New 4GB iPod Shuffle

Category: Music / Video Players
Posted: March 11, 2009 03:29PM
Author: DLS2008

Apple has just released a new version of the iPod Shuffle. The new iPod Shuffle has a 4GB capacity (~1,000 songs) and has become even smaller than the 2nd generation iPod Shuffle which held 1GB of songs. The new model is miniscule in size, measuring 1.8 inches tall, 0.7 inches wide, and 0.3 inches thick. That is roughly the size of an average key! The control wheel has been replaced; however, it has not been replaced by another physical navigation method, but rather a voice now speaks to the user. The new feature, called VoiceOver, speaks the song's title and artist and can say which playlist is playing. The vollume controls have been moved to a remote that is located on the headphone's cord. On a full charge, the new model has a 10 hour playtime.

For those of you still using XP, the new iPod Shuffle requires Windows XP with Service Pack 3, or Windows Vista.

The price of the new iPod Shuffle is $79 direct from Apple.

UPDATE:

A new piece of information that has come to my attention is that the new iPod Shuffle is not compatible with third-party headphones even though it uses a standard 3.5 mm jack. An extra adapter (presumably costing ~$30) is required for third-party headphones to function properly with the new model. The adapter will include the three button dongle that is found on the headphones that are supplied with the iPod from Apple. Without this dongle or an adapter, there would be no way to adjust the volume or have the iPod talk to indicate which song is playing.

If you want to use third-party headphones, the total cost to purchase a 4GB iPod Shuffle would be ~$110. At that point, you may as well step up to the iPod Nano which costs $150; however, it holds twice as many songs (8GB of storage), has a screen, uses a scroll wheel, and has a 24 hour playtime (compared to the Shuffle's 10). So, if you already own a nice pair of third-party headphones and want a new music player, the 4GB iPod Shuffle may not be what you are looking for.

Not a smart move on Apple's part. If they keep up "improvements" like this Zunes might get more popular. That, or other off-brand MP3 players.

This is just silly... with the controls moved to the headphones, of course 3rd party products would not work out of the box. While Apple is working on an adapter, we'll see the same thing here that we've seen with every other iPod to date... other manufacturers will create headphones with controls identical to what Apple has done.

So far, the people who have been reviewing this new iPod seem to be forgetting the fact that it's absolutely perfect for runners and fitness lovers in general. My current iPod is way to big to run around with - and so is my phone. A clip-on iPod is just what I need.

That's kind of been my thoughts as well... my 2nd gen iPod works ok, but is still kind of big, and using a wheel for navigation is kind of hard while running. ;) I've even tried the arm bands (nano and iPhone), and have issues with those as well.

I rollerblade with my 4th gen iPod in the pocket of my mesh shorts (and it's in a case that adds about 1/4 inch, plus I usually leave the clip on, which adds a little more bulk as well. If I fell, I'm sure I'd be in trouble, but otherwise, I don't really find it all that cumbersome. As such, unless you don't have pockets, I fail to see how a Nano would be too big.

Most of my jogging shorts don't have pockets. :p