I think that is a bug.
It makes no sense that the computer would complain. After all the notebook negotiates whatever the speed the plugged in device can handle.
Since all ports are the same the message should read something like
"You are using a USB 1.1 device. Buy a new ipod shuffle!"
If it is just the cable would be odd too as why would anybody have a USB 1.1 cable for an ipod shuffle. Who would own such a thing.
Either-way the report is still wrong as only switching the cable not the port helps.