Giveaway: The Official iPod shuffle Opinions Thread

[ipodnoticias]

I like it. I think it's a brilliant idea that capitalizes on iPod's best "hidden" feature: listening to music in shuffle mode. A great example of "thinking outside the box". Great features and price point. I think it will sell millions.

P.S: All those "but... it has no screen!" comments from competitors seem to be the same situation as the iPod vs iRiver (or any techie-oriented gadget).

[mattwardfh]

What's ugly about it? Cleany, shiny, white. Just like a big iPod.

[jlb2003]

Awesome product, the shuffle has all the qualities that I like in a flash mp3 player, small size and massive storage. Though not as feature rich as the other iPod models, what the shuffle lacks in functionality is more than made up by its seemless integration with iTunes, ease of use, and rugged nature. Most people seem to critisize it for the lack of a screen, I however don't miss it since a screen for this size of player would not display any relevant information especially when the player is in shuffle mode. Plus, no screen means no lcd to crack and mess up your little hundred dollar gadget, so its no where near as fragile as some of the other players out there, in fact my roommate just broke the screen on his mp3 player and now has to use it as a flash drive. So I say good for you Apple for thinking things through.

[jlabua]

I have had a 40GB 4G iPod since October, and I absolutely love it. I have been having a great time rediscovering music on CDs that I had forgotten I even owned until I started adding them to iTunes. I carry it with me every day to class and work. I use the Griffin iTrip to extend its usefulness to my car.

So why do I so desperately want an iPod Shuffle? Maybe I'm a sucker for marketing, but I love the idea of randomness. All of that discovery I've been making with my big iPod could be streamlined with a Shuffle. No screen? Who cares? My iPod is tucked into my pocket 90 percent of the time, and I don't even look at the screen except when I'm hitting play or pause, or changing the volume.

More importantly, the Shuffle is perfect for people who don't have as much music, or just want to carry some of their favorite tunes with them. People who get intimidated by what they fear might be complicated implementation will love iTunes and the Shuffle. That's a whole other demographic that has yet to be tapped.

The Shuffle is beautiful, functional and easy to use. As my non-techie friend said, "It's like having an FM radio that only plays songs you already know you like, with no commercials!"

[thebrain]

I almost always use my current ipod on shuffle, only looking at the screen so I can get through songs faster. I think the ipod shuffle is the perfect everday, through-in-your-pocker-or-backpack ipod. No screen to scratch, no shiny metal back to protect, no case needed. I kinda wish it was made of the brushed aluminum of the mini, but teh probably made it out of plastic for price. And the price, better than anything on the market. While other players boast more "features", the ipod shuffle has one that beats any other "feature", and no its no shuffling,. its iTunes. No other player can use the #1 rated music service (cnet rating). I was thinking about getting one to throw in my bag for school, where I dare not take my 4g, even through others do. Ill just keep one around for a few spare minutes here or there, or for jogs, etc. Its teh everyday ipod.

I do however think that 12hr batt life is a little sad for a SCREENLESS flash player, as many screened ones double it
that being said i still want one

[Skinny on Sport]

There has been a lot of discussion lately about how well the iPod Shuffle would perform for podcasts. I'm a podcaster - The Skinny on Sports - www.skinnyonsports.com - and I also listen to many podcasts. While some will argue that the lack of a screen is not ideal, I think it makes it very good for listening to podcasts. Just load up the Shuffle with Podcasts you haven't heard and then you'll randomly get caught up on all your shows. If you don't like the random idea, just put them in your preferred order before you go. To me, the Shuffle is just like the radio only without the commercials and only songs you like - can't be too much wrong with that!

Overall: I haven't used one yet, but I'd love to get my hands on one for listening to podcasts!

[jamin_redvines]

I think its ingenious! Its cheaper than most of the same size flash players on the market AND its Apple AND its an iPod AND its just plain awesome! The price also makes me a potential buyer or an iPod. I balked at the $300 price tag on the 20GB but $100 sounds way more reasonable! I also love the shuffle idea... When I listen to music on my computer it is always on shuffle and the song is always a surprise. With the iPod Shuffle you get the shuffle feature and the auto-fill feature which lets you fill your iPod Shuffle with 120/240 random songs from your iTunes library. Its totally brilliant!

Jamin

btw: Please let me win this iPod! :-P

[liquidtrance]

I think the iPod Shuffle is a nice music player for people who aren't great with computers. Its a pretty decent size drive for such a small unit. The price is appealing and comparable to other similar players in this category. The only bad part is the lack of a screen. If I was in teh market for a small flash based mp3 player i would probably get a shuffle.

[nomoreroger]

I think it is a good idea. The Shuffle could use a few more features... a very small screen with scrolling text doesn't seem like it would be too much to add. The quality looks good and I think this will appeal to current ipod users.

[Trlbnd1]

I have yet to purchase an iPod. There are some positives of the iPod Shuffle.

The size: Extremely small and compact. Perfect for working out, skiing, bike riding.

The simplicity: Plug it in and start downloading, connect the headphones and go.

Quick storage: Real easy to travel and store programs from work/school to home.

Some negatives...

I just wish it had a screen for quick glances of tracks...

[muhtadi]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If he thinks it's ugly, that's okay... others will think it's beautiful, and that's okay too.

[lili]

Like the Mac mini, the iPod shuffle is a low cost way for Apple provide more choice and to attract more customers. If you like it, you decide may ‘trade-up’ to a full size iPod later. If you don’t, the shuffle is still a reasonably priced for a USB flash drive.

As the owner of a hard-drive based iPod photo (which I use to back up large amounts of data), I would not replace it with a shuffle. However, I would consider purchasing the iPod shuffle for use a secondary unit because of its size, weight, durability and price.

[AlphaUltima]

Ipod is a cultural icon for its simplicity and size.
Shuffle merely continues that philosophy.

I think Apple did a smart thing by getting rid of the screen when it would only be the size of a stamp anyways.

[andru]

I think apple have done a great job in advertising for the ipod shuffle. By not including a screen they have effectively generated enough interest in the whole range of iPods and allows people to upgrade when their music collection grows too big for the shuffle.

The player itself is brilliant. Small, light and easily identifiable, it will surely become the next mush have fashion accessory.

[dcmacnut]

Sure, I'll bite. My opinion of the iPod shuffle has been pretty much the same as it has been since its introduction -- a solid Apple product giving the company ample opportunity to reinvent how people define a flash player. In Asia and Japan, where flash is king, this could help the iPod gain a larger foothold. Any mp3 player does not need every feature or bell and whistle to be successful -- it needs to be simple, user friendly and fun to use. Three things that so far have defined the iPod experience.

I also read one review by Andy Ihnatko recently that made a good point about the shuffle's lack of display. He liked the fact that it left room for a set of control buttons that could actually be manipulated. For some other flash players with displays, the controls have been made so small that it was like "changing the time on a $5 digital watch."

End of opinion.