MP3 files at your convenience. (Apple iPod shuffle (2G) 1 GB)

Member Name: shuttlex

Product:	Apple iPod shuffle (2G) 1 GB
Date:	24/12/07 (158 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small, good build quality, design

Disadvantages: Requires Itunes unless you install "iPod shuffle Database Builder"

Small and compact with 1 GB of built in flash memory, the Ipod Shuffle has become one of my most frequently used gadgets. Not only does it come in handy for listening to music but also listening to podcasts and foreign language materials.

Upon first connecting the Ipod to the PC, installing Apple Itunes software is required in order to transfer MP3 files. Unfortunately, even on a Centrino 2GHZ PC, I found this software to be resource intensive and inconvenient. However, transferring a piece of software called "iPod shuffle Database Builder" to the Ipod this fixes this inconvenience, allowing you to transfer files to the directly to the Ipod.

Overall, the main appeal of the Ipod shuffle is: the size and design. In comparison, the cheap £10-20 unbranded MP3 players look cheap and tacky. With the small size of the Shuffle, simply clip the Ipod to your shirt and you can walk around without the inconvenience of having to decide where to put it.

The battery seems to last for over 10 hours between each recharge. The audio quality is impressive and 1GB provides adequate space for MP3's. The layout of buttons is simplified making it easy quickly to access different MP3's on the Ipod. MP3's can be set to play back in order or at random. Besides the initial inconvenience of the required software it is difficult to find fault in the Ipod Shuffle. It plays music as it should do, the battery lasts long and the tracks are easy to cycle through. Overall if you are looking for an MP3 player, I would highly recommend the Shuffle.

Summary: highly recommended.

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