Shuffle to be Replaced by Nano?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Analyst speculation (http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/01/technology/b2_browser0201/index.htm) claims that the Shuffle will soon be replaced by a 1GB version of the Nano.

Similar rumors/speculation appeared in late December prior to Macworld San Francisco.

[Blue Velvet]

Would be a shame, if true. The Shuffle is built like a little tank and is the perfect no-nonsense basic MP3 player that can be used and abused.

I'd rather see the Shuffle form retained with a larger capacity, than see a easily-scratched prima-donna 1gb Nano.

[kenzbud]

The Shuffle has its own little niche.... They should keep the shuffle in my opinion.

[Butters]

The shuffle can't go it's one of their strongest products

a simple strong and small mp3 player is sometimes much better than a slightly bigger one with a screen thats prone to scratching and has to be intensively looked after

plus anybody who can't fill a shuffle with their iTunes library probably doesn't need or want a screen and photos anyway

[Chundles]

You know, I can see Apple doing this.

And, introducing a 256MB shuffle, I can see the catchphrase now.....

"The new 256MB iPod shuffle. 60 songs, like... 10 different ways, or something."
Oh goody....more bloody stuff to make me want to spend my hard-earned. Once, just once I'd like to see them release something crap so I can say "you know what? I really DON'T want that." Hell, I even think the socks are kinda cool/

Or maybe:

"The new 1GB iPod nano. Welcome to the cheap seats."
Actually, that'd make a sweet podcast player. Christ Apple, stop making compelling products that I can almost afford!!!

[zv470]

"Less is more"

:)

Please keep the shuffle the same, it's already perfect.

[dcv]

I only bought my 1GB shuffle on Tuesday as they'd been out of stock for a while in the UK... I'm using it for the gym so I'm not interested in a 1GB nano as those things seem to scratch/break far too easily plus I don't need the screen. I'd be slightly miffed if they were to bring out a higher capacity shuffle though as I'd prefer that, but can't see it happening.

[Mord]

you know as proven by ars technica you can abuse the **** out of a nano and it'll still function as a shuffle would, heck you can run it over with a car drop it from 12ft onto concrete it's better in every way than the shuffle, if apple sold a 1GB nano for £99 as they do the 1GB shuffle it could only be a good thing.

[hyperpasta]

you know as proven by ars technica you can abuse the **** out of a nano and it'll still function as a shuffle would, heck you can run it over with a car drop it from 12ft onto concrete it's better in every way than the shuffle, if apple sold a 1GB nano for £99 as they do the 1GB shuffle it could only be a good thing.

It functioned well, but its case was ruined. Also, the screen broke, and while that isn't on the shuffle, the nano interface assumes you have a screen. For instance, picking a song relies on using menus- which you can't see.

[Sharewaredemon]

It functioned well, but its case was ruined. Also, the screen broke, and while that isn't on the shuffle, the nano interface assumes you have a screen. For instance, picking a song relies on using menus- which you can't see.


Good point!

Plus there is something about the Shuffle that's just great, they should update it to match the current products (ie black) but I think the shuffle is great for a lot of people, and they will eventually get nano's or bigger iPods...

[Mord]

you can just press play and it'll play the libary, also if you want to turn shuffle on/off you can use the clicker to tell what your doing.

[iGary]

Bad move, if true.

My little shuffle and I have spent many countless hours doing marathons, training, working out at the gym - it's the iPod I don't mind beating up.

The nano is more like jewelry than player.

[RyuMD]

shuffles are great because you don't freak out at every drop, every scratch, etc. i used to have my old shuffle installed on my motorcycle's clip-ons so i can run the headphone wires from there, through my jacket, and into my helmet. :) ah, so durable. i guess this means i need to buy one before they run out.

[iJaz]

No!
The Shuffle is great, I love mine! I don't have to care about scratches or whatever when I'm training. I'd like a nano or a video, but I would still use the Shuffle most anyway so it wouldn't make sense to have another iPod.
However, it wouldn't be bad if they made it smaller (not the capacity but the physical form).

[Lau]

Nooo! I've promised myself a Shuffle for when I can run my off-road circuit again without collapsing in a heap. Now there's time pressure on me as well. ;)

[Loge]

If they can offer it at the same price as the shuffle then it makes a lot of sense.

[bperkins]

Bad move, if true.

My little shuffle and I have spent many countless hours doing marathons, training, working out at the gym - it's the iPod I don't mind beating up.

The nano is more like jewelry than player.

So true. Please, Please Apple do not kill it. The Nano is awesome, but imo..not as gym/workout ready as the shuffle. Light and holds enough songs to get me through a workout.

I am not as concerned about scuffing the shuffle as I would be with the Nano or my 30GB.

[cubist]

I bought a 512MB shuffle (refurb, $79) recently, and noticed that, on all the support pages for the shuffle, there is no mention of a 1GB version. It may be the 512MB version is going to be the only shuffle going forward. I like it - I got it to play songs in the car, where I can't be looking at a display.

[wordmunger]

If they can offer it at the same price as the shuffle then it makes a lot of sense.

Yeah -- if it's $100 and has a screen, what's not to like? I have a 512 MB shuffle, but I'd really prefer to have a screen -- makes listening to podcasts much easier. All the same things apply -- no big worry if you lose it, etc. Just a better product for the same price. The size of a nano is not really a problem -- it's practically shuffle-size already.

Edit: now, if they kept the 512 shuffle at, say $59, that wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

[Yvan256]

I bought a 512MB shuffle (refurb, $79) recently, and noticed that, on all the support pages for the shuffle, there is no mention of a 1GB version. It may be the 512MB version is going to be the only shuffle going forward. I like it - I got it to play songs in the car, where I can't be looking at a display.

Well, maybe the iPod shuffle will only be available with 512MB, and they'll introduce a 1GB iPod nano?

All I know is, the iPod nano can't replace the iPod shuffle for the following reasons:
- doesn't have a built-in USB connector
- bigger
- complicated interface (when compared to the iPod shuffle)

Maybe the 512MB iPod shuffle is out-selling the 1GB version 10:1 or something...

[wordmunger]

Well, maybe the iPod shuffle will only be available with 512MB, and they'll introduce a 1GB iPod nano?

All I know is, the iPod nano can't replace the iPod shuffle for the following reasons:
- doesn't have a built-in USB connector
- bigger
- complicated interface (when compared to the iPod shuffle)

Maybe the 512MB iPod shuffle is out-selling the 1GB version 10:1 or something...

Good points. I just realized, too, that the 1GB shuffle is $149. That's probably the price they'd sell a 1GB nano at. Then maybe they'd just keep the $99 512 shuffle -- or maybe bump the $99 shuffle to 1GB and dump the 512.

[emotion]

They'll both be replaced with something a little smaller than the nano which has an OLED display (like those sony 'bean' players).

Apple will be glad to get rid of the headache that the scratchy-screened nano has given them.

[iMeowbot]

The shuffle can't go it's one of their strongest products
So was the mini :)

[twoodcc]

maybe if the nano take the place of the shuffle, they'll release a new ipod to either go between the nano and the video ipod, or one bigger than the current video ipod

[Chupa Chupa]

Oh this is hi-lari-ous. Everyone mourning the shuffle. Why is it everytime Apple comes out with a new iPod everyone taunts it and then when Apple discontunue that same model everyone laments how it will be missed and that the new model doesn't compare?

Personally I liked the shuffle when it came out, but lets face it, not having a screen is a serious problem when you get to the 1GB+ level. It takes away from functionality not being able to program which songs you can listen to on the fly. Plus at $120, the $199 nano just looks like a much better deal...because it is.

The nano looks wimpy, but it's not. If you put a $3 screen protector on it and a $3 rubber case (both from AXSHOP) the nano is just as solid as the shuffle, just slimmer and more functional.

[d.perel]

The Shuffle has its own little niche.... They should keep the shuffle in my opinion.
I use mine for excercising, and if it had been a Nano, it would be long since dead. The shuffle has its own purpose, just as the others do

[geese]

One selling point about the Shuffle is that it doubles as a memory stick- I know a couple of people who bought one because of that.

You cant do that with a Nano without a separate cable.

I reckon (hope) they'll keep the shuffle, or replace it with something equally as simple and nearly chuck-about-able.

[Gasu E.]

It functioned well, but its case was ruined. Also, the screen broke, and while that isn't on the shuffle, the nano interface assumes you have a screen. For instance, picking a song relies on using menus- which you can't see.

In my career comitting insurance fraud, I'm frequently run over by cars. You can't imagine what a comfort it is to listen to tunes while awaiting the ambulance. The shuffle has just been a wonder in the way it can stand up to pretty much any impact. I don't know what I'm going to do now. I suppose I will be able to collect on the extra damage to my nano, but I'm not looking forward to the hassle of continual replacement.

:D

[Chupa Chupa]

Well, maybe the iPod shuffle will only be available with 512MB, and they'll introduce a 1GB iPod nano?

All I know is, the iPod nano can't replace the iPod shuffle for the following reasons:
- doesn't have a built-in USB connector
- bigger
- complicated interface (when compared to the iPod shuffle)


1) Bigger? Who wants a bigger player. (Jobs WAS joking at the Keynote)

2) Complicated interface? Most people want functionality. And to say the nano interface is complicated is really a strech. Sure in comparison to the no screen interface shuffle its more complicated, but big picture, the nano is pretty easy to use.

[Butters]

So was the mini :)

ah but the mini was replaced by an even mini-er ipod
if the shuffle was replaced by a new better product that would be fine just fine :) to replace it with a bigger nano though doesn't seem like the best move.

[Tymmz]

My guess is, that Apple knows the strengths of their Shuffle and they will not replace it with a Nano. I think they will redesign the form factor and have a white and black version.

[slu]

My little shuffle and I have spent many countless hours doing marathons, training, working out at the gym - it's the iPod I don't mind beating up.


Can someone please explain how an iPod, any iPod, gets beat up in the gym or while working out? Unless you are boxing or playing ice hockey, this arguement never made any sense to me.

I use a 4G 20 GB iPod when I am at the gym, and it never once got beat up. If you have a belt or arm band/clip, then what is the problem? I seriously don't get it.

I like the shuffle and I got one for my wife, but I think that anyone who thinks it would be a mistake to replace the $129 1GB shuffle with a nano of the same price and capacity is just plain crazy. You know how many of these things Apple would sell at that price?

[slu]

I use mine for excercising, and if it had been a Nano, it would be long since dead. The shuffle has its own purpose, just as the others do


Please explain how a nano would have been dead from you excercising with it? What type of workout do you do? I just don't buy it. I am not saying the shuffle isn't durable, but the nano isn't made of paper.

[nagromme]

Seems more likely that the top Shuffle might be replaced. Why remove the low end of the iPod lineup entirely? There's demand for it, and other companies would love to use that price bracket to gain traction against Apple. I don't see Apple getting out of the low end. And I don't see a Nano, color screen, chrome and all, coming in under $100.

[danny_w]

ah but the mini was replaced by an even mini-er ipod
if the shuffle was replaced by a new better product that would be fine just fine :) to replace it with a bigger nano though doesn't seem like the best move.
Yes, but the nano still can't compete with the mini in many respects (scratch resistance and capacity to name 2). I have a nano and I love it, but would like a 6GB or larger version and not having to use a case.

[redeye be]

There is room for improvement on the shuffle, but they shouldn't just nano it. Ooh, the ideas i could sell Steve ;).
But indeed, i don't see them cutting the lowest end / cheapest iPod model. Are there figures available somewhere showing percentages of different iPod models sold?

The size of a nano is not really a problem -- it's practically shuffle-size already.
I love handling my shuffle, the nano however sits quite uncomfortably in my hand. The only way i find it easy to manipulate is when it is slightly enlarged and rubberized by a skin.

[Yvan256]

1) Bigger? Who wants a bigger player. (Jobs WAS joking at the Keynote)

2) Complicated interface? Most people want functionality. And to say the nano interface is complicated is really a strech. Sure in comparison to the no screen interface shuffle its more complicated, but big picture, the nano is pretty easy to use.

I was saying the nano is bigger than the shuffle. And yes, the nano has a complicated interface. I could use a shuffle while on a bike ride (no display to navigate, interface is very tactile and not touch-sensitive, i.e. no scrollwheel), I couldn't do the same thing with a nano.

Both are good players with different uses in mind.

[ccrandall77]

So, if they release a 1GB Nano, you'd think it'd have to be priced at $149. There's a couple of things I see wrong with this:

1.) A big reason for having the Shuffle is so there's a low-cost iPod (i.e. sub-$100). With no $99 model, I think they'll lose a lot of sales.

2.) Isn't a Nano formfactor with the color screen a bit overkill for 1GB of capacity?

What makes far more sense to me is to make the 1GB Shuffle $99 since flash prices are cheaper now than when the Shuffle was debuted. And either dump the 512MB Shuffle or price it at something like $79 or less.

-OR-

Dump the 512MB Shuffle, add a 6GB or 8GB Nano and then set the prices at:

1GB Shuffle - $99
2GB Nano - $149
4GB Nano - $199
6/8GB Nano - $249

Even though I have no interest in a shuffle for myself, I think it would be a mistake to get rid of it and maintain at least one sub-$100 iPod option.

[Mord]

I was saying the nano is bigger than the shuffle. And yes, the nano has a complicated interface. I could use a shuffle while on a bike ride (no display to navigate, interface is very tactile and not touch-sensitive, i.e. no scrollwheel), I couldn't do the same thing with a nano.

Both are good players with different uses in mind.

i can navigate songs with my 3rd gen while cycleing, now that is a feat.

[rjphoto]

Has anyone run a Nano through the washing machine?

We had a thread several months ago about the shuffle that went for a wash and dry.

After telling my sons about it one of them still did the same thing. After a day of drying out and a recharge it was fine.

Anyone want to test their Nano in the rinse cycle?

[gkarris]

So, if they release a 1GB Nano, you'd think it'd have to be priced at $149. There's a couple of things I see wrong with this:

1.) A big reason for having the Shuffle is so there's a low-cost iPod (i.e. sub-$100). With no $99 model, I think they'll lose a lot of sales.

2.) Isn't a Nano formfactor with the color screen a bit overkill for 1GB of capacity?

What makes far more sense to me is to make the 1GB Shuffle $99 since flash prices are cheaper now than when the Shuffle was debuted. And either dump the 512MB Shuffle or price it at something like $79 or less.

-OR-

Dump the 512MB Shuffle, add a 6GB or 8GB Nano and then set the prices at:

1GB Shuffle - $99
2GB Nano - $149
4GB Nano - $199
6/8GB Nano - $249

Even though I have no interest in a shuffle for myself, I think it would be a mistake to get rid of it and maintain at least one sub-$100 iPod option.

I like the above price settings, but slightly modified:

512Meg Shuffle - $59 (maybe?)
1GB Shuffle - $99
2GB Nano - $149
4GB/8GB Nano w/ Video - $199/$249

I have a 60GB iPod with Video and love it! But it is sort of "freaky" carrying around $400 ($500 if you include tax and Applecare) in your pocket that can get ripped of or lost. The battery isn't really the greatest as it's still a hard drive based player.

A video Nano would be cool, as my TV episodes are coming in at 175 Megs/each, can fit a bunch of songs and some videos for trips to the beach, on the bus, etc., without having to carry a really expensive iPod around and get more battery life...

I've seen the Nano screen and it's good enough for really on the go...

[yankeefan24]

So was the mini :)

your right. and the nano isn't as big (capacity) or colorful as the mini was. i just love the color screen of the nano. couldn't go back.

[Loge]

The article suggests it costs about $8 to add a screen. That's the difference between the Shuffle as it is now, basically a one trick pony, and a fully functional iPod. If that costing is correct then it seems like a no-brainer.

[eXan]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

Analyst speculation (http://money.cnn.com/2006/02/01/technology/b2_browser0201/index.htm) claims that the Shuffle will soon be replaced by a 1GB version of the Nano.

Similar rumors/speculation appeared in late December prior to Macworld San Francisco.

Hope they get rid of Shuffle... it sucks. As long as 1 GB nano stays around 100$, its a good idea

[henryed]

The Shuffle doesn't suck, it does exactly what Apple designed it to do. Nothing more, nothing less.

I have an iPod and a Shuffle and use them for different things. Shuffle is used when I work out. And the iPod for all else. I don't really want to carry a Nano to the gym, it wouldn't last long.

[Doctor Q]

The negative ratings are the overwhelming victor for this rumor.

[honestguy]

I can wear it under a shirt and yet control every function by the press of a button, without every having to take it out. That alone seems unique amongst mp3 players; the rest of which need the body to be held in one hand whilst twisting or pressing some miniscule button with the other.
I'd like to see the shuffle stay as it is, with an enhanced interface which allowed say five playlists to be accessed. This could be easily done without compromising it's simplicity, then I could listen to classical or a book just by pressing a function button a couple of times to scroll through the play list.

[Lancetx]

If Apple does discontinue the shuffle, I'll have to buy another before they disappear from stores to keep around as a spare for when my current one ever dies. It's still the perfect iPod for exercise and working out.

[Viewtiful Rich]

I don't have to worry about the Shuffle and I love that... it drive me nuts trying to keep a Nano unscratched since I don't like won't use cases.

[rog]

i love my shuffle. It's perfect for the gym and I never worry about it, baby it, or have a case for it. I rarely charge the battery. It just works. It's also a USB keychain drive which makes it perfect for transfering big files between home and work. They better not get rid of it. I don't want a nano. That said, the shuffle is pretty big for what it is. Seems like they could make it half the size.

[bensmom243]

I love mine, and have no concerns when I am at the beach, gym or anywhere. I also have several friends whose young children (9 or 10) wanted iPods for Christmas, they were able to buy the shuffles for a very reasonable price. I also have 2 iPods, a shuffle and a mini.

[CoMpX]

I had the 1GB shuffle for a couple of months, but then decided that I really needed an iPod with a screen and more capacity. So, I wouldn't really have a problem if they got rid of the shuffle or added a screen to it or something. Those are just my needs though, and there are many people who are looking for something exactly like the shuffle.

[maya]

Sure I am looking for something like the Shuffle, however I also want an OLED on it. I do not require a Nano, its too expensive and fragile for the amount of space it offers. If I am going to pay for a Nano I might as well buy a 30 or 60GB iPod. Having a 1-3 line OLED screen is great to even in the Shuffle form factor as it gives one "option." :)

Same price, 1GB, OLED 3 line, Black or White. :)

I only require it for short road trip to and from work plus working out at the gym. :)

[Play Ultimate]

Sure I am looking for something like the Shuffle, however I also want an OLED on it. I do not require a Nano, its too expensive and fragile for the amount of space it offers. If I am going to pay for a Nano I might as well buy a 30 or 60GB iPod. Having a 1-3 line OLED screen is great to even in the Shuffle form factor as it gives one "option." :)

Same price, 1GB, OLED 3 line, Black or White. :)

I only require it for short road trip to and from work plus working out at the gym. :)

Add the option for multiple playlists, 1-2 line screen. I'm good.

[Yvan256]

How about: Nano form factor but completely made from molded plastic (same as the shuffle), B&W display, 1GB. Same price as the current 512MB shuffle.

Edit: it's crazy how many iMac ads I keep seeing (on Discovery Channel anyway).

[ccrandall77]

I like the above price settings, but slightly modified:

512Meg Shuffle - $59 (maybe?)
1GB Shuffle - $99
2GB Nano - $149
4GB/8GB Nano w/ Video - $199/$249

...

A video Nano would be cool, as my TV episodes are coming in at 175 Megs/each, can fit a bunch of songs and some videos for trips to the beach, on the bus, etc., without having to carry a really expensive iPod around and get more battery life...


I don't think they could sell the 512MB Shuffle @ $59 yet due to the cost of materials, but I would be happy if they did lower the price to that.

I also agree that I'd love to see video capability in the Nano with closer to 8-10GB of storage. The video capability is there... versions of iPod Linux can do it and off and on I'm tempted to try it out (if only they could retain compatiblity with Mac/iTunes). The 8-10GB of flash storage, though, may require a price higher than the 30GB iPod Video or more and it might not fit in the same formfactor.

Not sure if the Nano screen is going to be good for video, but hey if it works for you, that's great. I know I'd probably use it over lunch at work.

And there's the iSee 360i from ATO LLC that's coming out in March. Get an adapter and for an extra $270 your Nano will have a nice 3.6" LCD and extra battery life for video. Too bad, though, that the software requires Windows, but they told me a Mac-version would be out in the summer.

[p0intblank]

I hope the iPod shuffle remains to be sold. I think it's a nice compact MP3 player, with no need to worry about scartching the screen or is glossy casing. The iPod nano is awesome and all, but it's sometimes not the best MP3 player to just throw in your pocket, especially without a proper case. Either way, if this does happen I could always get one off eBay. I have yet to own the 1GB model...

[rimrocka07011]

I'm currently in the market for an iPod (hopefully I can scrounge up enough cash for a black 30 GB one) and would absolutely love to see a black iPod Shuffle with 1 GB capacity. The Shuffle is perfect for the gym and the built-in USB connector is a very nice feature. Also, like many have reiterated before me, the Shuffle is the one iPod that people don't have to baby around like the scratch-magnet Nano and regular iPod... the Shuffle's minimalist design and functionality is great, and Apple would surely dissapoint a large market segment if they discontinued the iPod Shuffle.

[slu]

I don't really want to carry a Nano to the gym, it wouldn't last long.

No one seems to want to answer this, or they can't, but why wouldn't a nano last long at the gym? I don't get it.

[rog]

No one seems to want to answer this, or they can't, but why wouldn't a nano last long at the gym? I don't get it.

I guess it could be fine, but I wear my shuffle on a lanyard at the gym and the headphone cord gets caught on things 90% less than when I used a regular iPod. Even with the shuffle, while on machines I get pressed up against things accidentally that would crush the nano screen, probably even with a case. I also just toss my shuffle into my gym bag where it bounces around with my keys, wallet, phone, and other things which would damage a nano. My iPod used to get caught on the cord all the time and end up falling. That never happens with my shuffle on a lanyard. I realize they make a nano lanyard, but it is annoying and meant to be used with only the terrible Apple earbuds.

[ginner]

After I read this I wandered onto the Apple Store and ordered myself a current shuffle. In the event they change it and it's not a nano but something I want can I do anything short of buying another one?

[Loge]

Nanos are just fine for the gym. And I see many using hard drive based iPods too, if you don't mind the occasional skip. Plus you can have more than one playlist.

[Scarlet Fever]

i want a nano/shuffle with an annodised aluminium casing like the mini was! Then you wont have to be uptight about keeping it in the case to be safe, because it wont get scratched. It'll be tough, probably more durable than the shuffle. How cool would an USB cover look in black brushed annodised aluminium?

Just my $0.02 AUD

[MacQuest]

...why wouldn't a nano last long at the gym?

Because nano's are too skinny. They have no muscle mass and therefore have no endurance/stamina.

[steve_hill4]

After I read this I wandered onto the Apple Store and ordered myself a current shuffle. In the event they change it and it's not a nano but something I want can I do anything short of buying another one?
Not really, sometimes Apple Stores themselves are nice and exchange for the newer one if the product changes within a few days of the purchase, but you live and learn really. I know people that do not follow rumours sites and bought PowerBooks just before the MacBook Pro announcement, they must be annoyed to some extent. I will buy mine and I know if I wait 6 months I could possibly have got the same machine but with the 64-bit Core Duo. If it got announced 2 days after and was unexpected, I would be annoyed but still probably stick with the product as I know how fast they can change. If you would prefer a nano, why not pay the extra and get one?

The moral, if you want something, get it when you want rather than hang on for something better that you effectively shunned for the higher price.

[steve_hill4]

I'm currently in the market for an iPod (hopefully I can scrounge up enough cash for a black 30 GB one) and would absolutely love to see a black iPod Shuffle with 1 GB capacity. The Shuffle is perfect for the gym and the built-in USB connector is a very nice feature. Also, like many have reiterated before me, the Shuffle is the one iPod that people don't have to baby around like the scratch-magnet Nano and regular iPod... the Shuffle's minimalist design and functionality is great, and Apple would surely dissapoint a large market segment if they discontinued the iPod Shuffle.
I hope they keep the line and slim the profile a little, (to allow it to plug into the side of the eMac and other usb devices to plug in next to it if the ports are right next to another), and bring out black, but other than that keep it as is.

They are the least popular iPod, but are still selling extremely well, so why risk alienating a market segment.

[2nyRiggz]

Bad move indeed. the shuffle is a tank and the nano is a glass that cant take the bumps without being scared.


Bless

[Crikey]

If they do replace the Shuffle, I'll probably buy one before they sell out. I read a review with some pretty detailed frequency-response testing that found the iPod Shuffle has really good sound qualilty, with stronger bass than any of the other iPods or any of the other MP3 players they tested.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1777890,00.asp
http://www.machrone.net/mt/archives/2010/05/bass_performanc.html


Crikey

[EGT]

Yes, the shuffle does sound fuller than the 4th gen but the Nano and 5th gen sound pretty friggin' awesome too.

I'd like to see the Shuffle stay. Possibly a slight form factor change and higher capacity? Don't replace it with the Nano though!

[ArkabaS]

An iPod Shuffle 1 GB + OLED screen would definitely become my first ever iPod. Colors would be nice also and another button for changing playlists wouldn't be bad either. But OLED is critical for making a mainly "gym mp3 player" into a real serious mp3 player and USB stick.

[kretzy]

This has now been proven true. Good sources.

[abrooks]

This has now been proven true. Good sources.

Explain? The shuffle has not been replaced by the nano (yet?).

[thewhitehart]

Yep. Check the Apple Store. $149 for a 1GB Nano, now $69 for a 512MB Shuffle and $99 for the 1GB Shuffle. I'm going to start selling before the kiddies at ebay catch on! :D

[emotion]

I still think both models will be replaced in a couple of months :)

[Austin.xstone]

I think both models are good - and for different markets - KEEP THEM BOTH!