Apple iPod Shuffle

I remember being blown away when I first saw the original Apple iPod 5GB. I really wanted one. Luckily my work gave me a second generation 10GB iPod as a Christmas bonus (now replaced by a 30GB dock model). I carried it everywhere. I like to cycle, and although cycling with AC/DC blasting through your eardrums is not the safest thing you can do - it's one of my favourite pleasures. There is one small problem though. Where do you put your iPod? In a pocket can get restrictive and I thought it unwise to mount one on my handlebars as my bike's road tyres are inflated to 120psi - which makes for a bumpy ride for it's delicate components.

iPod Shuffle to the rescue

The iPod shuffle is available in 2 versions - 512MB and 1GB. I bought a 1GB model, which will hold about 240 tunes. It has no display, so all you can do is skip to the next song, you can't browse like it's larger siblings. Yet this simplicity is it's trump card. Apple say that "Life is Random" and I like that. I like the surprise factor of the random playlist "autofill" feature. I also like it's loud output - it seems louder than my 30GB model. It uses flash memory so there is no delicate battery munching disk drive like the regular iPod, so is great for jogging, cycling and for days on the beach. It's white headphones might attract muggers, but if it happened to me, I would give it to them without a struggle - I would fight to the end to save my 30GB as I keep personal data on it. It comes complete with a lanyard (translation: a piece of string) so you can wear it like a hi-tech medallion man - which is perfect for cycling. It's so light you can forget your wearing it. You can get an armband holder for it too, if you want to look like Sporty Spice.

Sweet Shuffle Sounds

The supplied headphones are OK. They are often slated in reviews but all in-ear headphones vary depending upon who's lug-holes they are residing in. I prefer Sennheiser MX500's and the more retro PX100's which may not have the white Apple buds, catwalk prowess - but will help deter muggers and other pond-life. It really is a great sounding music player. No complaints there. The design is great, unless you have a G3 iMac or clam shell iBook - the usb connector will not fit, without a extension cable - not cool. Also if you want to take it on holiday or on a long trip, you'll need to drag along your computer or buy a wall charger - which then puts the price nearer to an iPod mini.

Californian Cool

Overall it is a fantastic music player and a cheap way to buy an iPod. An extremely portable, back to basics music player made by those clever Cupertino designers.

Learn more about the Shuffle from the UK Apple Store