 player... so, if I do get this I can kill two birds with one stone. granted there'll probably be ISOs and assignments on it more frequently than mp3s, but that's the life of a comp sci nerd.
"then a footnote on the bottom of the page reminds us of a very important fact: "Do not eat iPod Shuffle."
Well this is important for the people who buys ipods, go figure...
I believe this is the ultimate method for Apple to take over the minds of people with iPods. Let us choose your songs for you, and let us tell you what kind of equipment is "high-end" and "hip and fun".
On a side note, I believe the 1g iPod is the best looking one.
This thing will sell but only because of the position and image Apple has in the MP3-market.
In my opinion it is stupid to consider the lack of a screen as something positive. It may be handy when you're walking or going to the gym but when you are in a situation where you are more focused on the music it will be a huge disadvantage. When I'm taking the train, the bus or when I'm just walking around I often want to hear a certain song, which would be almost impossible with this device, I really wouldn't like to push 'next' all the time. Besides, a MuVo flash player also has shuffle, is at +- the same price and has the possibility to hang around your neck or worn around your arm...
But hell... if you especially want a 'trendy' iPod I won't stop you...
Sorry for my English... I'm 17 and from Belgium ;)
The iLo and MuVo at Wal-Mart are 256Mb players for $80-$90, vs. $100 for the 512Mb Shuffle.
But if I decide I want to own a low-capacity MP3 player/FM radio that looks like a twenty-year-old Realistic microcassette recorder, well then, it's nice to know that Creative offers me that option.
The one thing I can't tell is a lock/unlock feature. If I am biking and throw this thing in my jersey how do I know that it won't up and change tracks when I hit a bump?
The thing that would make this a must buy in my book, would be if someone produced a headunit that this could plug into, play, display the names, AND charge the unit.
I'd buy it in a fucking heartbeat.
Uhhhh, it looks like shit. C'mon, the white motif is Apple's thing, which I dig. But it just looks to me like the cookie cutter USB flash players out there for cheap. And this one doesn't even have a friggin screen. After the wait, this is what they bring to the table? Pshhh...
"Do not eat iPod Shuffle." OK first of all this is a joke and second it's right on one of the picture on top of this page, so stop mentionning it.
I'm sure all other MP3 flash player are great, but my GF already have an iPod and all our music is managed with iTune. So this is perfect for me, since I don't listen to more that 200 songs at a time (even 200 is too much) and I want a device to tranfer files from my house to the office and vice versa.
can't u memebers of the apple cult realize this thing sucks, it has no display so how will u know what u are listening to, U suckers will buy anything as long as it has that apple logo on it.
This really isn't that bad at all. I would rather have a screen, but it's a great little gadget. I am a PC fan. I don't like Apple. I have a 20 gig iPod, and it's my only Apple thing. As small as iPod's are, I have been wishing for something small, and fast, and simple to use. Walk out of class, put the buds in, and start playing. I don't have time to mess with choosing music, etc. and this will make it easier.
Figure that, and my mistake of ripping my entire library to AAC, and it works perfectly. 100 for 512, and 150 for a gig is a great price, comparing to other things out there. It doesn't have that overpriced Apple price tag that we're all so used to.
I don't need it, and I don't have oodles of cash to blow, but 100 dollars can be an impulse buy, even for a poor college student like me. I think if it had a screen, it would detract from the simplicity. Not having a choice about the screen, forces you to use it impulsively.
I've always hated the shuffle on my iPod, and never used it. Then, for a week or so, I just put on shuffle, and forced myself to start listening to all the music I forgot about. It was actually quite enjoyable, when I just started listening to my music, instead of picking and choosing.
It definitely has it's place, and it's not just for retarded monkeys, who can't work a more complicated device. I obviously wouldn't buy it as my only iPod, and I'm sure not many people will. But as an expensive iPod "add-on" of sorts, I think it's near perfect.
"for those that shop based on technical merits, this will fall by the wayside."
Really? Cause there are plenty of other more full-featured competitors out there ... but this doesn't seem to have hurt Apple's current iPod sales.
Not everyone is looking to their MP3 players to translate English to German and schedule a haircut. I want to grab this thing when I head for the gym. It's simple, it compliments the current iPods and it's cheap.
#51 posted links to MP3 players from Wal-Mart... which, BTW, I do like the Creative MuVo. BUT... that particular player only has 256Mb for $90. If you don't need the other features or don't care about adding more space via SD/MMC, then for the extra $10, you get an iPod Shuffle with twice the space and simple use.
As other's have mentioned, I seriously doubt that Apple thinks this will be someone's main MP3 player. For most, it may be their first, but once they are hooked, it's time to upgrade.
#71... my g/f wants an iPod, but now with this out, there's not way I'm playing tech support for an iPod for her everytime she goes to use it. iPod Shuffle would be perfect and she can pull from the same library of songs I already have for my iPod.
Apple has done it... created the ultimate iPod accessory.
It's a home run. It's not supposed to be your first player, but your second one; the one you use on the Stairmaster without working.
I have a tiny FM radio audioplayer that I bring to the gym each morning. I have 15 stations that I like programmed into it, that I switch among without looking at it. Do you know what percentage of the time there is a song playing on ANY of them? Less than 25%! Out of fifteen stations!
Good luck operating another player without looking at it. I'll buy this thing, and a ton of other people will too.
This Sandisk player seems like a disturbingly better deal: http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=5090336/search=1%2520GB%2520audio%2520player
Better battery life, a screen, and a cheaper price seem to make Apple's product second-best.
Just FYI: If you go to the Apple Education Store you can get the 1GB version for $139. For $40 extra bucks I might grab the 1GB version, just in case I store some files on there in addition to music.
Brick, brick, brick! It looks like a 1g iPod on weight-loss pills with no screen. They could have at the very least rounded off those edges like on a regular iPod... I don't like this design trend at all.
Give me a muvo or an HD iPod any day.
1. this is aimed at active folks. No time to fiddle with a screen etc.. just enough control to get to the next song in the playlist or randmize them all.
2. 512 of flash memory or 1gig cant be bad at all.
3. No screen, but if you want a screen you prob dont want a flash ipod for the right reasons. Get a Mini.
Considering how much it costs to get a flash 512 flash drive.. i would definatly pay 99 bucks for the 512 and also have an awesome small mp3 player that best of all.. integrates with itunes.
iPodlounge has world's first photo gallery of the shuffle, with full unpacking of box and comparison shots.
You haters sound like the people who posted against the very first iPod when it came out in 2001.
So people are "sheeplike" and dumb if they don't like what you like?
Please.
I already have a USB drive MP3 player, and use it as my only player.
I don't need 20 gigs of music on the go, or even 4gigs for that matter.
I only need enough music to keep me entertained from the house to Uni, or on the train to visit the GF (a few hours). I need to be able to shove it in my pocket, turn it on (in shuffle mode mainly) and go.
I'm the type of user Apple are aiming at with this.
Too bad I've already got a player that fits my needs.
Apple missed the chance to make this great... they could have included some sort of playlist support on the flash ipod... maybe just 3 preset buttons along the bottom of the player that would launch playlists created within iTunes. Sort of like a BMW, but without the car.
I am surprised no one calls this a rippoff of some MPIO devices or iRiver devices.
I guess when Apple copies others, it's fine.
I am going to wait for the iTunes phone. The shuffle looks cool, yes, but the phone looks even cooler. Anyone else planning to wait?
Can't wait to get my TamPod. Seriously though, it's a good design exercise for Apple if nothing else.
I think this'll be the starting gun for price all in all MP3 flash players. Apple are going for digital music domination and they're going about it the right way!
Problem I have is that it doesn't seem to have an equalizer settings - or am I just being too greedy now?
This thing sucks bigtime. it's ugly, has no features and isn't cheap compared to other products here in the Netherlands. for instance: creative muvo 1,5Gb is selling for €149 right now. This "Shuffle" (crap name) probably will come with the crappy earbuds too.
But hey it's white and people like Apple's logo so it will sell.
Apple, shame on you and shame on your so called "innovators". Sure there is a market for this thing and ease of use looks very good, but man couldn't they come up with something more special?
I thought Apple was all about being different, but this thing emphasises the fact that they changed into just another multi-billion dollar company trying to make money over brand associations they do not represent.
Only time will tell if this is a good move, but I think it will be killing for their brand-identity in the long run(remember the Porsche Cayenne?)
Eh, one of the joys of shuffle mode is discovering songs I owned but wasn't familiar with (especially ones on comps I bought for a few specific songs). But without a screen, if shuffle hits upon a great unfamiliar song, I won't know the name of the song, or possibly even the artist. This is just regressing to the age of tape decks, in this respect. A one-line LCD would have been fine.
i put all my music onto my iMac G5. i listen to it all on shuffle. i hit the next button when i'm not in the mood for a particular song. iPod Shuffle = simple, brilliant.
and isn't it a simple matter to press the back button to quickly access songs at the end of a playlist? plus it is so easy to organize music for iPods with iTunes. iPod Shuffle will work. Apple knows this.
Hey Dralt,
No one is calling it a ripoff because it looks nothing like any other flash player out there. People can poo-poo the lack of screen all they want, and they are right to some degree, but the design is simply perfect. Tiny and beautiful. By the way, I own both the Creative MuVo and MuVo2 and they officially now get hand-me-down status. Maybe my nephew will want to play with them.
Sheesh... sure are a lot of complainers out here.
While I don't have a disposable income for buying the latest and greatest gadgets, I certaily don't want a $9.99 MP3 player or find one for free in my box of Lucky Charms. But based on the most of the "this thing sucks" comments, it sure seems like some company needs to produce one.
Maybe for $9.99, with 1.5Gb, FM radio, voice recorder, 3 line LCD screen, scroll wheel, 20 hrs on a single AAA battery and doubles as a USB flash drive, all under 1 ounce, the disenters will actually have a product they'll buy.
For now, I'd rather have an easy to use quality product that works.
I think this player looks great. I own a 20g ipod myself but this shuffle player is perfect for my 10 year old..... We bought him a creative muvo that broke within a month!!!! So, assuming that this ipod will also have the standard 1 year warranty (vs. 3 month warranty at creative) then is really a good bet.
if this thing is such and impulse buy for you guys then do your self a favor go impulse buy a creative tx fm 1gb or 512 or 256 or 128, you get a radio a better battery thats removable, and if your too retarded to figure out how to use the muvo you shouldnt be on these forums or on a computer. every single functionality of the "shuffle" is on the muvo plus it has extra features the shuffle doesnt. i know apple fans arent sheep but damn your at least cattle if you buy this thing.
I have ordered the 512Mb and hope the lanyard, which has its own cap attached will stay on the iShuffle during my running. Also hope there is an ability to lock so it won't skip songs while it is bouncing around on the lanyard....
The iPod apologists are in full force! It's a brilliant (and crafty) move by Apple to focus on the shuffle function so people won't realize the lack of a screen.
While many of you may not need a screen, there are just as many people who like one. Whether it's while walking the dog or taking public transit.
While a screen isn't compulsory, it should be a given in 2005. That's like mass producing pencils without erasers.
Disappointed,
iPod Lover
i already have an ipod mini, but will be buying a shuffle for when i don't want to worry about dropping/damaging my mini.
i know a lot of people are mad that it doesn't have a screen. if you want a screen, get a regular ipod or a mini. the shuffle is too small to have a useful sized screen.
to #99:
yes, i could pay $30 more for an mp3 player that doesn't support the awesome iTunes software which automatically picks new songs for you when you sync (that's priceless on a flash device), is uglier, made of cheap materials, and has a useless tiny screen, except that the shuffle is way better than the muvo in every way besides the screen, and i don't want a tiny screen that i have to wait for the track name to scroll across- by then, i will already know what's playing, thanks to these awesome things called ears. ;-)
"That's like mass producing pencils without erasers." - they make those, and people buy them.
Looks alright.
Battery life is a bit crap no?? 12 hours?? One of the little sony mp3 players takes an AA (might be an AAA) and last for 70 hours?
I want to higlight what David at 79 said. He links to the Sandisk 1gb player, which is about $149 (it varies).
First the similarities of both:
Shuffle
1gb
$149 price
~Size
USB 2.0 Drive
Playlist
And what Sandisk adds:
Multi-line LCD display
Plays WMA
Digital FM tuner with 20 preset stations
Voice Recorder with built-in microphone
15 hours versus iPod Shuffle's 12
Multiple playlists
What iPod Shuffle adds:
Works with iTunes
As for design ... well, eye of the beholder: http://www.endocrinetech.com/two_tests.jpg
Given the similarities between the two, but the number of areas where the Sandisk player is superior, I have a hard time taking the people who say, "I don't need a screen" seriously. Why would you actively choose not to have a screen if you could have one for the very same price? You also get additional functionality at no cost whatsoever.
Unrelated to the above comparison, a major reason that people fell in "love" with their iPods was due to the UI and the wheel. The Shuffle has been stripped of these features, and consequently, I fail to see why heretofore iPod advocates are as enamored with this product, which doesn't appear very compelling in light of the competition.
"That's like mass producing pencils without erasers." - they make those, and people buy them.
------------------------------------------
I think the guy was getting at the point that there's no point in leaving out such an ubiquitous feature.
"tamPod" — hee hee.
Plays purchased AACs.
Finally small enough for me to go running with.
Finally cheap enough for me to buy an iPod.
[Goes to apple.com. Buys tamPod]
I hope that it will pass information about tracks played back to iTunes so that my "Very good but hasn't been played for a while" list will change when I sync the player.
The no-screen concept isn't new. Sony actually removed the screen from their CD Walkmans a long time ago and no one complains about it.
No one complains about it because the screen is with the headset remote. Convenient and efficient.
But this iPod Shuffle has absolutely nothing. No screen anywhere and no hold button. Not even a chance to pick or skip the album.
Disappointing.
["Audiobook Support" Download up to 16 hours worth of words and enjoy them at the gym, in the air, on the trail — wherever your iPod shuffle takes you.]
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/musictogo.html
Sigh. Without screen, audiobooks are quite a hassle. If you accidentally skipped to another track, you're doomed. "Catching up where you left off" is almost impossible.
i already have an ipod mini, but will be buying a shuffle for when i don't want to worry about dropping/damaging my mini.
i know a lot of people are mad that it doesn't have a screen. if you want a screen, get a regular ipod or a mini. the shuffle is too small to have a useful sized screen.
to #99:
yes, i could pay $30 more for an mp3 player that doesn't support the awesome iTunes software which automatically picks new songs for you when you sync (that's priceless on a flash device), is uglier, made of cheap materials, and has a useless tiny screen, except that the shuffle is way better than the muvo in every way besides the screen, and i don't want a tiny screen that i have to wait for the track name to scroll across- by then, i will already know what's playing, thanks to these awesome things called ears. ;-)
wow! you guys are such losers. If you don't like it, don't buy it.
when the first ipod came out
"lame, less space than a nomad"
yes, it will work. and i bet you can skip 100 songs forward pretty easily. for a hundred bucks, it's a damn good deal for a pretty flash drive/ipod that is reliable and will last. sure, I could go out and buy some chepo ugly-plastic crap from sandisk. so what if it plays wma's? wma sucks! mpeg4 is the new standard! so what if it doesnt has a crappy one line screen that you can barely make out. How could you make a readable screen on such a small device? its like the pvp idea. sure it has more features, but can you use the damn thing.
I've never been the biggest fan of Apple or its products, but I give credit where it is due. You have a hot product that has spawned its own mini-industry providing everything from music sites to accessories. With the nature of the consumer electronics market, Apple is doing the smart move to strike while the iPod is hot and milk its success for all its worth.
Boy, iPod fans are SENSITIVE!
I'm sure Apple will sell tons of these and for lots of reasons, many of which will likely have more to do with the name and color than for truly logical reasons....but of course, we all often make decisions based on more emotion than common sense, right? Why should this be any different?
Just let's keep an open mind that not everyone worships at the alter of Apple.
I bought my son a 20 GB Creative Zen Touch for Christmas, great player, awesome sound and 50% cheaper than the comparable iPod. Why get ripped off when there are reasonable alternatives?
I'm really not sure about shuffle being such a main feature of this, although it'd may make things more interesting if there was a bluetooth add-on so you could control it from a cellphone.
Anonymously (#104)... the SanDisk player requires a cable to be used as a flash drive, which almost makes it useless because the idea of a flash drive is that it's portable. it becomes cumbersome and not-so-portable when you have to carry (and remember) USB cable.