you are the one, you'll never be alone again, you're more than in my head, you're more.
you are the one, you'll never be alone again, you're more than in my head, you're more.
Member since:26.02.2005
Reviews:12
Since the first Ipod came out, all my friends have been the first in the queue to get it, and i've always stuck to my principals and avoided the mainstream, and not gone with the crowd. First i chose the genius, then tedius, now just utterly dreadful Creative Muvo (see my other review) and after a terrible succesion of equally awful MP3s, i threw my principals out of the window. and went for the new 512mb Ipod shuffle.
The first thing i noticed was itsvalue for money, innovative design, and user friendliness. it seemed like a great combination, and more importantly, my friends thought it was cool :)
The focal point of the shuffle is the idea of throwing out the usual conformities for a mp3 player. it has no screen, its impossible to find the song you want to listen to, sometimes you don't even know what you're listening to, its like a radio where you pick the playlist. and thats why we love it.
the lack of screen means it lives up to its tag "life is random" you never know whats going to come on next. although there is a innovative though frequently ignored feature which counts how many times you listen to a song, and plays you're most popular tracks more often. just like a radio station would. it means although you don't know whats coming next, the odds are you're going to love it. and.. i have yet to experience this for myself, but my friends who have had the
shuffle longer say that it tends to pick out your mood and play music accordingly! if you're depressed and play slow soft songs, its more likely to play a soft slow song next than death metal, and likewise if you're angry and want to slip a bit of rammstein korn or slipknot on, then it's unlikely to play any mariah carey until you've calmed down. ( and start skipping the heavy songs)
Of course if you don't want randomness in your life, an easy switch on the back changes it from shuffle mode to play mode, where it takes on the role of a regular MP3 and plays your playlist in order. but wheres the fun in that?
What It Is
the Ipod Shuffle lets you to store loads of music, at least 120 songs (up to 512MB of data) it also functions as a memory stick to transfer files, the only problem being on some computers its difficult to fit the Shuffle in the USB port (such as my Sony Vaio), when storing your music and data at once you can choose how much memory to reserve for each in Itunes (the amazing music program on CD sold with the shuffle) it comes in 2 flavours, either 512MB or 1GB
How Do i use it?
heres a simple step by step for using your shuffle :)
1. install the CD software, itunes, following the on screen prompts.
2. enter your Ipods serial number ( this is to protect stolen ipods)
3. go to www.apple.com/itunes to start downloading songs from just 79p a track. assuming you're not one of those naughty illegal downloaders! or you can import files via itunes from your cd or computer.
4. create a playlist for your shuffle, or select autofill which lets the computer fill the ipod with a random selection from your music library. The iPod Shuffle supports AAC, MP3, WAV and Audible formats.
Whats on it?
The ipod shuffle definately goes for the minimalist approach, if you're looking for a MP3 player with a calculator, shiny LED lights, and built in phone/games console you're in the wrong place. the design is basic, its 9cm by 2.5cm, and 8mm and weighs just 0.79 ounces (about the size and weight of a pack of gum). its made of simple white plastic, and has a grey apple logo on the back. there's the typical ipod-esque wheel on the front. with the buttons pause, rewind/fast forward back/next and of course volume up and down. on the back above the apple logo is a switch (mentioned earlier in the review) to shuffle between "play" "shuffle" or "off" and an ingenious little button to check you're battery strength ( a series of green/yellow/red lights explained in the manual with a little cut out card)
Pimp My Shuffle!
A pair of white official apple earphones are included. as well as a lanyard so you can wear the player around your neck, make sure to keep your original cap safe, or find out the hard way!it feels more secure than it should, but it still comes off with a firm tug (some advice for villains and theives there) but not once with all the bumps jumps and falls its taken as it ever removed itself. it could be worn inside your clothes for safety.
Theres no need for a charger, the ipod recharges when plugged into your computer, even as you're transferring files! it lasts up to 12 hours with one charge.
There are more accesories available at www.ipod.com/store including protective sport cases, "socks" usb extension cables, stickers, etc...
Should i buy one?
the sound quality is amazing, even though you can't personalise your audio properties on the move, though you can do it on Itunes. its never once skipped or jogged like my other mp3's, and has never cut off once. (a major problem with the Creative MuVo)
you are restricted to using itunes, but its the best out there anyway. on the downside, don't buy this phone if you want total control, incase you didnt catch the tagline, its "life is random" so live with the ideolagy or buy an Iriver.
to some people the ipod looks ingenious, minimalist and a breath of fresh air, to others its tacky plastic. im with the first group. and display my shuffle with pride on the streets ( not too late at night though, i've been mugged enough times as it is)
this is definately a mp3 player for the casual listener, who doesnt care about high specs or amazing features, who just love music and want something different.
I want one, give it me.
its available from all apple stores, or online at www.apple.com/store, or you could try ebay. i picked mine up for around 50 pounds. however you're more secure from the apple site, and theres a 5-7 day delivery. compared to up to 2 weeks for ebay.
And heres the boring bits :)
System requirements:
For Mac - USB port, Mac OS X v10.2.8 or v10.3.4 or later. For PC - USB port, Windows 200 (with SP4 or later) or Windows XP Home/Professional (with SP2 or later)
Thanks for listening, hope you liked my first review for the last couple of months, rate me high and i might stick around :) leave me a few nice comments to come home to!
Mikey xx
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
excellent review. I personally can't use these ipod things as the headphones don't fit my ears but you've still managed to convince me that I need one.
Advantages: Small, no batteries to change, random selection Disadvantages: No replacement batteries if it runs out 5 mins out of the front door, mine stopped working after 6 months
![Apple iPod shuffle - 512MB [M9724B/A]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/123370874.jpg "Apple iPod shuffle - 512MB [M9724B/A]")
Sep 23rd, 2005
exceptional by (18%):
very helpful by (73%):
helpful by (9%):
