jps246's Full Review: Apple iPod shuffle 3rd Generation Silver (2 GB) MP...
While I wasn't sure I'd use my iPod 2 GB Shuffle all that much, I've discovered that it's actually a really handy little device for listening to music when I don't want to be bothered by my full sized iPod. That said, there are some serious limits to the shuffle, namely the controls are very simple and there's no text display, but if you want a very small, very simple device to listen to limited amounts of music, the iPod shuffle really can't be beat.
Thanks to Epinions I received my shuffle as a prize in one of their contests. This saved me the roughly $60 that the shuffle costs, but now that I've used it, I'd easily invest that much to have a device like this.
Basics
The iPod Shuffle is small! That's the first thing I noticed when I opened my box. It is literally the size of a house key (and only maybe as thick as two keys put together). It weighs almost nothing and can either be slipped in a pocket unnoticed or clipped onto clothing and you will not even notice it is there.
This model has 2 gigabytes of storage, which provides about 24 hours worth of music (about 400 songs in my case). The songs are placed on the Shuffle through its synchronization with iTunes. You can either have the device randomly pull music from your iTunes collection to fill it or you choose specific playlists that you want synched. I set up a new playlist just for my Shuffle so that it would have just the music I wanted on it. You hook up the Shuffle to your computer and iTunes via a USB connection that connects to the shuffle via its ear bud jack. This is also how you charge the Shuffle.
Since it is so small, there really are not that many controls on the Shuffle. You have an on/off switch which lets you either play the music song by song on the Shuffle or randomly depending on how far you move the switch. There's a headphone jack on the shuffle too. That's where the iPod headphones are plugged in and the ones that come with the shuffle have a built-in control that lets you forward, repeat and adjust the volume on the music. You can also have the Shuffle give you a voice over to tell you the song and the artist if you want it to. Though I don't use it very often since I know the music I'm putting on the Shuffle.
Experiences
I use my iPod Shuffle almost exclusively for the gym. It is so small and light that I can clip it on to my shirt and not even notice it. That is a large improvement from the bulk and weight of the full-sized iPod I used to bring. I would need a case and an armband to keep it from getting in the way. With the Shuffle I don't have to worry about any of that. I just clip it, put the ear buds in and I'm on my way.
The navigation button on the ear bud wires is easy to use, though it's location along the wire can sometimes be a pain. I find myself searching for it if I want to adjust the volume or change the song while I'm working out. It is not a huge problem, sometimes it is just a bit awkward.
I find the volume to be fine for working out at the gym. It is more than loud enough to be easily heard over the ambient gym noise.
I can use the Shuffle for several days before having to charge it through it's USB connection. Apple says you can get about 10 hours of battery life on a full charge. I would say that is accurate since I can go for a little over the week at the gym before I have to charge it again.
I've been using iTunes and iPods for a while so I did not find the synchronization process between the Shuffle and iTunes on my computer all that difficult. For someone without iTunes experience, the process might be slightly daunting the first few times.
Overall I really like the Shuffle, especially for the gym. I have a specific play list of songs I want to hear when I work out and since the Shuffle is so small and lightweight, I barely even notice I am carrying it when I use it. Plus I can clip it right on my shirt and keep it out of the way when I'm working out.
Getting Started & iTunes
I generally like how easy Apple products are to start using and the Shuffle was no exception. Within about 10 minutes of opening the box, I was ready to start listening to music. I was able to save some time since I already had iTunes set up on my machine. I just had to register the Shuffle to use my iTunes, choose what music I wanted synched and off iTunes went, charging the Shuffle and transferring the music to it.
If you don't already have iTunes on your machine, you must be connected to the internet to download it. The Shuffle does not come with the software on a CD.
If you had to install iTunes and then set up the Shuffle, it would probably take a little longer since you would also have to add music to your collection.
Final Thoughts
The iPod 2GB Shuffle is small, easy to use, sounds good and has a great battery life. All of this makes it the perfect MP3 player for the gym since you can just clip it on your shirt, put in your ear buds and you are off and listening to music. You won't even notice the Shuffle clipped to you it is so small and light.
If you have a need for a small MP3 player that can hold about 400-500 songs, the iPod Shuffle is a great choice. I know I am really happy to have it and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a music player for the gym or any other sort of physical activity.
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