No cables or headphones
The Black Apple 2GB iPod shuffle is a surprisingly tiny MP3 player, with a generous 2GB storage capacity: enough to hold up to 500 songs. The first thing you'll notice about it, aside from its diminutiveness, is the absence of a display screen or buttons. A physical switch on the player toggles between the off, shuffle, and linear playback modes. Volume, track advance, and play/pause are controlled by a physical control button, built into the included set of ear buds.
While owners of previous versions often lamented the fact that there was no way to find out what song you were listening to at a given time this is no longer the case. This iPod talks. Its VoiceOver function reads aloud the song title and artist name. Its voice - female for PC and Tiger users, male for Mac users with Leopard & Snow Leopard - speaks 14 different languages, will recognize everything from an aria from an Italian opera to the latest J-Pop hit from the streets of Tokyo. The shuffle also uses VoiceOver to help you move between playlists.
The device itself is a bit too small to sport its own USB port, but have no worries - the cable is included. It even allows you to use the iPod as a USB flash drive. The iPod shuffle is only 1.8" tall, 0.7" wide, and 0.3" thin, smaller than the average house key. It weighs less than half an ounce. Compatible with Windows and Mac systems with iTunes, it can play up to 10 hours of music between charges.
2GB Capacity
The 2GB shuffle holds up to 500 songs - that's more than enough music for any workout. And, unlike past versions of the player you can now store multiple playlists for whatever your mood. Just sync your playlists from iTunes and when you're ready to listen make your selection using the VoiceOver feature.
Slender Styling
This svelte player measures only 0.7 x 1.8 x 0.3" and weighs less than half an ounce - that's smaller than the average house key. When attached to your clothes you'll hardly know it's there. When you're done listening it fits nicely into your pocket or back pack, barely taking up any room at all.
VoiceOver Feature
The shuffle's VoiceOver feature reads you the artist's name, song name, playlist name, and battery life in up to 14 different languages - whichever is most appropriate for the song. If you choose, you can also set the language to stay constant, no matter what song is playing.
Built-in Clip
Giving the shuffle its status as the workout iPod would be the built-in stainless steel clip. Attach it to your shirt, backpack or just about anywhere for hands-free listening whether you're running or lifting.
USB Flash Drive
The shuffle doesn't just provide the soundtrack to your run, it can also be used as a USB flash drive via the included USB cable.
Shuffle or Steady
The shuffle switch has three positions. Flip it to the left, and you'll hear your music in a refreshingly random way. Flip it to the middle, and your songs play in order. Or flip to the right to turn iPod shuffle off.
Multiple Playlist Support
You've probably made multiple playlists in iTunes. One for your commute. One for the gym. One for just chilling out. Now you can sync playlists on your computer with iPod shuffle, and play the perfect mix for your activity or mood. VoiceOver tells you the name of each playlist, so it's easy to switch between them and find the one you want without looking.
Compatibility
The 2GB shuffle works with both Mac and Windows operating systems.