iPod shuffle Second Gen. 1 GB MP3 Player makes working out fun!!!
Pros:
Miniature sized, lightweight, can clip it securely anywhere, great sound, comes with all needed hardware.
Cons:
Earbuds could be more comfortable.
The Bottom Line:
Highly recommended as an intro to MP3 players, and a staple in my gym bag!
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
My husband received an iPod shuffle clip this past Christmas. After helping him set it up and seeing how much he loves his, I planned on getting one to use while working out at the gym. At time of ordering in April 2007, Amazon offered the Apple iPod Shuffle Second Generation 1GB player for $75. This is being sold through Target and qualifies for the Free Super Saver Shipping. Since my local Wal-Mart offers it for almost four dollars more plus 5% MD sales tax, I couldn’t pass on the Amazon deal. And by luck, maybe, my iPod arrived within a week.
What you get
The iPod Shuffle Second Generation 1GB comes packaged in a hard plastic case with earphones, USB dock, and quick start guide. Other than your computer, this is all the hardware you need.
The shuffle does NOT come with software. You can download iTunes software for free from Apple. With this software you can access the iTunes store to download music and videos (can’t be viewed on the shuffle), import files from CD and burn CD’s. I actually began using iTunes software about a year ago before even owning an MP3 player. It is very user-friendly.
1GB is stated to hold about 240 songs. If we say the average length of a song is 3 minutes, that’s about 14hrs of music (240 x 3 / 60). Even on my best days I don’t work out that long. So this is plenty for my needs.
How it works; or doesn’t
Setup is pretty simple. I’m not going to detail the step-by-step instructions because I assume you can read the Quick Setup Guide. However, I will say that setting up wasn’t quite as simplistic as the guide stated. But simply rebooting a couple times worked everything out hassle-free. Once you are connected, the shuffle will need to be charged, via the docking station, for a few hours.
There is also a quick reference for the shuffle controls. Since this shuffle is so small – about 1 x 1.5 inches – the controls are very basic; Play/Pause, Volume up, Volume down, Previous track, Next track. On the top are a battery indicator and controls for On/Off and Shuffle (random) or play in order. On the bottom is one socket to insert the earphones or for docking. Even though all these controls are really small, they are surprisingly easy to maneuver.
When iTunes is launched, and you’re connected, the shuffle should appear on the left side as a device. Once you’ve downloaded or imported songs into the library you can simply drag and drop them over. EASY! The one caveat of iTunes is to be sure to click on EJECT in the software before removing the shuffle from the dock. My husband has forgotten to do this without problem. But I believe there’s a risk of firmware corruption and/or losing data.
After I loaded up about an hour of music on my shuffle, I was ready for the gym. Other members can be seen with the larger shuffle versions strapped to their arms and such. But I really like being able to just have this miniature version clipped to the top of my pants or shirt collar. It is very unobtrusive. And the clip is very secure. It doesn't slip around.
Now that all the details are out of the way, how does it sound? Not having compared it with any other MP3 or other shuffle model, I think the sound quality is fabulous. And almost as important, to me anyway, the earphone cord is a good length. Not so long as to get tangled with gym equipment, and not so short that I can clip it only certain places.
The only downside to the iPod shuffle Second Gen package is the earbuds. They are probably a standard size but seem a little too big for my ear canal. If I run (which isn’t often or long), one or the other tends to fall out. I’m going to have to find a different style earphone.
The other downside for a consumer may be the lack of a display. Unless you have a photographic memory of how the songs were loaded, you’ll have to skip around if looking for a particular track.
All-in-all, I find the iPod Shuffle Second Generation (1GB) very useful and enjoyable. And, yes, being a “girlie girl” I did buy the pink and think it’s really cute. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles this may be a good option to start with. Even if it’s not pink.
FOTO-TRONIX.com
