iPod Shuffle

In the portable music player market, the iPods rule the roost and have been testing our now jaded sensibilities long enough. High priced iPods are not easily affordable. But this is about to change. Not content to dominate the high and middle end digital music market, Steve Job wants a grip on the lower market segment as well and thus released the very small and very affordable iPod ever, the iPod Shuffle.

The Shuffle is available in 512MB and 1GB capacities with a tag of $99 and $149 respectively. However, the most remarkable thing about the Shuffle is not its price or its size, but the lack of display. Yes, the Shuffle is a display-less iPod! The lack of display means that there is no navigation required. However, a simple three-position toggle switch on the back of the Shuffle turns it on/off, directs the player to play from beginning to the end of the play list, and also guides it to randomly play songs. The green stripe below the toggle allows you to see the switch position.

The iPod Shuffles come in silver only and are available along with the telltale white iPod ear buds, a charge/sync cable, a standard USB 2.0 cable with a plug at one end, and a small white docking cradle with a 3.5-mm mini-jack at the other end. The Shuffle measures only 1.1 X 1.6 X 0.4 inches and weighs a mere half ounce but can hold almost 240 songs and stays charged for up to 12 hours!

A super light, ultra portable, ‘on the move’ iPod that allows freedom to work while listening to your favorite music just like on your favorite radio station, the iPod Shuffle makes for a great chaperone for many of the music lovers who would just rather listen to music than get embroiled with hi-tech, complicated players. Not to mention, it’s good value for money!