Ever since the release of iPod shuffle, there has been much confusion as to the merits of this ipod series. The original iPod boasted of other features like displaying contacts, calendars, and notes; the ability to play games and to record voice notes through an external microphone and store pictures with the use of a media card reader. All of these were able to capture the high and middle end users of portable audio players. But when you close closely at the iPod shuffle, you’ll see that it was created for the lower end market.
The iPod shuffle is Apple’s smallest, easiest and most affordable audio player of the ipod series. Having storage capacities of 512 MB and 1 GB, it is not only remarkable for it’s size, price and design. It is also unique from the rest of the ipod family because of its lacking LCD display. It is this quality that makes consumers think twice before buying an iPod shuffle.
Unbelievable as this may seem, there are those who find the iPod shuffle fitting right in their lifestyle. There are those who prefer to keep low about their players and just concentrate on their music. Those consumers are the primary targets of the iPod shuffle. So despite the sacrifice in display, it is also one advantage for the device.
Stripped down of its accessories and naked on its functions, the iPod shuffle is nothing more than a simple music player. How bare is it? Aside form the lack of LCD display; iPod shuffle only has three simple toggle switches on the back for the power switch, continuous play and shuffle mode. The green stripe below the switch helps the user see what position its switch is on.
Apple’s iPod shuffle communicates with the user through two LEDs under the plastic housing out front of the player. If you don’t know what that blinking yellow light is, Apple has included an iPod shuffle “cheat card” that translate what the different blinks and LEDs mean.
Some of the blinks are fairly easy to understand. The iPod shuffle shows a steady green LED when it is fully charged. But there are times when some lights are better without it on the iPod shuffle. For example, the only way to know if the unit is activated is to plug it in. Unless you’re sure to turn the iPod shuffle off when not using it, you’ll soon be surprised to know that the battery is drained after being accidentally activated as pressure is applied through a pocket, purse, or backpack. There are dangers to over charged batteries too.
Now it’s not an iPod without the kind of click-wheel controller, and the iPod shuffle gives that to ipod fans as well. Because navigation is impossible with iPod shuffle, there’s no spinning wheel controller or even a Menu button. In its place is a device that includes a round controller, which offers a Play/Pause button in the middle and the four-way click ring on the outside for volume control, Fast Forward/Next, and Rewind/Back.
For the iPod shuffle to communicate with your computer, there is a USB connector on the tip of the iPod shuffle. This can also link to an optional third-party power supply. Having the connector built in the iPod shuffle has its pros and cons. It is convenient because you don’t need to bring along a cable to download music on your computer and move it to your iPod shuffle. But at the same time, you must charge the unit with your computer.
Another problem is the size of the iPod shuffle. Since it is bigger than the usual key drives, it won’t fit some computers like the Apple iMacs. In come the accessories especially made to resolve the iPod shuffle’s limitations: the iPod USB Power Adapter, the External Battery Pack and the iPod shuffle Dock. Another great feature is the ability to specify amounts of storage space on the device for music and data.
The iPod shuffle is as good as any of the iPod models. The petite size, it’s about a pack of gum, gives the user a chance to hide it under the shirt while walking along the streets. The weight of it though is less appealing. Not to mention that the lanyard for the iPod looks inadequate to support the weight of the unit.
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