ShuffleClip review

[irun5k]

I just received my ShuffleClip from http://shuffleclip.com so I thought I would post a review.

First, I ordered this a few weeks ago when the day the product was introduced on iPod Lounge and other web sites. I wrote them to confirm that that items were in stock and shipping. They wrote back and said that they were, so I ordered one immediately after. $15 plus a couple bucks shipping.

I had a bit of trouble getting in touch with them to find out the order status. Turns out, they were NOT able to fufill my order immediately. They have no online order tracking either so the whole process took a bit more work than should have been necessary.

I puchased this product because I needed a way to secure the Shuffle to my gym clothing, and a clip seemed like the most reasonable way. I had previously been using my old neoprene case that came with my Rio 500, which worked except it was too large.

Upon first inspection, the product is disappointing. It is simply a formed piece of plastic that appears to be about the quality of those plastic shipping inserts that you might find tucked inside a new printer or scanner. It is very flimsy and unrefined, and does not hold the shuffle securely. The "clip" mechanism isn't much of a clip- it won't securely clip to thin fabric like a shirt at all. I am fairly sure that upon a couple of uses my Shuffle will either fall out or the clip will break, or both.

I've happily spent way too much money on cases before. I spent $50 on a basic flip case from Sony for my Clie. Severely overpriced but I didn't complain because it was at least good quality. This $15 hurts worse because the product is essentially throw-away. I really doubt anybody would be happy with this product. It might work for you if you wanted to clip it to something that doesn't get a lot of activity, but what good would that be? The whole point is to clip it to your shirt, pants, backpack, etc.

I will probably use it once or twice and see if it actually breaks. I will consider sending it back for a refund, although I'm not sure it is worth the hassle other than to make a point. To be honest, this is my mistake. Some of the other clips that have been shown off by larger companies appear to be much higher quality just from the photos alone. Chalk this one up to an impulse mistake.

[geoX]

I also received my Shuffleclip today, a day after the company told me it was backordered. Go figure. I ordered it on March 4, and received it on March 18. I think the company is just getting into the business and it shows.

But my opinions differ a bit on the usablity of the Shuffleclip. I think Apple's lanyard is just screwy. Who wants to wear it around your neck? The lanyard gets tangled up with the headphone cord, and when I ride the eliptical, the Shuffle swings back and forth and conks into the handlebars. I want to be able to simply clip the Shuffle to my shirt or the waistband of my jogging shorts. The Shuffleclip works as advertised. I can clip it and jog, and I am quite confident it will stay put. Furthermore, I feel the iPod Shuffle is quite secure inside the clip.

I do think it's quite well-designed. You can easily take the Shuffle in and out of the Shuffleclip, which is necessary because you have to take it out in order to plug it into your USB port. (Conversely, I can tell you that getting my 20 GB iPod out of its iSkin is a very different story.) The ShuffleClip has teeth on the clip part, so it's unlikely it will easily become dislodged from whatever piece of cloth it is clipped too. I wouldn't think it would clip very well to something hard and smooth, like plastic or metal. I haven't tried clipping it to the bill of my hat yet, but I would think that would work fine.

On the downside, the ShuffleClip does have a very flimsy feel to it. I think it must be made out of the same plastic gunk as thin-grade plexiglass. The clip part doesn't have much tension, so I can see how some people might be a little uneasy about its holding power. But the iPod Shuffle itself is so lightweight (and so small), I don't really want some industrial-strength case for it. As I said, I just want to clip and jog. This $15 hunk of plastic does the trick just fine.

I'll post photos in the next day or two.

[iStop]

To be honest, when I first saw the shuffle clip, it seemed a little cheap.

Instead, I pre-ordered these beauties from DV Forve.

http://www.dvforge.com/the_clips.shtml

They look promising, and match the shuffle perfectly.

I'd go for those if I were you

The 3 pieces for 14.99 is a steal..

[geoX]

These look pretty good. I especially like the alligator clip. My only concern is the metal clips might scratch the Shuffle, which is not the end of the world, but would be a shame. I think if you use a piece of self-adhesive protective films like the kind used to protect the screens of Game Boys and cameras (you can get them at Best Buy) and place it just where the metal clips touch the surface of the Shuffle that that would do the trick.

There's the Shufflemate too. It looks kind of ugly.

http://www.shufflemate.com/

We'll see which of these things actually are released. I'm glad I have the Shuffleclip for now.

[mtnagel]

That one did seem a little cheap to me and I thought I was going to go with "the clips", but then XtremeMac came out with the Super Clip (http://www.xtrememac.com/ipodgear/superclip_shuffle.shtml) and I ended up pre-ordering that. I know you only get 1 clip for the same price as the 3 in "the clips", but I didn't really need the other ones, and I liked how this one held it sideways. Although, I'm sure that's not a really big deal since it's so light and small.

Unfortunately, they pushed back their shipping date by 2 weeks (from today 3/21 to 4/4) which is annoying, but I also see that DVForge pushed theirs back too.

I too need one to clip on my gym shorts. Right now I just put it in my pocket, but most of my gym shorts don't have pockets, so I have to wear this specific pair which aren't my favorites.

Anyway, I'll post when I get the Super Clip and let everyone know how I like it.

[mdwsta4]

i ordered my clip on the 1st and have yet to receive any sort of confirmation on shipping or any replies to my emails. very upsetting. as long as it clips onto my shorts when i'm running that's all i'm concerned with. if it breaks, it's only $15 so i dont really care.
i was looking at the clips from dv forge which i think look great (well, the one does), but i could care less about the other two which kind of makes it a waste of money. plus the metal would probably scratch the shuffle (not that i care much about it, but i don't intentionally want to scratch it).
the shufflemate's nice because it eliminates the clutter of the headphone cord, but the downside is it adds a lot of bulk (the nice thing with the shuffle is it's so tiny).
i like the one from xtrememac, if the shuffleclip breaks i'll probably get that.

the problem with all of these is timing. the shuffle was announced how long ago and orders still arent shipping? it's annoying to have to shove the clip in between my boxers and shorts when running since i don't have pockets.

[mdwsta4]

i finally received my shuffleclip 22 days after i placed my order. the top portion was cracked and broken! i didn't think it was going to be THIS cheap, flexible, and 'toyish'. i had better be getting my money back.

[geoX]

I've had a chance to use the Shuffleclip for a few days. I still say it does a pretty good job for what I bought it for, which is to enable clipping the Shuffle to my shirt or my jogging shorts while I run. I've used it several times and its preferable than hanging the Shuffle from my neck using Apple's ill-conceived lanyard.

That said, those who express concern about its flimsiness, are right on the money. The tension of the clip is completely inadequate. It won't clip securely to the bill of my hat, for example, and it doesn't even clip very well to my shirt pocket.

I'd say wait for something else to come on the market. We will probably be seeing a plethora in the next couple of months. I predict the Shuffleclip won't be around for long. People demand better quality.

[saint]

Well, I haven't received mine yet but after reading the previous posts, I'm anticipating disappointment. Does the included paperwork provide details on how to return the product? Do they even have a return policy?

Thanks in advance,
- s a i n t -

[mdwsta4]

fat chance. this company is more of a scam than anything. i've sent them over a half dozen emails trying to see where my order was in terms of shipping; never received a response. i also sent an email the day i received my order and wanted to return it. guess what... no response?
i recommend NO ONE buy anymore products from shuffleclip. it's a peice of garbage and a complete waste of money.

Originally posted by saint
Well, I haven't received mine yet but after reading the previous posts, I'm anticipating disappointment. Does the included paperwork provide details on how to return the product? Do they even have a return policy?

Thanks in advance,
- s a i n t -

[lfdiaz]

I would also recommend for everyone to stay away from the ShuffleClip. Mine "shipped" over two weeks ago and I haven't received it and email goes unanswered. If I don't get it today I'll reverse the CC charges.

[lfdiaz]

Wouldn't you know it. I got the ShuffleClip in today's mail. I haven't really used it much since I just got it but it does feel flimsy. The packaging may make for a more interesting case!

My apologies to the ShuffleClip company.

[saint]

Well, in *some* defense of the company, I received mine a few days ago and, while it seems a bit "frail", it does work as advertised. I've now run with my Shuffle clipped onto my running shorts for the past two days (definitely an improvement over having to hold it) and it does do the job. I feel the clip will be fine for what I'm using it for but, as others have noted, don't expect it to "latch" onto things with much force. I've also tried clipping it to the pocket of my jeans and to my belt and, both times, it was fine.

All that being said, however, I can still understand someone being disappointed in the product. It just doesn't give off a "this is a quality piece of workmanship" aura.

- s a i n t -

[geoX]

I just received a ShuffleMate, and I gotta say, my Shuffleclip is looking better all the time, especially in comparison. The ShuffleMate, which boats "wire management" in a protective case is just plain miserable in terms of usablity. Having little notches in the plastic casing does help a little with managing the ear buds. But the so-called "bulldog" clip which is used to attach the Shufflemate to your shirt or jogging pants, or whatever, is ill-designed, in my opinion. If you attach it to the top rung, you'll end up having to remove it every time you want to remove the iPod Shuffle from the case, which you need to do every time you want to charge it. If you attach the clip to the bottom rung, you stand the chance of the iPod Shuffle falling out while you're running.

In any case, the serious flaw of the Shufflemate is the difficulty in getting your iPod Shuffle in and out, regardless of the "bullclip". It's a bit of a pain, as the edges of the iPod Shuffle -- the endcap, the battery indicator button -- stick to the various plastic protruberances of the Shufflemate. I didn't realize how important this is, as I am quite frequently plugging my iPod Shuffle into my computer for charging or for copying songs over. It is just a pain to use this thing.

In that regard, I'm gladly going back to the Shuffleclip, which despite its flaws mentioned elsewhere, works very well for jogging (or using the eliptical). It really shines in terms of the ease with which to get the iPod Shuffle in and out. An important feature, as it turns out.

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by geoX
I just received a ShuffleMate, and I gotta say, my Shuffleclip is looking better all the time, especially in comparison. The ShuffleMate, which boats "wire management" in a protective case is just plain miserable in terms of usablity. Having little notches in the plastic casing does help a little with managing the ear buds. But the so-called "bulldog" clip which is used to attach the Shufflemate to your shirt or jogging pants, or whatever, is ill-designed, in my opinion. If you attach it to the top rung, you'll end up having to remove it every time you want to remove the iPod Shuffle from the case, which you need to do every time you want to charge it. If you attach the clip to the bottom rung, you stand the chance of the iPod Shuffle falling out while you're running.

In any case, the serious flaw of the Shufflemate is the difficulty in getting your iPod Shuffle in and out, regardless of the "bullclip". It's a bit of a pain, as the edges of the iPod Shuffle -- the endcap, the battery indicator button -- stick to the various plastic protruberances of the Shufflemate. I didn't realize how important this is, as I am quite frequently plugging my iPod Shuffle into my computer for charging or for copying songs over. It is just a pain to use this thing.

In that regard, I'm gladly going back to the Shuffleclip, which despite its flaws mentioned elsewhere, works very well for jogging (or using the eliptical). It really shines in terms of the ease with which to get the iPod Shuffle in and out. An important feature, as it turns out. Have you thought about the XtrememMac SuperClip? Although you've already bought 2 cases, so I'm sure you won't want to spend $20 more (after shipping), but here's my review of it - http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=89590. Based on what you said, it is easy to remove the Shuffle, but you don't have to because you can plug it in without removing it. Plus, the best thing is that it holds it horizontal, which is better in my opinion.

[mdwsta4]

i'm still waiting for my money back from shuffleclip, but in the meantime i bought one of these:
http://www.everythingipod.com/suggest.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=111298975421238434&eqPRONAMEdatarq=DLO%20Flip%20Clip%20for%20iPod%20s huffle&searchSKU=w003-1010&max=1&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1

i havent gotten it yet, but it looks like it should work great. best part is the clip is spring loaded! no more worrying about flexing some cheap grade plastic.

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by mdwsta4
i'm still waiting for my money back from shuffleclip, but in the meantime i bought one of these:
http://www.everythingipod.com/suggest.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=111298975421238434&eqPRONAMEdatarq=DLO%20Flip%20Clip%20for%20iPod%20s huffle&searchSKU=w003-1010&max=1&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1

i havent gotten it yet, but it looks like it should work great. best part is the clip is spring loaded! no more worrying about flexing some cheap grade plastic. You bought this pink iPod mini case for the Shuffle? How cute.

[mdwsta4]

LOL! WTF!? i copied a link for the DLO Flip Clip. let's try it again.

http://www.everythingipod.com/suggest.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=111298975421238434&eqPRONAMEdatarq=DLO%20Flip%20Clip%20for%20iPod%20s huffle&searchSKU=w003-1010&max=1&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1

*edit* what the crap!? that link goes to the mini too!! either way, go to everythingipod.com the shuffle clip is on the front page.

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by mdwsta4
LOL! WTF!? i copied a link for the DLO Flip Clip. let's try it again.

http://www.everythingipod.com/suggest.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=111298975421238434&eqPRONAMEdatarq=DLO%20Flip%20Clip%20for%20iPod%20s huffle&searchSKU=w003-1010&max=1&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1 Nope, still the pink case. What about this one - http://www.everythingipod.com/suggest.tpl?command=search&db=dbs/products.db&cart=111298975421238434&eqPRONAMEdatarq=DLO%20Flip%20Clip%20for%20iPod%20s huffle&searchSKU=w003-1010&max=1&eqAVAILdatarq=YES&max=1. [EDIT: Nope my link takes you to the pink case too. WTF?] I think that one looks okay, but why add that extra piece down the whole length of the back? Do you have to remove it to turn it on and off and to use the battery meter? That doesn't make any sense. Here's the pic:

[mdwsta4]

ha! your link goes to the pink case too.
no, you still have access to the back controls. there was an article on the front page a week or so ago. check it out:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=6762_0_6_0_M

[mtnagel]

Originally posted by mdwsta4
ha! your link goes to the pink case too.
no, you still have access to the back controls. there was an article on the front page a week or so ago. check it out:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=6762_0_6_0_M Oh. I see. $20 is a tad pricey, but isn't every iPod accessory?

[tycol25]

After waiting about 5 weeks from ordering my shuffeclip, it finally arrived.

The thing feels so cheaply made. I don't trust the thing to hold my shuffle in place while running.

Don't expect the people working at Shuffleclip to return your emails. They don't quite grasp the term 'customer service'.

I hope this helps others who are deciding on this product. Stay away from this piece of crap.....

[mdwsta4]

i received the DLO clip that i posted about last week. THIS is the shuffle clip to get. it fits the ipod perfectly, holds it in place very well, and the clip actually works! very well designed, even nice packaging, and great customer service. i'd defintely check this out if you're looking for a good clip.

[geoX]

-Hi,

Yes, I got one of these too, and it is definitely the best I've seen. It's a bit stiff to get the Shuffle in and out, but the clip mechanism is excellent. The company ships quickly and gives you a tracking number too.

[chashulme]

For those of you who are getting royaly screwed by ShuffleClip, here is their phone number:

Ian Sanderson, ShuffleClip
(509) 741-0577

As you know, they do not publish a web phone contact apparently so they can freely treat customers like dirt and not have to hear about it. Of course any e-mail's they receive, I am convinced they must programmatically delete them since I've sent a dozen and gotten zero replies (except of course my original order acknowledgement)... I spoke with this clown today and I can't say he was apologetic.

The phone contact, in the state of Washington, was provided by my credit card company.

Please let Mr. Sanderson know what you think.

[namja]

The local Apple store (at the Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga, CA) had the ShuffleClip in stock. It's the flimsiest piece of plastic I've seen in a long, long time. Maybe worth $5.99 at most ... including tax.

[ipodr]

I sympathize and agree with chashulme - people are royally getting screwed over by Shuffleclip.com.

"Mister Sanderson" is actually Ian Sanderson, a 22 year old kid who lives in Seattle. As far as I know, shuffleclip is a one-man operation and there is no "they" - no staff, no sales team.

I have no idea what will happen if you call that 509 area code (eastern washington state) telephone number, but I wonder if it would really make much of a difference.

Any owners of Apple TiBooks out there? If you remember that little paint chip problem and that little 15 buck vial of touch-up-paint you could buy...yep, you guessed it - Ian at work there too. I have no idea whether tipaint.com is still operating, but it matters little since he has moved to his next group of victims - unsuspecting iPod shuffle owners.

So I'm sorry I bought the shuffleclip in the first place.

Just thought someone would want to know who this "company" is and to beware of a product that might not only be cheap and abrasive to Shuffle's, but quite possibly never even arrive at your door in the first place...