Time for a Charger Shuffle? (Apple iPod shuffle USB Cable)

Member Name: Escorcio

Product:	Apple iPod shuffle USB Cable
Date:	05/11/09 (50 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great design meaning small devices and is a high quality, durable cable

Disadvantages: Can't be used with most docks and external speakers

Apple's iPod Shuffle USB Cable is the only way to sync and charge your iPod Shuffle as it uses the headphone jack rather than a 30-pin dock connector.

It's a very good idea all in all as it saves a lot of space on the device and for any charging docks, however as it's such an unusual design it means third-party accessories aren't as common as with Apple's other products.

The cable itself is similar to Apple's other cables for syncing devices to iTunes. The cable is quite thin so is prone to tangles every now and again but overall is very good. They've used the design for the new headphones making the jack port out of hardened plastic. This makes it much more durable and less prone to breakages. The cable as a whole seems much stronger and isn't showing any signs of damage unlike my frayed iPhone cable.

For anyone interested, just out of curiosity I tried to see if it would work with and iPhone, iPod Touch and Nano, but alas, it did not sync. Not really a weakness but it was worth a try.

The only main negative I can give to the Shuffle's cable is the fact that by using the headphone jack as it's connection for syncing and charging it means that universal Apple dock's and external speakers for iPods can't be used which is a shame. That said most do have an audio in port so by getting an audio out-audio out cable you can connect it to other docks/speakers.

All in all the iPod Shuffle USB cable is a great idea to help keep down the size of the device and the high quality cable means it should last a lot longer than Apple's other cables. Can't really "recommend" it, but if you have a Shuffle it's a must have.

Summary: A cool and durable cable for syncing or charging your iPod Shuffle

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