Tiny iPod, but why? (Apple iPod shuffle (3G) 4 GB)

Member Name: ChandlerFord

Product:	Apple iPod shuffle (3G) 4 GB
Date:	29/06/09 (11 review reads)
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Advantages: Tiny, good sound quality

Disadvantages: No display, low capacity, overpriced

The iPod family only exists as execs at Apple thought that their mp3 players were awful. Pre iPod, the majority of mp3 players were similar in design to the shuffle, little or no display, cumbersome track selection and small capacity. So why in 2009 have the company that changed all that arrived at the marketplace with a 3rd generation of tiny screenless low capacity digital music player?

Apple have stayed with their modern business plan of taking an existing product type and doing it better than everybody else, but why bring out a product that's the 4th best of their own range? I can only assume that it's to grab one little slice of the market.

For it's size, sound quality is great. Considering the dimensions, the capacity is good, but don't consider its size and it's poor. Not many music fans would have less music than this can take. Who has 1000 tracks or less? Most people will be frustrated at having to be ultra selective on what music to take with them.

Then there's the new gimmick of the voice to tell you what you're listening too... I know what I'm listening too, I bought the music! Ok it enables playlist selection... But the premise behind the shuffle range was most people don't use playlists, hence the name SHUFFLE!

I think the only people who will find this useful are iTunes customers who go running; runners need something that can be dropped or take a shaking, and iTunes customers because if non of your music is apple DRM encrypted there are cheaper options out there with a little display to select what to listen to.

Summary: Sorry Apple, this is a poor addition to the brand

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