nolabar10der's Full Review: Apple iPod shuffle 1st Generation (512 MB) MP3 Pla...
I understand that it is very popular to bash anything that Apple markets. It's a phenomenon not unlike Bose-bashing in the audio world.
That being said, allow to say that, no, the Shuffle was not my first choice. It was a Christmas gift from my girlfriend. At first, I was disappointed by the lack of features, but after a few months with this player, I'm very, very satisfied.
For starters, I'm often paralyzed by indecision whenever I open the mammoth My Music file on my laptop. With the Shuffle I simply autofill from my library and find myself surprised (usually pleasantly) every time I hit the forward button. It's nice to be put into a mood by your music rather than to pick your music based upon your mood.
As well, the random nature of the player is how it is marketed. I, for one, enjoy it.
If you are not the type total shuffling, you can load entire albums and set the selector to play the songs in the order that they loaded to the iPod. That way, once you hear a song from an artist and decide that, hey, I want hear more from this guy! - all you have to do is move the selector one notch.
As for not having an equalizer, I find that the Shuffle's flat audio response very pleasing. Also note that by fiddling with the positioning of the earbuds, you can get some very pleasant bass and clarity.
Fit and finish are classic Apple. I'm a PC guy, mainly because they're affordable and easy to fix, but I have ALWAYS admired the style department at Apple. There are other flash-based 512mb players from SanDisk, etc for the same price, but none are as sleek as the Shuffle. And speaking of flash-based players (solid state as opposed to moving parts), this is a HUGE plus over the bigger iPods. Basically, if you drop the Shuffle, it still works, even if you dropped it while accessing data (listening).
I recommend this player highly. The idea of the 30G versions and such did appeal to me, but hell, I already have my entire collection on a laptop at home, streaming through a great stereo. I just don't NEED to have all of my music on me at all times. I either randomly fill from it, or pick 4 or 5 really kick-a*s albums and load them. If someone offered a bigger iPod, I'd take it, but I'd probably still use the Shuffle. I don't have to think about anything; I just let the soundtrack of walking commute unfurl in the background.
One more thing: If you're like me and have only those songs that you like (no filler) ripped to your computer, even the random filling promises that you'll like every song that it picks. You just don't know which one it is, yet. Try it! It's pretty cool not having to think about your tunes so much.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): gift Recommended for: Athletes - Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for the Gym
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