MP3 Players : Apple iPod shuffle 1GB

I received an Ishuffle as a business incentive and didn't expect to like it. I have an Archos 20Gb jukebox with about 7 GB of music on it thus far and have used it for at least a year.

I hooked up the iShuffle just to play around with it, using my Archos jukebox as my music library. I love the iShuffle. I carry it around all the time and listen to it on the train going to work and at work. It is so light. I thought the lack of screen would make this just a novelty item, but I actually enjoy it. I loaded all my favorites from my library and set the iShuffle on shuffle mode and just play all day.

I found the iTunes interface for loading music very easy and intuitive. I created a Favorites list and the ishuffle updates from that list each time I connect. I don't seem to care (so far) that I can't see the name of the current or next song.

I had trouble charging the thing at first and had to break out the manual to figure it out. The USB port on my laptop wasn't charging the device and I had to use the USB part on my desktop. Hide Full Review

People are reporting problems with these devices, look at the (flooded) Apple discussion boards where people are reporting issues. Connecting the device to Windows computers is proving troublesome ot impossible for many users. The device is reported to emit odd chirping noises during music for those who do get it to work, and some people are reporting the device missing or removing files mysteriously.

It seems Apple may have released this device before the bugs were worked out. Hide Full Review

Well, they always say you get what you paid for - in this case it was a great buy. A great go anywhere product that serves the purpose it was bought for. Delivers the music you want when you want it!

Sure it has no display, but heck you choose what goes in it so by golly should know what is playing and isn't that a joy, even when sometimes at first you may forget the name of the song - it will surely come back to you. Sound quality was superb. (On a beer budget, you get a Heineken).

My small beef (just a bite) is the absence of colour choices. Sterile white what a downer - coupled with those dinky looking earphones! An Apple slip, or shades of slowly Microsofting............... Hide Full Review

You know the old story about the Emperor with no clothes?
Everyone was in denial. This is what I think is happening with the shuffle by apple. I wont call it an iPod because I used to have an iPod ( 2g) that was pretty good. The shuffle is not cool looking like most apple products. It looks ugly and sterile and imo stupid. But lets move on from the looks. It doesnt have a screen and its shuffles the music or plays a list. Wow. What can I say... There is nothing to it and it has no identity.The shuffle is rediculous but will sell well because its made by apple and has the hype. Almost any other flash player would be a better choice and they are coming down in price now. The sound in the shuffle is mediocre at best-- some of the players have chirps inbetween songs --and there are a few other bugs or mistakes. Apple will probably fix them so that's no uncommon with a new product and no reason to not buy one eventually. However, they cant fix the fact that the shuffle is a gimmick ( life is random, etc). Great for apple but not so great for the mp3 player universe.
I hate to give an apple product a poor rating but I refuse to fall for this bare bones design to save money and make a profit. I am not bashing this product, just attempting to cut through the baloney. If it was the first flash player in the world, then maybe it would be worthy of the iPod name. In fact though, the shuffle is a gimmick with 6 year old technology that doesnt have exceptional sound or value. Hide Full Review