The iPod shuffle surprises USA Today

Edward Baig of USA Today dubs the iPod shuffle (which they misprint as iPod Shuffle, tsk tsk!) a "musical gem." He
digs on the randomness of the device: "I had no clue which of 137 eclectic melodies would play next. And frankly, that was part of the appeal."

Overall, a glowing review, with a few negative points and the gratuitous invocation of the "Apple cultists just waiting to stick a needle in your bobble-head." He hates the earbuds, he missed the display at times, and – guess what – the shuffle doesn't hold as many songs as the other iPods do! Dangit!

Baig loved the device and recommends it. But it's worth noting that Apple tends to get it coming and going from pundits and reviewers alike: pack a device with features and innovative design, and it's great but too expensive. Put out a cheaper device at a decent price point and it's great but it lacks features. We're seeing the
same effect with the Mac mini. It ain't easy being the underdog. At least Apple always seems to have some new tricks.