Reviews for Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3 Player

Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Compact; Easy to use; Terrific sound quality; Decent battery life.

Weakness: Instructions for a novice are confusing; Personally, don't like bud earphones - they hurt; Not a lot of storage capacity (but I knew that going in).

I LOVE my shuffle!! A lot of people criticize that there is no LCD display, but to me, half the fun is being surprised at what the next song will be! Plus, if you prefer, you can transfer and play the songs in the order they appear in your library (or whatever source you choose).

The sound quality is much better than I expected. I compared the sound to my walkman cd player, and the sound systems were WORLDS apart -- I'll never be able to go back to that walkman again!

Plus, it's small, easy to carry (and conceal), and extremely easy to use. The battery life is pretty good as well.

My only real criticism is that, for a IPOD neophyte like myself, I found the operating instructions very unclear. I ended up corrupting the shuffle, and I had to call Apple's customer service for assistance. They did help me fix the problem, but getting through to them took a good 15 -20 minute wait.

The only other thing is that, personally, I don't like bud earphones - they hurt, even with silicone covers. I wish they could make them more comfortable somehow.

All in all, this is a great little sound sound system. Once I grow out of the 512MB, I'll more than likely graduate to the 1GB. But, for now, this suits my needs perfectly!

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Am I the only person who cant get this to work?

Strengths: so far...none because i cant even listen to it.

Weakness: non existant tech support.

im deployed to afghanistan and all the boys back there are picking up iPods from the post exchange. i was detered at first because of price and durability in a "hostile" environment. right now im in WA for two weeks leave. and i decided to grab one. iPods and mp3 players are new to me so i didnt really know what to buy. after installing the software, loading music files and charging the battery the "little stick of gum" wont play any music. it shows that there are files taking up space in the iPod but it just wont play any music.
i tried using the troubleshooting tips in the manual and even going online and trying to install new software. nothing happened. so i took it back to the store i bought it from and they dont accept returns on iPods. they said i have to send it in to Apple. then i took it to a pc shop and they told me the same. ill be leaving to afghanistan tomorrow and Apple says they dont send mail to APO(Army Post Office) addresses so i just got scammed out of 100 bucks. everybody else seems to be posting descent-good reviews on it but this is the first and the last apple product ill ever buy.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Size! No complicated menu, just push play.

Weakness: The OFF/SHUFFLE/PLAY-IN-ORDER button is hard to move, as well as figure out what you're choosing. USB cap cover is so tiny I almost lost it the first day.

I got this for my husband who liked my 20gb iPod but wanted his own smaller version. Then Boom! out came the shuffle. Good deal. He only listens when running and used the shuffle function on our Sony minidisc so this was perfect. And it only had 75 songs on it which was fine by him. So the 512mb can hold 120 or so, so we have plenty of room for his needs. The only thing I don't like is the OFF/SHUFFLE... switch. For one, the switch is hard to move, and the other controls are right under it on the other side, so you hit them while switching. (Tho this doesn't seem to be a prob for the hubby. Strong thumb?) The other thing is that I can't tell what I'm selecting. The switch itself is long, and doesn't really line up with the 3 choices. And the green that's revealed under the switch isn't informative enough. The hold switch on my 20gb shows orange when it's holding, so while I'd guess "Green means go" it could also mean "color means off?" Maybe it's just me. But like I said, doesn't seem to bother the user, which is really all that matters.

People complain that it doesn't "do" a lot, but it's NOT SUPPOSED TO. It serves a particular part of the market that wants an iPod, but doesn't need all the whistles and bells. And kudos to apple for making it *just* cheap enough.

And the the USB charging is odd, but if you have an iPod, you obviously have access to a computer. Just plug it in at work or home and it's ready when you need it. And you don't need to drag around yet ANOTHER cable. Tho keep an eye on the USB cover, I almost lost mine among some papers and hadn't had the thing more than 10 hours.

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I love this!!!!!!!!!

Strengths: Good battrie nice size nice volume can carry it around ur neck

Weakness: can't repeat songs can't choise what song u want to listen to with out searching it

I love my Ipod shuffle. I think it is much better than the Ipod, because with the ipod shuffle u can carry it around Ur neck. When I go pratice for softball I can run around with out having to worry about carrying around the Cd player and I don't have to worry about it skipping!! ( i hate that)

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Very small, no extra cables to carry

Weakness: No LCD, must charge through USB

To be fair, I already own a 3G 10GB iPod. As other reviewers have mentioned, I rarely glance at the LCD and figured that it wouldn't be a big deal on this player. It hasn't been. Plus, when skipping songs, no hard drives spins, saving battery life.

I've always wanted a larger USB key for data storage, and this also fits the bill nicely. Thank goodness for Apple's decision to allow the user to dedicate space for data.

I love iTunes. Some of the people giving low marks to this player because they don't like the software. Windows Media Player really pales in comparison in the ease of use department with iTunes. I've been using it since the first day it was released for Windows and have encountered no difficulties.

I have yet to charge my iPod shuffle a second time (I only use it about 1 hour a day, so far), and the battery indicator button/light on the back still shows green. So thumbs up on that. However, thumbs down on Apple not including an AC charger and charging 1/3 the price of the unit for one. Fortunately, I've found a work-around -- use a powered USB hub, such as the D-Link DUB-4. The hub will charge your iPod even if you don't have your computer on or around. Also note I haven't had problems with the USB plug's width, but I can see where some people might.

Otherwise, the sound quality is as good as its big brother, as long as you don't use the Apple stock earphones (which are okay, but not great.) Installation is simple and by the book, plus easy to use. I anticipate using it more than my full-size iPod.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Small size, easy to use

Weakness: No equalizer setting, included accessories not useful

I really love my iPod Shuffle. I use it mainly for working out/ running. I love how easy it is to program music on it and change it out. I actually really like being able to program the playlist even w/o the shuffle attached so that it is ready to add for the next sync. And I like that once the ipod shuffle syncs it is ready to disconnect. I also own a 20gb ipod, so i really like the small size and ease of use.

The included lanyard is useless and actually gets in the way when running that I end up holding the shuffle in my hand. I'm looking forward to good accessories to come out. One of the other drawbacks of no window is you cant see what song is on, how much battery is left and you can't adjust the equalizer settings. I listen to a variety of music ranging from hiphop, rock, latin, classical and it would be nice to be able to switch at least the bass setting.

Overall i love my ipod shuffle. Great price and I would highly recommend it.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: small, sleek, easy to use

Weakness: sliding switch on back is a bit stiff to move

This is a great, small Audio player.

At first, I thought Apple was on crack trying to play up the "shuffle" feature (read: lack of a screen). But, I started thinking. I have a 3G iPod that rocks (except the battery is finally starting to give up after two years). When I go running I rarely looked at the screen. I just hit next if I don't like the song. The Shuffle only holds 512 megs so it not like you load it up with a bunch of junk songs. You load the ones you want to hear and go. Funny how it's ONLY 512 megs. A couple of years ago 32 megs was a BIG deal.

I think the absence of a screen does not detract from the usability of the product. I'll still use my "big" iPod for my commute to work (hard-wired to my Alpine car audio system). The iPod Shuffle will rock for working out... once I start doing that again.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Great marketing, nice form factor

Weakness: No LCD, AAC transfer problems(copyright/DRM BS!!), No Drag and Drop of files, Did not fit in my USB port

Okay I admit it! I was taken in by the marketing glitz and the uneducated-iconoclastic "apple-holics'" recommendations. I have a Creative Zen (40G) player, and wanted something very small and portable. This may fit some peoples needs, but not mine.
I am an Windows user, and was dissatisfied that there was no "true" drag and drop using Explorer or equivalent. I do not like the intrusiveness of iTunes in the Windows environment. If there were WMA support, that would help somewhat...I like to see the Battery Meter (4, 3, 2 to 1 bars) usage to gauge how much time I have left, on the Shuffle all you get is a Green LED that you cannot see in the sunlight.

A 128 or 256 you probably can get away without the disply, but 512 or 1GB, the display is nice. I don't have time to arrange the music in the order that I think I will like...if I feel like Bossa Nova, I want to get to it, or 60's Rock I like to be able to access it then.
I sold it for about what I paid for it, and just received the Creative MuVo Micro (about the same price). Its seems smaller than the Shuffle, but has a "Display" and I can actually find songs on the 1GB player. I can play the Genre I "feel" like. And the battery life is great! And the best part: NO copyright managment, it is "true drag and drop". Plus this has an FM radio and a Line-IN record for high quality MP3 recordings (aka live-concerts etc). As you can tell, I was not satisfied with the Shuffle's limited features...
I feel like saying: "Hey, the Emporer has no clothes!!"

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Size, sound.

Weakness: Software is awful. Only one computer can manage player. Doesn't fit in my USB port.

My wife bought me this for my birthday, and I was really happy to get it. We both use RCA Lyras, and they leave something to be desired.

Apple is brilliant at aesthetics and packaging, so even when you're buying a product that is manufactured in China for all of about $10, it's still very pretty to look at. Silky smooth boxes, supple cords, etc. Apple products just feel nice, and the iPod Shuffle is no exception.

As advertised, the Shuffle is about the size of a stick of gum, and probably about as expensive to manufacture. The lanyard is nothing more than a cheap shoestring strung through a plastic cap, which clips onto the USB end of the unit. Given that I jog, this strikes me as a problem. I can already imagine the iPod coming unclipped either from bouncing around or getting snagged on something.

I know, I could just by the sport clip, but why would I want to spend another $30 on a aesthetically pleasing piece of plastic which does nothing more than correct a problem that shouldn't exist in the first place? I could just put the iPod in my pocket, but the cord is too short to allow this (I'm tall). I think for walking it would probably be comfortable enough, but running is different. With the iPod in my pocket, I can barely stand up straight without the buds being painfully yanked out of my ears, much less run.

Anyway, given that there are no accessories to review, let's move on the iPod Shuffle itself.

My wife's G5 has a USB port on the front, and the Shuffle fits into the port well enough. I have a play list that I use while running and working out, so I just dragged that into the Shuffle, plus some of the various iTunes I'd purchased.

So far so good: The headphones sound good, the iPod is lightweight, I'm good to go. I put the headphones and took a walk, only to discover that the iPod was only playing about a third of the songs I'd installed! It was completely ignoring every song I'd purchased from iTunes!

So, off to the Apple site, where I had to download a 30MB update and install that.

I got this problem fixed, and figured I'd just take the iPod to work and load it up with the songs I bought via iTunes on my Windows machine there, plus some MP3s I have on that machine.

The first thing I discovered is that the USB port on the front of a lot of computers generally won't accommodate a stick of gum. The second thing I discovered is that you can't control an iPod from more than one computer. If you want to add music to an iPod from a computer other than the one it is registered with, you have to erase it first.

Basically, the rule is, if you steal music on the Internet, you can enjoy it anywhere you please, but if you BUY it, you have to jump through flaming, spinning, razor-lined hoops suspended over a shark tank to listen to it on a player specifically designed for this purpose. I can't argue with the selection at iTunes, but this limitation irks me to no end. God forbid I should have more than one computer, or a JOB. Basically, using an iPod, I can't listen to music I purchased unless I move said music to an "authorized" computer (namely, the G5 at home), and manage the files from there. Thing is, I work for the Government, and am behind a firewall not only at work, but at home. And now I have to find a way to get these two machines talking to one another to listen to music that I BOUGHT?

Okay. Deep breath. It's just a stick of gum, right? Sticks of gum can be hacked. I don't want to have to move all my MP3's to one computer, so I'm going to find another way.

Luckily, there is a plug-in for WinAmp which allows you to manage your iPod. The only problem is that if iTunes is installed on your computer, other programs can't SEE your iPod. So goodbye iTunes. This is a good thing, except that I've now basically had to find a hack to listen to my own music. Plus, if I buy music through iTunes, I have to use iTunes to get it on my player, but I had to uninstall iTunes to get music on my player from more than one source. Anyway, you see where I'm going.

The Shuffle is for novices who have never owned an MP3 player and don't know what's available. The Shuffle is basically a memory stick, but can't be used as one. It's a ten cent circuit board encased in satiny plastic. There is no onscreen display, and the order of the songs can't be controlled or organized in any way.

For those who think this product is a bargain, I recommend shopping around. For instance, I'm seriously thinking about the SanDisk 512, which has a display, an FM tuner, and voice recording, and it costs less. You also might want to check out the iRiver. Both are similarly sized compared to the iPod Shuffle.

On the other hand, I may just keep my RCA Lyra. It's not great, but it's better than a stick of gum.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Lightweight. Easy to use. Simple features. Nice to use while exercising. Easy to recharge.

Weakness: No display. Necessary to identify songs by ear. Inability to categorize songs.

I'm very happy with this product and would purchase one again. I like how lightweight the product is and like how I can use it while exercising. Because the product is relatively low cost, I'm not as worried about losing it as I would be a $250 ipod. The features are simple, which is a drawback to those who want to categorize songs. This is not for the hardcore song listener. But for someone who occasionally enjoys listening to tunes or who has no need to organize songs already on the ipod, this is not such a bad buy.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Apple brand name, small, lightweight, great quality sound. Reasonably priced. Another Apple classic.

Weakness: No LCD; only 512 mb. Not expandable. Can't individually select songs, only random shuffle. No simple button for EQ / Turbo Bass adjustment.

Steven Jobs has come up with another smash hit. Although the Ipod Shuffle lacks a lot of nice features..it will satisfy the flash player crowd. It complements the mini-iPod and regular iPod. It should appeal strongly to active people on the go and working out.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: It is a Apple that I can afford. Cute, nice white color.

Weakness: No screen

This is a really cute device, very convenient to carry. The Apple-white is also very nice. Sound quality is good. I am actually happy to have it. But for a hundred bucks, I think there are other good options for a MP3 player with screen. However, it is a Apple.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Compact, Light, good sound

Weakness: 512 mB, too wide to fit directly into some USB ports

Very simple and easy to use MP3 player, good sound for such a small device. Autofill is a great way to get to know your own song collection, especially since the Shuffle doesn't have a display.... I don't mind though, you can always look it up afterwards on PC.

Would by the 1 Gig though - I reserved part of the flash for data, so I can only download 60 or so songs. Also, the USB does not directly connect because of the placement of the USB ports on my PC laptop...

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Size, quality of sound; like most Apple products, pretty easy to operate.

Weakness: Includes earpad covers that are pretty easy to lose.

I like the Ipod Shuffle; the price for this is just right. Using the Itunes interface (I didn't try Winamp or Musicmatch to try to load items on it, figuring Itunes would be the only choice), it is easy to load music and spoken word files in AAC or MP3 onto it. Included on it was a pair of pretty good earbuds, covers for the earbuds (however, not exactly easy to install them and they are pretty easy to lose), and a lanyard. If you are not choosy about the type of music-file format, you should be pretty happy with the Ipod Shuffle. It is my first Mp3 player and probably would buy it again.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: small, lightweight, simple

Weakness: None

The iPod shuffle is lighter then a pack a gum and can easily fit in your pocket. It's design is simple and classic and very easy to use. Even a novice user should have no problem figuring out how to use the player. It's a tough product to get right now, but well worth the wait and money.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Imperceptible weight, small size, simple design, USB-charged battery

Weakness: Accessories are expensive, but they are optional and you don't need them, really.

My running buddy was touting how imperceptible the iPod shuffle is while he was "tuning in" during a long run. I am not too big into Walkman, so I really don’t know why I purchased it – other than its cool design and an affordable ($94) price at pricegrabber.com.

Well, 4 days into using it and let me tell you how fond I have become of this little gadget. I put it in my jeans pocket (because having iPond on the lanyard is kind of clunky), put it on the shuffle mode, and enjoy the unpredictability. Don’t like the song chosen? Just reach into the pocket, touch the button, and it skips to the next song (whatever it is). Like to hear the song again? Hey, reach into the pocket. It is this simplicity that makes iPod Shuffle a great little gadget. I don’t need the display window because that is now how this is designed for.

Oh, in case you didn't know (I didn't), you can use a generic earphone made for Walkman with iPod. It's not like you have to purchase an (expensive) earphone from Apple if one that comes with the unit is broken. I personally like Sony's earplug type earphone, and it works just fine with iPod. Similarly, unplug the computer speakers from the CPU and stick it into iPod, and you have the iPod shuffling and cranking the music into your computer speakers.

The only time the lack of display (lack of music control) might become an issue is if you want to listen to multiple genre of music like I do. I love listening to world rock/pop (when I am active) and classical (when I am on a long flight overseas), but pop and classical in a shuffle mode just doesn’t cut it because for me, they are situation-driven and exclusive. So, I am contemplating on getting another iPod just for different categories of music. Hey, it’s small enough and light enough.

The aformentioned buddy bought a 1GB model, and he said he put in as many of his favorite songs as he could and still came up with about only half the capacity, so I got the 512MB model. So far, the capacity has proven just right. In fact, if I want to pursue the idea of multiple iPods for different types of music, then the 512MB model just might be the better (and the cheaper) way to go.

Happy listening!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Small, easy to use, sounds great

Weakness: No display, don't really like the lanyard.

I have owned many iPods in past. Currently I have the iPod mini and now the shuffle. I definitely prefer the smaller form factor.

I got the shuffle mainly for working out. The iPod mini is small but I would like something even smaller when I go running. I find the shuffle really easy to use and it is extremely simple to transfer songs to it. I especially like the feature that allows you to add music to the shuffle playlist and then sync next time you connect the shuffle.

My biggest complaint is about the lanyard. I find it too long and kinda uncomfortable on the back of my neck. I look forward to some 3rd party clip solutions that will help with this. Also, it would be nice to have some kind of display that lets me know how much battery life I have left or which song I am on. Of course, I don't want to trade those features for a bigger shuffle so unless those features could be added to a similarly priced and size shuffle, I am happy with the current model.

On the whole, I am happy with it. For the times I want a bigger selection and the ability to browse through my music, I use my iPod mini. For working out or even housework, the shuffle rocks!!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Cool looking. Easy to use.

Weakness: None

Ipod shuffle is one of the best ipod for the money. It is such a hot product that sometime it is hard to find. I believe it will be hot item for a long time.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Small, compact, decent sound

Weakness: A rechargeable battery that is only rechargeable via the USB port. Must use apple clunky software On/off button sucks

I bought this unit after reading all the glowing reports. Now you will have the real story:
The only way to recharge the batteries is using the "high power" USB port of your computer. How stupid!! Also, what happens when the battery won't recharge? Guess what: You throw the unit away!

You have to load the songs using Apples ITunes clunky software. When loading the software, it does not allow you to install without installing Quicktime, one of the most offensive, crappy pieces of software around.

The on/off button is so hard to move up and down, I have to use my fingernail. Another stupid idea.

If I had known this I would have bought an iRiver!!

Take my advice, Go buy an iRiver. You will be much happier and have a much better mp3 player. THat is the TRUTH!!!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: small size, large capacity

Weakness: cost

This the first player I have owned. I wasn't sure if I would like it or use it much, but I'm finding I do use it and like it.

I especially like the small size and the variety that the shuffle feature provides. The large memory capacity is also a big plus - I haven't filled it up yet.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: beautiful, logical , elegant..perfect for dog walks, working out etc. Lack of screen NOT important for these kind of activities imho.

Weakness: I could make something up...but I won't ...it's a BRILLIANT product!

I am an Apple fanatic..Apple is the ONLY high tech company that consistently creates wonderful, useable products for human beings...this is such a "right" way to do the inexpensive music player, I can't imagine ANYONE buying anything else in the price range..Add the fact that it's tightly integrated with iTunes.. the expression "no brainer" comes to mind..btw, I have a 20G iPod I use in my car with an iTrip...I intend to wear the shuffle on all my dog walks (my lucky dogs, Phineas and Oliver, will be getting healthier because of this great device...me too I guess!)...buy one..you'll love it!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: easy to use, good sound

Weakness: no visual effects; hard to get

The IPOD shuffle is one of the best, easiest to use mp3 player to use. It is clear, easy to download songs. I found it hard to get in the first place because the product has limited production.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Size,weight,ease of use.

Weakness: none

IMHO, Apple nailed this little gem. Gone are the days of bulky cd/neoprene belts. It's hard to image using else at the gym.
I throw it down the inside of my shirt, bring up the head sets and away you go. Push a few easy to find buttons on your chest and you’re done, life is good.
Personally, I could care less whether there's a display. I drive my desk speakers at work with it, and then pop it into my gym bag - done deal.
I get home rearrange the music a bit, and it starts all over again. Dinging the product for lack of a display is ludicrous, especially when it’s a fraction of the price of its siblings. Steve Jobs and the folks at Apple hit this one out of the park!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Tiny Size, color, very stylish

Weakness: Tiny buttons

Apple were not stretching the truth when they said that this thing is tiny!!....what a great design; so much in so little space...and all is a oh so stylish package..

iPod rules!!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Small. Good Style.

Weakness: No LCD. Crap software. Overpriced.

The first look on this was really impressive. Very small, I mean VERY small. I always like the design idea of Apple, and this is one more. However, I found out it is really inconvenient without a LCD. And the iTune software is just as crap as somebody mentioned. The battery has to be charged through USB port which means once your ipod shuffle run out of battery and you don't happen to have a computer beside you, then you will be totally screwed....
Anyway, the price is also too high. You could buy a very decent iriver with a lot more function cheaper than this.
But still, as I said, the design of Apple is still on the edge now, and if you want to buy this, you won't regret.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: very beautiful

Weakness: no LCD

Maybe lack of LCD is the weakness, but i always like to listen to music randomly. And i just listened to the music, i don't need any other features. Shuffle is a good choice for me. Simple to use, good sounds.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Small size, fashion design

Weakness: NO LCD. Weak software. No replacable battery. Overpriced.

I always wish to have a IPOD shuffle. So the first thing I did after I found out a local store carry it was go there and buy one. After playing with it a while, I have to admit the design and style is very impressive which a lot people mentioned already. Therefore, I just want to summarize some "low point" I have with this player.
1. It doesn't have a LCD which is very important for me to view the info. of songs;
2. The itune software is the worst mp3 organize software I have used (I owned three other mp3 players before), the up- and down-load is so wierd;
3. The battery can only be charged through USB port and the replacement is very expensive (saw some paper about the replacement of IPOD battery....)
4. $100 for a 512MB Ipod shuffle is still way overpriced. I mean come on, the sound of this is not that good anyway.

Compared to the iRiver I have, I must so I am a little bit disappointed by Ipod shuffle. It have nothing compared to iRiver except the style and appearance. The only reason I rated it as "Very Good" is because I got it for half price due to a CC I applied.....

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: size, price, AAC support (sort of... only plays iTunes AAC)

Weakness: no equalizer, must use iTunes crap software, drag and drop only works on non-music files, won't play AAC if iTunes didn't encode it

Unfortunately the iShuffle won't recognize music transferred by drag and drop. You have to use iTunes, which is a bloated turd designed to make the "Windows Experience" much less appealing - presumably to sell more Macs? After iTuning my system, it's sluggish as hell.
The iShuffle isn't spectacular either, it won't charge on some USB ports (must have extra power to the port) and there's no way to tweak the sound. iTunes equalizer settings don't work on the iShuffle, only on the regular iPods.
Nice size, but since I don't want to use iTunes - well, it's bloody useless. Fortunately eBay is full of idiots willing to pay a premium for this underpowered flash device.

Apple is aware of the AAC problem, but refuses to release a fix since "it isn't a problem, everybody uses iTunes anyways." Don't count on new firmware to relieve you of the iTunes dependency either.

Also, the headphones suck. Get an iRiver instead if you can handle the extra bulk.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Great - nice and small and lots of fun!

Weakness: The user interface could provide a bit more info - would be nice to know what song is playing.

We love it - we have the Mini Ipod and now this since both of us run. Thought it would be silly to get 2 Minis! This is great to run with - don't even know it is there. Now we fight over who gets which IPod!

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: Very nice design, super cute to carry. Good sound quality.

Weakness: The price is a bit expensive for such a device if we don't consider the Apple brand.

I am glad with it. It is very nice and attracting. Maybe "Apple" brand itself has some magic effect, at least to me. Their products are expensive though. But now I own one:) And when I bought it at the end of Jan., it is so hot that many places are not in stock yet. Luckily that I have two Microcenters in my city and I was able to get one.

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ipod shuffle

Strengths: small, convenient, and practical

Weakness: doesn't come with a standard charger. charger is sold separately as an "accessory" in Apple store, but can get one from Radioshack for cheaper.

the ipod shuffle is very convenient. it stays charged for much longer than i expected and has all the basic functions i need for an mp3 player. it's perfect for someone who doesn't wanna spend a lot of money and doesn't care for all the unnecessary perks the other ipods have to offer.

one downside is that it doesn't come with a standard charger, so u have to hook it up to your computer's usb in order to charge it. which means you'd have to leave your computer on for a few hours.

but if the shuffle's usb doesn't fit on your computer then you'll have to buy a 2.0 usb extention cord for $25 or an Apple charger for $30. i was able to get a really good knockoff charger from Radioshack for $20.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Strengths: none

Weakness: It does not work. It has a counterfit serial number.

I purchased an ipod shuffle for my 7 year old daughter. It's about all she wanted for Christmas. When we contacted apple to ask why the music wouldn't download, they informed us that the serial number was counterfit. In other words it is a fake ipod shuffle. I am in the process of contacting vtshotdeals, however there is no phone number. Only e-mail. Convenient, isn't it? Well, we are hoping for the best, but right now we are not very happy.

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A Poor Investment

Strengths: size

Weakness: durability, warranty, ease of use

I purchased the shuffle for my son last Christmas. He loved it, except he couldn't see the titles of the songs (they were from my library, so he didn't always know what he was listening to). We also had a hard time figuring out how to load it manually, so he couldn't make sure his favorite songs were included. A couple months ago he complained that it wouldn't work. We tried several things, including charging the battery and restoring the settings but nothing worked. We called for a repair, as it was still under warranty, but in order to have it fixed we had to pay $31.00 "shipping and handling." This "shipping" charge amounted to a third of the purchase price for an item that could fit in a legal envelope. He has asked for a nano this year, but Apple will not get any more of my money. I'm going back to buying cds. At least I own them and can play them on anything I want.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

I bought this for my 9 year old, its been awesome! He's even gotten it wet this week, and its fine. Now he's just like mom.

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i love dis

Strengths: its as loud as all the other ipods soo small fits in your pocket and battery lasts soo long and can drop it and it wont break easily

Weakness: unless you out the songs in certin order you have to keep searching f0r a song also sometimes shuts off by itself

i love dis thing i had a regualr ipod and i dropped it twice by accident and it didnt work so i bought dis the headfones stay in so when it falls the ipod stays conneted i love dis thing!!!

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Good luck to those of you who bought an ipod

Strengths: small, light

Weakness: non existent tech support

I received the shuffle for Christmas and enjoyed it for the month that I could use it. It's April and my ipod is still sitting in a warehouse somewhere. I call religiously on the days they tell me to, but still no ipod. They are apparently waiting for a part. Customer service is unable to offer anything except a bunch of case numbers and random "expected" delivery dates. If you get the flashing amber and green light, you'd have better luck letting it sit in your own closet.

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ill be awhile before i get another apple product!

Strengths: sleek design

Weakness: poor compatiblity (itunes), poor default settings on itunes, no lcd, earplugs fall out

i have been a dedicated pc user for years, but was purchased an ipod shuffle and decided to see what all this buzz was about. i have to say that the shuffle has a sleek design and the circular dial is ergonomically great. but i it leaves alot to desire.

first, itunes (required for song upload) is not backward compatible to windows 2000 sp2, even though this platform is great and still widely used.

second, once i got onto itunes, i could not download my mp3's on cd directly into the ipod. i had to load them into my hard drive first.

third, the default settings of itunes automatically upload new songs into the ipod UPON placement into the usb slot, wiping out all your previous songs. i wonder if the genuises at apple had thought that i might just want to use the usb to CHARGE the ipod, since this is the only way to do so.

fourth, the transfer rate of usb 1.1 is painfully slow for a 512 mb stick, good thing i didnt get the 1gb.

fifth, i was bombarded by advertisements and promotional material trying to get me to buy itunes songs for .99 a pop, which btw, i have heard are not the same quality as audio converted files. it seems that apple is bent on promoting its proprietary software and website.

sixth, the sponge earpads fall off...cmon apple, i know you guys get these devices for less than $10 in china, a little bit of quality wouldnt hurt.

overall, i find the shuffle to be an average device and itunes to be a major disappointment. i am reminded again why apple lags so far behind pc in compatibility and quality issues, and why it is used mainly by artists and faddists. itll be a while before i buy another rotten apple.

i would recommend the sandisk or iriver, which are far better devices and software for a lower price point.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1st Generation 512MB Flash MP3...

Overall, I like the shuffle, but there are a few things that I dislike. The switch to turn it on and choose either shuffle or "in-order" play is VERY hard to manipulate. The earphones do not fit tightly in the ear, the left one falls out repeatedly during my workouts, and the sound quality is not that good. It was at first, but after a couple of uses, it got scratchy. I have friends who have said that theirs are scratchy too, so maybe it's the norm. It's an OK product, but I would not buy it again.

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would tell anyone thinking of buying this that it is...

Strengths: its easy to use and download music to

Weakness: cant find free sites to download music to it

my husband was very happy to get this for xmas and uses it daily.he said it is very easy to use and download music to and is small with a great sound almost like listening to a cd from a good stereo.

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sweet

Strengths: light small cool my freands dont have it

Weakness: some friend hate it

i got my shuffle for chistmus and i hade it for 2 weeks now its friday and i was on the bus and it stooped playing whene i turned it on after i shut it of and when i push a button it blinks both green and amber lights and when i plug into the computer it wont reconize the dang thing its driving me crazy! douse any one know whats going on?

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I LOVE MY IPOD!!

Strengths: good sound, very small & light, i jus all around love it.

Weakness: I HATE ITUNES SOFTWARE!!

i love my ipod everything about it but the on/off switcher is a lil hard to move but that dosent bother me at all. but the only thing i hate is the itunes software its so complicated & ugh i just hate it. But everthing else is awesum!!!

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The Apple iPod Shuffle 512MB is one of two iPod Shuffle products released by Apple in 2005. The Shuffle also comes in a 1GB model. ... PROS: (1) compact design fits in any pocket and doesnt bulge (2) very light, can barely feel any weight to it at all (3) audio output is high definition and fills out compressed audio well (4) can handle being dropped once or twice without any problems (5) surface...

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Apple iPod Shuffle 1G 512MB / 1GB

Testseek.com has collected 41 expert reviews for Apple iPod Shuffle 1G 512MB / 1GB and the average expert rating is 76 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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Apple iPod Shuffle 512MB

Apple IPod Shuffle 512MB receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 1.16 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #193 flash drive MP3 player of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a...

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iPod Shuffle Review

This is not something that should be purchased if you dislike losing control or are prone to losing small objects...

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iPod shuffle 512MB

Apple’s flash-based iPod shuffle isn’t for everyone. People who want to pick exactly the song they want exactly when they want to hear it won’t care for this display-less iPod and its minimal controls. But other users looking for a low-priced, small-capacity player will appreciate a device that doesn’t skip, sounds good, and plays their favorite tunes with the press of a...

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