Is iPod shuffle damaging Apple's lead?

[MacBytes]

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Category: Opinion/Interviews
Link: Is iPod shuffle damaging Apple's lead? (http://www.macbytes.com/link.php?sid=20050620150145)

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[1macker1]

They'll update the shuffle, but I dont see much more they can do to it. And for a price of 99.00 bucks, I dont think it can be beat.

[iKwick7]

I don't see how it could be doing bad. In my opinion, it has a great price, its damn small, and has that apple style. Screw the screen. There are so many flash based mp3 players, with useless, not very functional screens, that cost more money.

And I know so many people that have purchased shuffles that HATE aple but just absolutely love the shuffle- its size is fantastic for use at the gym.

[mac 2005]

Seems like a heavy burden to place on such a small object like the Shuffle.

I will own a Shuffle -- but only if it...

a) moves to 2GB capacity for $149 or less (U.S.)
b) includes an LCD screen

If the Shuffle were the only player Apple sold, then I think one could make the argument that it could damage Apple's brand. Given the overwhelming success of both the iPod and iTunes and the solid sales of the Shuffle, I don't think the argument stands.

Worst case: Apple tweaks the Shuffle or discontinues it. I can't imagine anybody saying: Apple? Ew. Did you see that Shuffle thing?

[stoid]

Any product that can capture 50% of an already fairly mature market within 6 months of it's release is pretty darn impressive. Hardly what I would call a black spot on Apple's record. Certainly not as bad as the Flower Power iMac! :rolleyes:

[Eidorian]

I love my 512 MB iPod Shuffle. It's small, simple, and durable. I only need to carry 30-50 songs on it. It does that just wonderfully. I dropped it once and even that scared the heck out of me. It's just a tough little pack of gum.

[feakbeak]

I love my iPod Shuffle. I was skeptical about it at first without the screen but the size, weight and durability are great for workouts/gym. It is also useful to have around for porting files from one computer to another.

It provides a different experience than the iPod/mini because of its lack of screen and the capacity and size differences. I don't think someone who wants an iPod/mini would be happy with a Shuffle. However, I don't think direct comparisons of these two product lines work well - they each are geared towards different types of usage.

[nagromme]

Any product that can capture 50% of an already fairly mature market within 6 months of it's release is pretty darn impressive.

Absolutley--it's the best-selling flash player, so if it's a failure, what are the others? :)

Does a screen add value? Sure--especially if you have tens of thousand of songs. It also adds size, and weight, and cost, and fragility, and one more component that might fail, and complexity.

Small, light, and simple have value. Throw in the price--about the same as some thumb drives that are NOT music players--and the iTunes support including Autofill--and you have a great product.

It's not the iPod for me, but it's got a place in the lineup. I wouldn't say to no to one when I want a player so small I don't even notice it.

[JohnHummel]

My father, who swore he'd never have an Apple device, was given a shuffle after an IT event. He wound up liking it so much he dumped the Rio and got an iPod Photo.

He's complaining now about converting all of his WMA's to MP3, but I just kind of shrug and tell him I'll help fix his Playlists over the July 4th holiday weekend.

Now, to get someone to give him a Mac Mini to try....

[aristotle1990]

The iPod buisness in general is not doing too well. The iPod Shuffles have gone down from 58% market share to 52%. There are a lot of iPods on the market that are not being sold, not only the Shuffle. Demand is not that high.

[solvs]

The iPod buisness in general is not doing too well. The iPod Shuffles have gone down from 58% market share to 52%. There are a lot of iPods on the market that are not being sold, not only the Shuffle. Demand is not that high.
52% is still pretty good for something that's been out as long as the Shuffle has now. Especially with a lot of cheaper knock-offs coming out. And you're forgetting about Dads and Grads. Apple probably increased production to keep up with demand. In between the holidays and now I wouldn't expect much in the way of sales, but percentage wise they're still pretty good. And iTunes sales are still strong. I'm not too worried about it, but I'm still hoping for a new version soon.

I like my Shuffle and all, but I think it's starting to the static problem. Bought it at night of the Panther with the discount. Another reason to flirt with the sales girl at the Apple Store, but I hate to have to argue with the Genius to get it fixed. Maybe they'll be nice and just give me a replacement.