2G Shuffle finally shipping

In between posting rumors about iPhones, touchscreen iPods, and eight-core Mac Pros, we've been wondering when that sexy new "matchbox meets boombox" iPod Shuffle first revealed at September's "It's Showtime" event would start shipping to eager customers. Well thanks to reader Brad, we now know that Apple has begun sending its most diminutive DAP to those folks who already placed their pre-orders, with Brad's notification indicating a delivery date of November 3rd. So if the new Shuffle hasn't hit retail channels already, it'll be available any day now, or you can hit up Apple's online store to get the process started immediately. As for us, we're gonna wait around for a bit and keep our eye on eBay; even though this tiny 'Pod is only $79 to begin with, it's so easy to lose that we'll probably get a better deal buying one of the many second-hand units inevitably dropped in buses, taxis, and subway cars nationwide.

[Thanks, Brad P.]

[John Shillabeer @ Oct 29th 2006 3:34PM]

It's form factor instantly reminds me of the Apple wired remote or something or something similar, I wonder how many people will confuse the two? Is it just me, or does the base look like it's falling off?

[brendan Sheehan jnr @ Oct 29th 2006 8:06PM]

That's not the base, it's the built-in clip. Welcome to 2006!

[Karl Viklund @ Oct 29th 2006 3:43PM]

Nice nice.
I really like this little small mp3-player :)

[Bertt Verseso @ Oct 29th 2006 3:45PM]

I heard the these will be in Apple Store on Nov. 1st.

We'll also see iTunes 7.0.2 to support it as well.

[Zadillo @ Oct 29th 2006 3:48PM]

I'm not sure how much people would confuse it with the wired remote, but you're right, since it does borrow its design from it, it's possible.

The base looks like it is "falling off" because its base is a clip (to attach to your clothes, belt, whatever).

[Deezee @ Oct 29th 2006 3:51PM]

Yes!!!!!!! Finally released. I've been waiting NOT to buy this.

[Edward Kappus @ Oct 29th 2006 3:52PM]

I have a question, do the updated earphones come with the new shuffle as well? I just don't want to be stuck with the same junk earphones again.

[tiuk @ Oct 29th 2006 3:52PM]

Does it not have markings on the wheel, or are they just not showing up in the picture?

[Tech^Cellfish @ Oct 29th 2006 4:50PM]

You need a better monitor. The markings are clearly showing up on my screen

[tiuk @ Oct 29th 2006 5:09PM]

Thanks Tech, had my gamma/contrast too high, washed the markings right out.

And whoever said they should make it double as in inline remote, that's a great idea. I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

[Will @ Oct 29th 2006 3:52PM]

I don't see why Apple had to put a clip on this. Without it, they cut the thickness in half.

[kurt @ Oct 29th 2006 4:27PM]

Will,
Actually, they couldn't have cut it that much because it still needs the earphone jack. See this photo and you'll see that the clip doesn't really add all that much to it (after taking into account you'd need to have the earphone jack anyway):
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/gallery/images/ipodshuffle05_20060912.jpg

[Dan @ Oct 29th 2006 3:52PM]

No. The base, meaning the white part containing the hold and on/off switch, does look like it's coming off. A little more than half way across it, it looks like the white piece is begining to pop out of the aluminum case.

[Whynot @ Oct 29th 2006 4:43PM]

Must be people from a gadget/mac website who opened the shuffle as soon as they received it...

[brandon @ Oct 29th 2006 4:28PM]

The comment about refusing it for a remote is interesting. Apple should release the next Shuffle with the capability to use it as an in-line remote as well as a standalone player. Then I'd actually consider getting one.

[sgt_easton @ Oct 29th 2006 4:39PM]

$79 seems reasonable for Apple's new iCrap. When someone un-randoms (read as: hacks)this with a new interface and display I'll be interested.

[rockintom99 @ Oct 30th 2006 2:10PM]

That is what you call an "iPod nano".

[Mark @ Oct 29th 2006 4:45PM]

That's such a cool iPod. I love iPods, however what bugs me about the shuffle is the lack of a screen. I guess the screen wouldn't really fit on this iPod because of the size, but it would be nice to have an indicator as to which song it is, or other information like that.

[Chris @ Oct 30th 2006 12:59PM]

This company has figured it out. Yes it is a cube but seeing this is person, I am impressed.

http://www.mobibluamerica.com/dah1500.html

[dannyboy @ Oct 29th 2006 4:47PM]

it's only 1GB not 2...

[dannyboy @ Oct 29th 2006 4:49PM]

wait, you're talking about 2nd Gen not storage compacity... my bad

[Alex @ Oct 29th 2006 4:52PM]

I still like the first-generation shuffle. It can be carried around and plugged into without anything extra. And I think the 1G shuffle looks more elegant. It really doesn't need to be any smaller.

[Anonymous @ Oct 29th 2006 4:52PM]

"Actually, they couldn't have cut it that much because it still needs the earphone jack. See this photo and you'll see that the clip doesn't really add all that much to it (after taking into account you'd need to have the earphone jack anyway)"

Yea, I actually like the clip better because it's good for short headphone cords, and it means I don't have to buy an armband.

But I'm kind of dissapointed that they cut the USB jack, it was awesome because you could just use it as a normal flash drive as well. I get that it still stores data, but it kind of sucsk that you have to carry around a dock with you...

[Lee @ Oct 29th 2006 5:00PM]

This is too funny. Think Secret just posted that the shuffles were delayed until mid-november. Looks like their rep is just going downhill.

[egloskerry @ Oct 29th 2006 6:57PM]

Best Buy street date is Nov. 3, so if you want one before then, don't go to BB.

[Jeff @ Oct 29th 2006 8:01PM]

This is such a cool mp3 player and yes i'm an apple fanboy but im so sick and tired of people that look at this thing and state every single fault that they say. its an an mp3 player that it.

[alex @ Oct 29th 2006 8:53PM]

thats not what hes talking about. hes talking about the white part where the little buttons are. so did YOU just get to the year 2006?

[mosquito710 @ Oct 29th 2006 9:50PM]

I find it funny that engadget broke this news before iLounge.
I mean, that's all they do, apple products.

[Mohan @ Oct 29th 2006 11:50PM]

That may be a VERY uncomfortable to hold iPod because of it's extremely small surface area.

REALLY, HOW CAN u PRESS those BUTTONS IF THERE IS NO Place to keep your middle and index finger so that your THUMB can easily press the play pause up down loud quiet and all.

PLUS seventy-nine USDollars for that block of white (or in this pic GRAY) plastic iCrap is a ridiculorious!! price!!!!

[toodaloo @ Oct 30th 2006 12:00AM]

Mohan, the idea is that you don't hold it -- anybody that holds their MP3 player likely needs a screen as well. I keep my 3G 40GB iPod clipped to my hip and I operate it blindly. A shuffle would make more sense for someone like me since I just listen to music and don't want to fuss with anything in my hands.

[n3rrd @ Oct 30th 2006 12:35AM]

Jesus. Some people... I'm not a fan of the whole Reign of the iPod thing we have going on either, but show a little sense?

The casing is aluminum, not plastic. This iPod is meant to clip to an article of clothing, a bag, etc.

And, what is with all the random (not to mention completely unnecessary) capitalization?

[kevin @ Oct 30th 2006 12:33AM]

You have to be a complete idiot to fall for this. But, it's your money, do what you want with it. Waste it, invest it, blah.

[kevin @ Oct 30th 2006 12:34AM]

toodaloo, have you ever wanted to listen to only a few tracks over and over? So what do you do, delete everything on it except those specific tracks? Judging from the lack of a screen, how are you supposed to select a specific playlist?

[crescentdavid @ Oct 30th 2006 12:47AM]

2 small + 2 boring = 4 iDiots.

[Sam @ Oct 30th 2006 12:49AM]

It would be coolest if it could be loaded on the fly from a big ipod. It would function as an inline remote and when you wanted to go for a run or something you could just zip over whatever playlist you want. Then it could also receive the Nike+ functionality that the nano has. The data could be offloaded to the big ipod for browsing. If it had these capabilities I would pay $100 for it.

[erik @ Oct 30th 2006 1:35AM]

OMG, imagine 500 song on in this "nice player". And then, imagine that you want to find your favorite one :D LOL mission impossible 4 :D

[J. Vinke @ Oct 30th 2006 3:39AM]

I"m getting mine November 2.

I'll send some unboxing pics if I get it...

J./

[Nicklas @ Oct 30th 2006 6:58AM]

I always thought that the first Shuffle-design was fucking stupid since it had nothing special going for it over other flash-based offerings and lackad a display. Apple did something different just to be different, not to make it better than the competion.

I'm on the other hand really fond of this new design. It doesn't pretend to be more than a niche product, something you clip on while going out running. The rest of the time, a larger and heavier mp3-player is what you're expected to use.

[PEZ @ Oct 30th 2006 8:59AM]

I didnt realize this was TWO (2) GB for $79. Great deal.

[sgt_easton @ Oct 30th 2006 10:10AM]

It's not. It's a ONE gig.

http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/specs.html

[dj mcmanus @ Oct 30th 2006 10:55AM]

The clip MAKES this thing! Finally.

This is exactly what I have wanted for a long time.


Clip it on, forget about it, and workout or go for a run. Armbands and belt clips - Goodbye!


To the people complaining about not being able to watch movies because theres no screen or that they can't listen to their entire music collection - that's why Apple has a line of products!

Do you complain about not being able to take a bath in a sink?

[Ed T @ Oct 30th 2006 11:57AM]

I ordered this player for listening to podcasts and for music when exercising. Those uses don't require a display or 30GB of storage. The new clip-on design is exactly what I need. And for all of the people who slam iPods and mention other brands of players, I have one thing to say: iTunes. Everything else I've tried is pure crappola compared to the seamless integration offered by the ITMS.

Keep up the good work Apple.

[dan heath @ Oct 30th 2006 4:44PM]

in the UK here. i ordered mine back in september. arrival date is states as 2nd november.

[Matt @ Oct 30th 2006 9:05PM]

some of you people should get your facts straight... for starters ther is a switch to turn off the shuffle function, so you can then hit the back button to listen to a song again and again. The overall design is marketed for people who are not looking to have a large selection of music with them, just a small list that is on random. Im getting one for sure. I have a 3G 20Gig ipod with a lot of music on it, but i want something that only has my favorites on it (which i could easily change if i wanted, its not set in stone or anything) thus the shuffle is perfect for me. Like others have said, i operate my ipod blind on shuffle atm anyway...

[kevin @ Nov 1st 2006 9:06AM]

There's no reason for 2GB then, unless you have everything in ALAC.

[Luke @ Nov 6th 2006 10:01AM]

Since the new packaging is too small for the CD. here's an idea Apple, there is memory on each iPod you know, why not include the iTunes setup program on each iPod. when you first plug it into you computer an autorun app would start with a quick guide and installs iTunes for you too.

Makes sense to me.

[cool ipod @ Jan 24th 2007 5:17AM]

this is way better than the 1st gen shuffle its only the screen dat (isnt there) bugs me any way its compact and cool,

PS its very easy 2 lose!!!