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iPod Shuffle Released
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Well some of us already have an iPod.Jookbox said:
We would be getting this to augment our regular one. Specifically we would be using the iPod Shuffe while being active such as skiing & snowboarding, working out, cycling, etc.
...and yes, there is control over the songs. It might help if you read the specs before commenting.
Sushi
The thing which has just clinched the deal for me is AutoFill. Plug the Shuffle in, wait a couple of minutes for iTunes to automatically whack some random tracks on it then pull it out and go listen Perfect. Well done Apple!
Perfect. Well done Apple!
sushi said:We would be getting this to augment our regular one. Specifically we would be using the iPod Shuffe while being active such as skiing & snowboarding, working out, cycling, etc.
Thats exactly what I was thinking of using it for the moment SJ introed the shuffle. Snowboarding mostly. I think it would be great since you dont have to worry about getting it wet or losing it.
Sir_Giggles said:
Actually, it was pretty much off.
You guys had better come back and live on the planet with the rest of us. You doofuses have got to remember some business basics: not everyone has the same needs or tastes. Just because you don't see the need for it doesn't mean that this product isn't the perfect solution for someone else...a LOT of someone elses.....
It's kind of funny, I am in the market for a flash player. I have been looking for a player which:
1) Is small and light
2) Preferably, uses replacable memory cards so I can expand the player for cheap in a couple years time instead of throwing it in the garbage.
3) Either uses AAA batteries so I can bring spares with me, or has a REALLY good battery life like the 55 hr Sony flash player
4) Has an integrated FM tuner (this is a must!)
5) Can record FM radio, line in and mic to MP3s
6) Has a display (thought this was obvious at the time, but apparently it is not...)
7) Syncs with iTunes for Windows and plays protected AAC files...
I had my hopes up for the longest time that Apple would release the perfect product for me yesterday, but what do you know --they release nearly the OPPOSITE product compared to my specs... I'm especially surprised at the low battery life, come on, only 12 hrs on a player without a screen when the Sony one WITH a screen manages 55?
Don't get me wrong, the new iPod is going to sell fantastically due to its low price, compact size and support for iTunes. It's just that I would be willing to pay much more for a player supporting all of the above... Heck, if Apple sold such a player with replacable memory it could sell for $199+++ and I would still buy it in a heartbeat. But Apple has nothing to offer for me, so I'm going to buy the Creative Muvo Micro N200 tomorrow, which takes care of 1), 3), 4), 5), 6) perfectly, but unfortunately I will have to drop 2) and 7)...
Just one last thing: How do you go about listening to audiobooks on the new iPod..? What if you accidently hit the FF/REV button while you're 30 minutes into the book, or god forbid you want to pause the book and listen to a couple of songs instead? Bummer...
1) Is small and light
2) Preferably, uses replacable memory cards so I can expand the player for cheap in a couple years time instead of throwing it in the garbage.
3) Either uses AAA batteries so I can bring spares with me, or has a REALLY good battery life like the 55 hr Sony flash player
4) Has an integrated FM tuner (this is a must!)
5) Can record FM radio, line in and mic to MP3s
6) Has a display (thought this was obvious at the time, but apparently it is not...)
7) Syncs with iTunes for Windows and plays protected AAC files...
I had my hopes up for the longest time that Apple would release the perfect product for me yesterday, but what do you know --they release nearly the OPPOSITE product compared to my specs...
I'm especially surprised at the low battery life, come on, only 12 hrs on a player without a screen when the Sony one WITH a screen manages 55?Don't get me wrong, the new iPod is going to sell fantastically due to its low price, compact size and support for iTunes. It's just that I would be willing to pay much more for a player supporting all of the above... Heck, if Apple sold such a player with replacable memory it could sell for $199+++ and I would still buy it in a heartbeat. But Apple has nothing to offer for me, so I'm going to buy the Creative Muvo Micro N200 tomorrow, which takes care of 1), 3), 4), 5), 6) perfectly, but unfortunately I will have to drop 2) and 7)...
Just one last thing: How do you go about listening to audiobooks on the new iPod..? What if you accidently hit the FF/REV button while you're 30 minutes into the book, or god forbid you want to pause the book and listen to a couple of songs instead? Bummer...
Jookbox said:
I never understand posts like this. People can be so obtuse.
Jookbox,
A few things to think about:
1. You do understand the concept of market segments, right? You understand there are people out there who are different than you and want different things?
2. You understand companies make different types of products to appeal to different segments. Do you go to the Ford website and bash minivans because you are single and don't have a family and can't understand why everyone doesn't buy a SUV or a convertible? Do you say that the only people who buy minivans are Ford Fanboys who will buy anything?
Of course not.
As hundred of people have posted here, there are folks this device appeals to. Athletes who don't need a screen. People who want an iPod but don't have a lot of money. People with small music collections. People who want an ancillary iPod to complement what you want. People who only use shuffle anyway.
Try to be a little more open minded to the world around you. We are not all the same, and we want different things. And that doesn't make you bad and other's "correct," nor does it make others wrong or "fanboys."
And pay attention to Apple and see how many of these they sell. It will be in the millions.
Of course the Shuffle isn't for everyone. I for one already have the original 5 GB iPod that I'm still perfectly happy with. HOWEVER, as an avid jogger, the heavy first gen iPod gets somewhat annoying cliped no my waistband. With that in mind, and not needing to spend the cash on a Mini or new iPod just to go jogging, I'll be forking over my dough for the Shuffle ASAP.
I love these threads afterwards. It never matters which product it is, there are always the same debates. So many comments are similar to the iPod Mini complaints, or the iPod itself, or iTunes, or the iMac, etc., etc., etc.
I love these threads afterwards. It never matters which product it is, there are always the same debates. So many comments are similar to the iPod Mini complaints, or the iPod itself, or iTunes, or the iMac, etc., etc., etc.
sfid said:
I guess you understand the reason why iPods own 70% of the entire mp3 player market right?
You need time to charge the ips too!!!
Hasn't they said you need to pluck the thing in the computer for four hours if you want to have a full charge of the battery. Why should you worry about the time need to transfer songs? They work together. Just pluck the little thing in a USB port everytime you sit in front of your computer. Don't tell me you don't need to work long hours!!!
fpnc said:
Hasn't they said you need to pluck the thing in the computer for four hours if you want to have a full charge of the battery. Why should you worry about the time need to transfer songs? They work together. Just pluck the little thing in a USB port everytime you sit in front of your computer. Don't tell me you don't need to work long hours!!!
You might want to look at the iAudio G3 or U2.sfid said:It's kind of funny, I am in the market for a flash player. I have been looking for a player which:
1) Is small and light
2) Preferably, uses replacable memory cards so I can expand the player for cheap in a couple years time instead of throwing it in the garbage.
3) Either uses AAA batteries so I can bring spares with me, or has a REALLY good battery life like the 55 hr Sony flash player
4) Has an integrated FM tuner (this is a must!)
5) Can record FM radio, line in and mic to MP3s
6) Has a display (thought this was obvious at the time, but apparently it is not...)
7) Syncs with iTunes for Windows and plays protected AAC files...
I had my hopes up for the longest time that Apple would release the perfect product for me yesterday, but what do you know --they release nearly the OPPOSITE product compared to my specs...
Don't get me wrong, the new iPod is going to sell fantastically due to its low price, compact size and support for iTunes. It's just that I would be willing to pay much more for a player supporting all of the above... Heck, if Apple sold such a player with replacable memory it could sell for $199+++ and I would still buy it in a heartbeat. But Apple has nothing to offer for me, so I'm going to buy the Creative Muvo Micro N200 tomorrow, which takes care of 1), 3), 4), 5), 6) perfectly, but unfortunately I will have to drop 2) and 7)...
Just one last thing: How do you go about listening to audiobooks on the new iPod..? What if you accidently hit the FF/REV button while you're 30 minutes into the book, or god forbid you want to pause the book and listen to a couple of songs instead? Bummer...
http://www.jetaudio.com/products/iaudio/g3/
http://www.jetaudio.com/products/iaudio/u2/
Very nice IMHO.
You can DL the manuals. Seen and used both in person. Right now I would probably opt for the 2GB G3 model since it has the replaceable battery.
Sushi
Sir_Giggles said:
Yup -- simplicity, efficiency, and design.
I for one would LOVE to have a player which syncs easily with iTunes (best computer program of all times, hands down!), but for my taste the iPod and iPod Mini are too large, while the iPod Shuffle skimps too much on the features... Here's hoping for an iPod Shuffle Pro at some later time
--but if my guesses are correct, the time iPods come with integrated FM radios will be sometime in the middle of next century or later
When you buy iPod, you are also buying into the whole iPod ecosystem of accessories. Not to mention the iPod lifestyle, which entails driving in BMWs and wearing hip clothes.
This iPod is great.
I would not have bought one if it weren't for the price, otherwise I would of waited until an ipod came out with the niche features I wanted. Plus I jog a lot and saw the sense in this device.
<RANT>All the whiners seem to be from newbs, makes this place seem like Slashdot or a windows forum related to tech support. Get real and enjoy what you have or could have, if you don't like it, shut up or build your own.
Remember, there are some people who cannot even get a decent meal in this world without an aid worker feeding them! But you're worrying about the lack of an LCD screen on a peice of plastic the size of a stick of gum?
Let's put things into perspective here...</RANT>
I would not have bought one if it weren't for the price, otherwise I would of waited until an ipod came out with the niche features I wanted. Plus I jog a lot and saw the sense in this device.
<RANT>All the whiners seem to be from newbs, makes this place seem like Slashdot or a windows forum related to tech support. Get real and enjoy what you have or could have, if you don't like it, shut up or build your own.
Remember, there are some people who cannot even get a decent meal in this world without an aid worker feeding them! But you're worrying about the lack of an LCD screen on a peice of plastic the size of a stick of gum?
Let's put things into perspective here...
</RANT>Pretty good deal!
My wife just got me a 40G 4g iPod for our anniversary and I love the thing! I ordered her a 1GB iPod shuffle. To be quite honest, I know there are a lot of complaints about not having a screen, but, I think that is way over-rated. In the end, you are listening to music and, a screen only becomes really necessary if you have a lot of it on there. With the iPod shuffle, you can't put a lot on there, so, chances are if you just click forward or rewind a few times you'll get to what you want. It is perfect for jogging or exercising. I think somebody else mentioned it earlier that this is great for working out to and the regular iPod is good for long-distance travel and just taking all your music with you.
What I was hoping Steve would say is that you can load songs from a regular iPod onto the iPod Shuffle directly, that would have been a great feature to have, so that you don't necessarily have to plug it in to a computer at all. That would have been a nice feature! Otherwise, not a bad deal. Apple has to make money like anybody else!
My wife just got me a 40G 4g iPod for our anniversary and I love the thing! I ordered her a 1GB iPod shuffle. To be quite honest, I know there are a lot of complaints about not having a screen, but, I think that is way over-rated. In the end, you are listening to music and, a screen only becomes really necessary if you have a lot of it on there. With the iPod shuffle, you can't put a lot on there, so, chances are if you just click forward or rewind a few times you'll get to what you want. It is perfect for jogging or exercising. I think somebody else mentioned it earlier that this is great for working out to and the regular iPod is good for long-distance travel and just taking all your music with you.
What I was hoping Steve would say is that you can load songs from a regular iPod onto the iPod Shuffle directly, that would have been a great feature to have, so that you don't necessarily have to plug it in to a computer at all. That would have been a nice feature! Otherwise, not a bad deal. Apple has to make money like anybody else!
My GF just ordered one
My girl friend has been saving up her money for a pb and ipod. Today she said she wants the new pod because they are small and she wanted a flash drive for school too. So this new product fits too of her needs. Plus I am glad she is getting it because she can some how break every pice of electronic that she touches if she breaks this its not going to be a lot of money to replace. Still waiting for a pb update. when do you think apple is going to update the pb line. I told her next tue but not so sure. I dont know how much longer I can make her hold off she needs it for school.
My girl friend has been saving up her money for a pb and ipod. Today she said she wants the new pod because they are small and she wanted a flash drive for school too. So this new product fits too of her needs. Plus I am glad she is getting it because she can some how break every pice of electronic that she touches if she breaks this its not going to be a lot of money to replace. Still waiting for a pb update. when do you think apple is going to update the pb line. I told her next tue but not so sure. I dont know how much longer I can make her hold off she needs it for school.
I got to play with one for a bit at macworld.
My first impressions when hearing about it were, "Damn this sucks... flash based, no screen..."
After playing with it, I got kind of hooked. The sound quality sounded good, and it was simple enough.
On draw backs are that it takes awhile to transfer songs to even via USB 2.0, and no bass/treble controls.
My first impressions when hearing about it were, "Damn this sucks... flash based, no screen..."
After playing with it, I got kind of hooked. The sound quality sounded good, and it was simple enough.
On draw backs are that it takes awhile to transfer songs to even via USB 2.0, and no bass/treble controls.
A true "off" switch
I don't know if this observation has been made, but I like that the iPod Shuffle has a true "off" switch. Unlike the regular iPod's combined "menu-play/pause" combo, I think this approach is much more user-friendly.
As for the lack of a display, I'm undecided.
On one hand, I've been an Apple consumer long enough to be cynical -- there's no display because Apple wanted to hit the price point it did and still make 50%+ profit. Nothing wrong with that, but don't insult users' intelligence and tell them they don't need it.
On the other, if you treat the iPod Shuffle as a "radio station" that's going to play nothing but songs you've "requested," then it's perfect without the display.
I tend to suspect that the issue is more an awareness on the part of iPod owners -- who are enticed by the "on-demand" nature of the device. In other words: The iPod allows the user to pick whatever song s/he wants, whenever and wherever s/he wants it. And I think the desire for that flexibility carries over to the Shuffle.
I don't know how intrusive a one-line display would have been to the design - or how much it would have added to the cost or the complexity of the device. There is an elegance to the Shuffle, though. It's very clean, and I can't help but think aesthetics - and the aforementioned greed - were the real drivers.
I don't know if this observation has been made, but I like that the iPod Shuffle has a true "off" switch. Unlike the regular iPod's combined "menu-play/pause" combo, I think this approach is much more user-friendly.
As for the lack of a display, I'm undecided.
On one hand, I've been an Apple consumer long enough to be cynical -- there's no display because Apple wanted to hit the price point it did and still make 50%+ profit. Nothing wrong with that, but don't insult users' intelligence and tell them they don't need it.
On the other, if you treat the iPod Shuffle as a "radio station" that's going to play nothing but songs you've "requested," then it's perfect without the display.
I tend to suspect that the issue is more an awareness on the part of iPod owners -- who are enticed by the "on-demand" nature of the device. In other words: The iPod allows the user to pick whatever song s/he wants, whenever and wherever s/he wants it. And I think the desire for that flexibility carries over to the Shuffle.
I don't know how intrusive a one-line display would have been to the design - or how much it would have added to the cost or the complexity of the device. There is an elegance to the Shuffle, though. It's very clean, and I can't help but think aesthetics - and the aforementioned greed - were the real drivers.
I'm incredibly glad I haven't yet ordered mine. And I'm not going to. Why?
It doesn't come with an external power adaptor! How frickin' dumb is that? Plus, they're charging £20 for it! I hate to say this, but f*ck that!
EDIT: Maybe my anger was a little extreme, but I still think it's absolutely disgraceful that they're not making it obvious. The Shuffle would really fit my needs, but not without an external charger, which I'm not particularly overjoyed about paying £20 for
It doesn't come with an external power adaptor! How frickin' dumb is that? Plus, they're charging £20 for it! I hate to say this, but f*ck that!
EDIT: Maybe my anger was a little extreme, but I still think it's absolutely disgraceful that they're not making it obvious. The Shuffle would really fit my needs, but not without an external charger, which I'm not particularly overjoyed about paying £20 for
jdawg4324 said:My girl friend has been saving up her money for a pb and ipod. Today she said she wants the new pod because they are small and she wanted a flash drive for school too. So this new product fits too of her needs. Plus I am glad she is getting it because she can some how break every pice of electronic that she touches if she breaks this its not going to be a lot of money to replace. Still waiting for a pb update. when do you think apple is going to update the pb line. I told her next tue but not so sure. I dont know how much longer I can make her hold off she needs it for school.
I'd wait for the G5 update or just go get an iBook, they are great for the money and you can buy extra items if needed with the leftover change.
Just got mine!
I had a few apple gift cards and discounts so i got a 512mb ipod shuffle for $6.50! The design is very nice; there is a little status lcd above the wheel which is completely invisible when the drive is off. I normally don't listen to radio because it annoyed me when songs I didn't want to hear came on so this is kind of like a radio of what I want to hear. I don't mind the lack of a display; the switch in the back needs a ridge but I'm used to it after a few times. It is soo light! The interface in iTunes is entirely familiar; it makes a nice complement to my now 6 month old ipod.
I had a few apple gift cards and discounts so i got a 512mb ipod shuffle for $6.50! The design is very nice; there is a little status lcd above the wheel which is completely invisible when the drive is off. I normally don't listen to radio because it annoyed me when songs I didn't want to hear came on so this is kind of like a radio of what I want to hear. I don't mind the lack of a display; the switch in the back needs a ridge but I'm used to it after a few times. It is soo light! The interface in iTunes is entirely familiar; it makes a nice complement to my now 6 month old ipod.