The Play button and volume controls for the iPod Shuffle 3G are located on the headphone cable, rather than on the player itself. The at-best-average audio quality of Apple’s headphones has long been considered one of the iPod’s main shortcomings.
Controls on the cable limit headphone options
However, the fact that the Shuffle’s controls are on the headphone cable means that you can’t simply substitute an alternate set of headphones that you already own as they won’t be able to control the iPod.
In order to use your own headphones you’ll have to buy a special adaptor such as Belkin’s Headphone Adaptor for £15 or just bite the bullet and purchase an entirely new set of headphones from companies such as Sony, Klipsch or Scosche who are releasing Apple-approved headphones with the appropriate built-in controls. Still, at least Apple supplies a USB cable for charging and sync’ing.
Verdict
The limited choice of headphones is a nuisance, but the main aim of the iPod Shuffle is to provide an affordable and ultra-lightweight music player – and on that score it still succeeds admirably. The iPod nano is the mainstream model for Christmas, but the Shuffle should still sell well as a stocking filler for younger children or adults who want something really lightweight to wear when they’re working off their Christmas dinner down at the gym. ®
More Media Player Reviews...
Apple iPod Nano 5G |
Cowon D2+ DAB |
Apple iPod Touch |
Sony Walkman X-Series |
Apple iPod Shuffle 3G
COMMENTS
Shortcoming
The volume controls on the ear phones is one reason why I'll stick with my 2nd gen shuffle.
I use a FM transmitter and my old shuffle in car, and its perfect for the job. I can easily flick to the next track whist not distracted by a display.
No reason for me to upgrade then.
In general, this years crop of ipods reeks of fail.
@Philyboy1
"Apart from this I love mine!"
Reminds me of the old quote "Apart from that, Mrs Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?"
Stocking filler !!! lol
"Shuffle should still sell well as a stocking filler for younger children"
At £60 i think this isnt classed as a stocking filler unless of course you come from a wealthy family. Why pay £60 for this piece of fashion when there are tons of products that do the same thing for more then half the cost.
mighty mouse?
ok, you said it. i originally liked the MM, but the scroll ball IS too small and gets clogged up too easily. i took mine apart and cleaned it but weeks later, it was clogged again. now back to my microsoft mouse!!! yikes...
oh and the previous square clip-on shuffle was better, and took any headphones
I just don't get it
£45 for a 2gb MP3 player ! why would anyone pay that kind of money for that kind of functionality.
Just seen a similar player 2gb, clip (no screen) for £14 online.
If you're looking for a 2gb player with no ability to control what you play (ala shuffle) then there are seriously cheaper (and better) alternatives out there. Ones that don't tie you down to using poxy iTunes as well.
