Whilst this has been replaced with the newer model I consider this mp3 to be better in certain cases.

Possibly one of the smallest mp3 players you will find, it provides enough space that it is possible to listen for a few hours without repeating yet isn't too difficult to skip through to certain tracks. I haven't often filled up the device and usually carry 100 to 200 songs on it although I'm sure you can fit on much more. It is also possible to copy files over in a particular order using iTunes.

Some people love using iTunes and some people detest it but it is necessary to install iTunes to be able to use this iPod. There may be some workarounds available online but nothing that I've come across.

The device comes with a small adapter to connect to a USB port. I find this just fine for charging and copying files over (charging takes up to 6 hours but lasts me for weeks!). This isn't an mp3 player to use as a USB stick though.

The Shuffle is a perfect size for running (how I mostly use it) and for grabbing for any long train journeys. It is incredibly lightweight and won't the clip is very strong and doesn't detach very easy.

The user interface is relatively straightforward and if you are comfortable using other mp3 devices then it shouldn't be too difficult. If you are a bit of a technophobe then you may find the device starts doing unexpected things and flashing it's little LED at you. This is because of the limited number of buttons, the device uses certain combinations and long presses, such as holding the play/pause button for 3 seconds to lock the player.

The Shuffle does come with a cheat sheet of these buttons to help you in using the device which is mostly straightforward. It also details the meaning of each LED signal which is worth learning to understand what state the device is in. The LED can be seen at the top right hand corner of the device and will blink to acknowledge a press of any of the buttons. It will also glow orange when locked and flash green when paused. Overall a very handy way of controlling the device without a screen.

The iPod does come with the standard iPhone headphones however I would strongly recommend replacing these as not only do they not last very long but the sounds quality is poor. Something I didn't realize until buying a decent pair once my Shuffle ones broke.

One advantage over the newer Shuffle is that you are free to use alternative headphones.

Overall I find the shuffle to be a very handy device which is cheap enough that I don't worry too much about losing or damaging it. Would definitely recommend to others looking for a compact mp3 player to hold a small number of songs.