Should future Shuffles have a screen?

[Surf Monkey]

This is an ongoing discussion. Let's make it a poll!

The idea goes like this:

On one hand, some people would like to see iPod Shuffle get a screen so that tracks could be displayed. Cover art could even be included. Shuffle would actually make a pretty cool little fashion accessory if it displayed a tiny stamp sized album cover. iRiver is already doing something VERY similar with the iRiver S10. Here's a cool video of it in action.

On the other hand, some believe that the Shuffle, by its very nature, is not suited to having a screen. They think that Shuffle was designed as a screenless device and that adding one would corrupt is core aesthetic and turn it into an entirely different device.

Vote! Discuss! FIGHT!!!

 

[sUPERdUCKY]

There should also be an option on the poll for an additional iPod model with screen (shuffle or otherwise) but based on the small size/simplicity....

But yes I think there should be a option of a small no-frills iPod with screen.

also that iRivier is nice ! but again does'nt mean to say Apple will be scared to compete with it and/or not see a space in the market for it.

 

[Surf Monkey]

Good point on the poll. Maybe a mod can add that option?

Yeah, that iRiver is pretty damn sexy. I like it a lot!

 

[Germansuplex]

I'm not against it having a screen, provided it doesn't take away from the "shuffle" nature. It shouldn't become an iPod nano nano, if you will. Also, adding a screen would probably cost more money. I'm not positive, but it seems likely.

 

[Daveoc64]

I don't think that the product concept would have been created without the lack of screen.

If it had a screen from the start, perhaps like a basic version of the 1st gen iPod nano then they wouldn't have needed to create the shuffle branding.

I expect that a cheap iPod nano will replace it. I don't see Apple introducing another iPod with a screen, but one that can't do video.

 

[Pretz]

Shuffle w/ a screen

i think the shuffle will come out with a screen. not a screen like the nano but a thin screen that is big enough for one line of text and it shows all the info about the song being played. (song, artist, album, genre, etc.)

 

[ReyZero]

I'd prefer it not to, keeps it thin.
Plus the one line mini MP3 players are common, I don't see Apple doing it.

 

[Pretz]

i think it might be a good idea but i don't think it would help me that much.

 

[XVI]

I think a mod should lock this thread because there are threads about it, and everytime for some reason even though someone just has this idea it's probable that a flame war will start.

 

[jasoncordelle]

Agree.

Hey Pretz...do a quick search on previous threads before starting new ones...this is not the first time you've started a multiple subject.

 

[Pretz]

i have been through two full pages of a flame war on a topic i started i just finished it by saying guys stop it and they did.

 

[Jimmy97]

The idea of a small screen just to display album art/title tracks is cool, but on the other hand would up the price by $50 or more. If however the screen was used for listing songs and picking one in the manner of the nano, then I'd go with the second option. But screenless is kind of a trademark trait for the shuffle, which adds to its title's meaning... so I vote no.

 

[ReyZero]

would up the price by $50 or more.

I doubt it would be $100 for a shuffle, maybe $10 more. Although I still don't believe they'd add one because they'd have to make the shuffle thicker to add the screen.

 

[Jimmy97]

Screens aren't cheap.
Thickness and battery life and price = doubt it.

 

[Pretz]

i agree with rey, a screen might take upp battery and the production cost but people woud'nt want to buy it if it was 100.

 

[ReyZero]

Screens aren't cheap.
Thickness and battery life and price = doubt it.

The 1 line screen would not be a full display, they'd be like friggen calculator screens
I still think the idea of it being a shuffle excludes the requirements of a screen though, the thing is pretty darn amazing as it stands.

 

[Jimmy97]

I believe the discussion thread was for a full-color one inch screen, actually, which would add to the cost considerably, especially if it's good quality. But I still believe those with need of a screen would likely go to the nano directly, and if you want a shuffle just get a shuffle.

 

[Bernardo Gaetani]

I think shuffle need to have the screen, not just to have utility, more to be a intersting competitor in market. Today I prefer a Sansa Clip or a Creative ZEN Stone with 4GB and screen.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I think shuffle need to have the screen, not just to have utility, more to be a intersting competitor in market. Today I prefer a Sansa Clip or a Creative ZEN Stone with 4GB and screen.

If you add a screen to Shuffle it becomes, for all intents and purposes, a Nano. I don't see how it makes sense for Apple to undermine Nano sales by doing that. Also, if they add a screen you can kiss the low price goodbye.

 

[Code Monkey]

If you add a screen to Shuffle it becomes, for all intents and purposes, a Nano. I don't see how it makes sense for Apple to undermine Nano sales by doing that. Also, if they add a screen you can kiss the low price goodbye.

Wow, live in Apple's imaginary world much?

You can get a 2GB Sansa Click for $40: screen, FM radio, better sound, better battery or you can get a 2GB Apple Shuffle for $70...

The idea that there is any thing low priced about the shuffle is a joke in and of itself; it's insanely overpriced by almost triple what its features justify, so adding a screen would just be making it less over priced. The idea that the nano, Apple's most advanced click wheel based iPod at the moment, would somehow be hurt by a couple of lines of information on a shuffle is beyond stupid.