Apple iPod Shuffle 2 GB - My new running partner!

Author's Rating:

Pros: Compact, simple, easy to use!

Cons: No equalizer, but other than that, nothing!

The Bottom Line: 
The iPod Shuffle 2 GB is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, compact mp3 player!

Author's Review
I was looking for something small and simple that I could use while I run, walk, whatever. I used to hold my old 20 GB iPod in my hand while running because the arm band made it hard to do adjustments on the go, so I definitely needed something compact. The iPod shuffle fit that description perfectly.

It turns out that I had the exact number of Amex reward points needed to purchase a 2 GB iPod Shuffle, so I went for it - you can't beat free, right? I went with silver because I always find it to be the most attractive color for little accessories like the Shuffle.


For starters...

When I opened the Shuffle, it was the same packaging the other iPod relatives arrive in - the clear, plastic box. Inside was the dock/USB connector, earbuds, manual, and a small reference card for the lights and buttons on the Shuffle. The Shuffle itself is wonderfully small. I'm sure you've all seen at least a photo of it by now, but it works like a clip - squeeze one end, and the other "ridged" end clips onto whatever you're wearing. Other things to note on the Shuffle are the on/off button, the continuous/shuffle button, headphone/dock jack and the battery indicator. Of course, the typical play/pause, forward/back and volume buttons are located on the front in true iPod fashion. They are in the iPod round shape, but it is not a scroll dial - just designed to look like one. I find it easy to use, especially while on the go.

The first thing that needs to be done when you get a new iPod is a good charging. The iPod Shuffle comes with a small dock that plugs into the dual purpose headphone jack. It sits right in the dock while the other end of the cord connects to the USB port. The manual says that a full charge through a high powered USB port should take about 4 hours. The battery indicator doubles as a charge indicator, and flashing amber colors indicate charging while a green light indicates a full charge.


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Once charged, I loaded up iTunes and imported some mp3s I wanted to run with and synced my new Shuffle. This works like any other iPod, but the text aspects become less important because you won't actually be able to see them. Order can matter, however, because the Shuffle gives you the option of playing the mp3s in the same order you added them - so if you add an entire album, you have the choice of listening to that album continuously. If you flip the random switch, it will shuffle all of the loaded songs. I like this feature, because when I first heard about the Shuffle I figured it would only shuffle the songs. I definitely like the ability to hear an album straight through.

The 2 GB sounded small in comparison to my 20 GB iPod, but I can't imagine needing more than that for my workouts. My runs don't last long enough to run out of songs. Not to mention, I've already put over 8 full albums on my Shuffle and I have barely filled half of a Gigabyte, so I am not worried about running out of room!


Playing...

Playing music on the Shuffle is as easy as turning it on and pressing play. If you want a new song, press the next button. If you want to shuffle, switch the shuffle switch. It really can't be simpler! My only complaint is that I can't use an equalizer. I am a little anal about equalizer settings, so this is a bit of a gripe for me, but I will deal with it. It's so tiny and compact that its portability more than makes up for this feature lack.

The sound quality itself is pretty decent. Again, there is no equalizer, so you are stuck with the default - mostly level settings. I imagine most people will choose to use the Shuffle during activity, or commuting, and that they will use the earbuds to keep it compact. So, the sound quality is quite sufficient under these conditions. If I were going to use higher-end headphones I would probably want to use a player that has an equalizer so I can be an audiophile.


Running...

Clipping the Shuffle on is easy. I was worried about it staying on while doing high-impact exercise such as running, but the ridges on the clip end grip well - even onto the bottom hem of a t-shirt. I had no problem! The body of the Shuffle also seems durable. I wouldn't want to drop it, but I feel confident that it will be able to withstand a bit of wear.

As I mentioned earlier, the simple button setup makes the Shuffle very easy to use while doing other activities. The main buttons are easy to find even without looking. If you need the power button or shuffle button, you will probably have to look down, but switching between songs and adjusting the volume are very simple tasks. The earbuds aren't very comfortable, but I don't find any earbuds comfortable, so I may end up picking up some other kind of headphones.


Battery...

The battery indicator will let you know how much power you have, with green being full, followed by yellow, red and then, well, off. The actual percentages are located on the reference card so you can decide whether you have enough power for your workout, or if you need to pause for a charge. I can't say much about battery life right now, because it has yet to die on me. I usually plug it in after a run so that I won't have to worry about losing power next time.


In closing...

The iPod 2 GB Shuffle is full of good points - it's small, incredibly simple to use, and can be clipped right on. You can take it anywhere. The only bother I had was about not being able to adjust an equalizer, and that becomes a non-issue when compared to the convenience of owning a Shuffle. I recommend it for anyone who is active, and anyone looking for something ultra-portable!