Giveaway: The Official iPod shuffle Opinions Thread

[J. Horwitz]

This thread is the official contest entry place for iPodlounge forum members to post their honest opinions of the new iPod shuffle. One post per person. Multiple posts will be disqualified. For more info: iPod shuffle x3 Giveaway

[ElCrazon]

I think the iPod shuffle is certianly a good move on apple's part to capture the low end market. Now that they have a player in all three pricepoints, mindshare and marketshare are sure to go up. Anyway, I think the iPod Shuffle is a great idea and certianly a better "workout solution" than the iPod mini. The only real issue I have is that people that like to put apple down think ti can only play in shuffle mode and apple is not doing much to conteract this belief.

So, to sum up. I like the iPod Shuffle and what it will potentially bring to apple, plus it would go real well on our robot for the FIRST competetion.

[maduarte]

I am dissapointed that many of the features that make the other iPods appealing are not present in the shuffle: On-the-go playlists, library browsing, play count tracking, etc. That being said, it will still sell a lot because it "is" an iPod, its simple interface and its looks; it will be popular among previous iPod users as well due to its compatibility with AAC.

---

EDIT: I read somewhere that the iPod shuffle could not mark the play counts (or maybe just timestamps) because it did not have a clock. If it does, it removes a big 'but' for the shuffle. I would probably get one myself, but I drive to and from school! :-)

[El Socko]

I'll keep this simple and re-hash my comments from the other thread:

When I need to type up a quick text document, I use Notepad.

When I need to type up my resume, I use Word 2003.

When I need to listen to my current favorite playlist real fast, I use the iPod shuffle.

When I need to carry my entire music collection around, I use a 40GB iPod.

The right tools for the job.

/btw maduarte, my shuffle DOES do the play count tracking

[zip22]

its an ipod through and through. no fm or line in recording, but sweet looks and the tiniest package availlable.

i think its going to be a hit whether some people like it or not. the thing thats got me exicted is in one of the reviews, the shuffle is pictured next a purple lexar thumb drive. i owned that thumb drive, so now i feel like im upgrading the space of my flash drive AND getting an mp3 player with iTunes supprt.

i couldnt be more exctied to get mine

[stinkiedmb]

I am both delighted and dissapointed in the iPod shuffle.

I most certainly love the price point, it's ease of use, as well as the Apple-esque beauty, but the lack of screen could be too much of a lack in features. I could forsee one being very active with their shuffle, and also being very familiar with their music library that he or she would not have the need to see what is being played. The inability to rate a song on the fly would be a turn-off as well.

For a user that is very well aquianted with his or her music library, the iPod shuffle is a great low-cost option. The shuffle is much more compact and lightweight than its cousins, and because of its low price, users will likely feel less paranoid about walking the streets with their shuffle in hand, no longer fearing the drop of a $500 mp3 player.

Overall, the shuffle is a great marketing move by Apple, and it will undoubtedly be well-received. As with other iPods, despite the shuffle's lack of features in comparison to competitors, it will still flourish due to it's total ease-of-use (including iTunes integration) and of course, the iPod title.

shuffle shuffle shuffle!![img=http://images.apple.com/ipod/images/specsshuffle20050111.gif][/img]

[mrwright613]

personally, the shuffle is like a great product for me. Being a student, I have been planning to get myself a shuffle mainly because i am constantly worrying about lugging my 20gb around campus. With a shuffle i can load my favorite songs, stick it in my pocket, and not have to worry about it because of its size and durability. As for the lack of screen and most of the signature ipod features, i really think that a player this small could easily do without them, and if im walkin through the halls and just want to throw on some tunes, the simpler it is the better. Another feature that really turns me on to the shuffle is the ability to use it as a usb flash drive, something I've often found myself in need of. In my opinion, the shuffle is an extremely well made product, and i have to say that apple really knew what they were doin with this one

[enjoilax]

The iPod shuffle is a right move to where Apple's famous ease of use and amazing design come together to finally make a new afordable iPod for the masses. The brands name recognition plus cheap price tag, and easy to use software will demolish the competition.

[willij]

I like the iPod shuffle. I like the fact that it is so small. I could put it in my pocket at six flags or when I go and ride my bike. I like the idea of the lanyard. Your iPod is around your neck. It is easy to just hit a function and go. You don't have to look at it either. It is also great that I could transfer files to a friends computer easly because it uses USB. I think Apple did a good thing here. I would put my most favorite songs on it. Put it in my pocket or around my neck and go.

[intastella]

I think it's a brilliant move by Apple. It forgoes the "superfluous" features of the LCD to make it cheap and simple, and cashes in on the iPod popularity to sell a crap load of them. Plus it's just damn beautiful! Leave it to Apple to make other mp3 players with more features look dated.

[Vishalca]

The main reason why Apple is releasing the iPod shuffle is to finally capture the 29% of the Digital Audio Player market. However, the manner in which they have done so is commendable. They have established a phenomenal name for the iPod; it is definitely the benchmark. Releasing the iPod shuffle on the heels of the iPod is an excellent strategy, and will surely generate much interest in the iPod shuffle; something we have witnessed around stores everywhere. When the shuffle was released, I was first skeptical of how it would fare in consumer's minds, but after reading numerous reviews (even PC World has succumbed to the power of the iPod), it has grown on me, and I want one now! When I looked at it, my first impression was the minimalism of the design. It looked simple; I felt like I could just grab it and begin to use it without even glimpsing at the manual. When I looked at the price tag, however, my mind was made; this is unbelievable pricing by Apple, ensuring their dominance in the market. Before, people would associate Apple with high cost; now, with the iPod shuffle, that will definitely change. Perhaps the most compelling reason for technophiles to buy the shuffle would have to be iTunes. Recently, Apple announced it had sold 250 million songs. That is a massive number, and in my opinion, the ease of use of the iTunes desktop software (specifically the quick use of AutoFill) and the widespread availability of the iTunes Music Store will make people buy the shuffle as a small device to quickly fill and use for AAC tracks. The release of the shuffle has also been a very compelling way for regular iPod users to have a durable and less fragile product to take exercising. The purpose of the shuffle was clearly stated by Apple; for people to quickly load it, and take it exercising or for students or budget-conscious buyers to be a part of the iPod world. It does something that other players have been unable to do; it serves it purpose effectively, which should make it a worthy choice. The iPod shuffle fits into its specific market extremely well, so its popularity and functionality in our digital world will be inevitable.

[azgal_10gb]

I love the iPod shuffle quite a lot on both a personal level, and in admiration for what Apple has done for the iPod market as a whole.

On a personal level, the shuffle is perfect as a supplement to my 3G iPod: It's CHEAP, it's tiny, and it's virtually indestructible. It's perfect, if considered to be used as Apple intended: one-playlist operation. I load could up a playlist and start running, without fear of damaging my 3G iPod's hard drive. Nice. And since I'm exercising, I truly *don't* need a screen (and therefore, I don't want to pay for it, either!)

With regards to Apple's business plan, the iPod shuffle is even more perfect: It's a low-end iPod with dual appeal: As a supplement to larger iPods, and as an entry-level product. It's an iPod for moms, young kids, poor students, and non-geeks. Ladies and Gentlemen, the ever-popular iPod has just made it to the classification of "Stocking Stuffer."

These things are going to sell like hotcakes, for many reasons, but mostly simplicity, durability, and PRICE.

Now... to find one to buy. (or win one!!!)

[archurban]

my feeling about ipod shuffle is various. shortly after keynote, the concept and product wasn't touched my mind to buy. one major issue was that it doesn't have screen. of course, we all ipodders are familiar with regular ipod with navigation joy by clickwheel.

after then, I took time to read few review. it made me change my mind. so I was curious anyway. I gave a shot. last Monday(1/17) I got mine 512MB.

ipod shuffle seems to interpretate concept between itunes and shuffle feature in ipod. autofill is absolutely my favor. it is alwasy filled with unexpected joy of music taste.

sound quality is better than sometimes other ipod family members. it gives me deep clear in high range, rich bass in low, mid range. when I listen to music, my mind melts like sweet chocolate.

ipod shuffle itself is very minimal, simple small device. well intergration control button, toggle switch on the front, back. white color gives me more elegant, rich feel. yet, it is really touch my emotion. no gadget, or device gives me such a feeling so far. so I can say that I am in obsession.

although it has no screen, people will satisfy with little guy like that. I also expect that another fashion statement will be made under the name of ipod shuffle.

[djXiL]

I want one and will buy them as gifts and such.

The people who are complaining about no screen need only wait for Griffin or someone to develop an add on screen.

Apple is in a great position to capture huge amounts of market share and mind share, thank God for Steve Jobs!

[applemango]

Having tracked Apple's iPod-related developments for some time, I was disappointed to see the company release a product such as limited as iPod Shuffle. The company is attempting to capture a market segment that could not afford to buy a full-blown iPod. However, iPod Shuffle's limited functionality puts it at a disadvantage with similarly-priced competitive products.

Apple's brand will only take the product so far. People expecting to partake in the iPod image by purchasing an iPod Shuffle are likely to find themselves on the other side of cool when their classmates bring flashier and more full-featured devices to the school yard.