Apple iPod Shuffle

As the iPod continues on the road to world domination, so Apple has released the next member of the family, the iPod Shuffle.

Available in two sizes - 512MB and 1GB - and no bigger than a packet of chewing gum, it's aimed at those who are keen to be part of the white headphone-wearing masses, but don't need the capacity, or the price tag, of the bigger models.

The 1GB model, reviewed here, holds approximately 240 songs and comes with iTunes for both Windows and Mac. To transfer tracks you simply plug the Shuffle into a spare USB port, create a new playlist, choose the songs you want to listen to and instruct iTunes to fill up the unit.

You can fill the Shuffle with songs in a particular order and play them back in the same way, or set it to shuffle mode and let it choose for you. Changing tracks is as easy as changing the playlist; the Shuffle will automatically synchronise when you plug it in. Connecting also recharges the battery.

It's extremely simple to set up and use, but the real beauty of it is the size - small, yet perfectly formed. A basic version of the standard iPod click wheel sits on the front to control your selections, while playing options can be found on the back. The USB connector can be covered by a small protective cap or connected to a supplied lanyard to go round your neck.

The only minus point is the lack of a screen, but this really didn't prove to be a problem and audio quality is on a par with other iPods.

With up to 12 hours of playback and the option to use it as a standard flash drive for transferring data files, the iPod Shuffle is set to be in high demand. At this price, we can see why.

Prices:
1GB £99 (£84.26 ex VAT)
512MB £69 (£58.72 ex VAT)

Contact:
Apple 0800 039 1010
www.apple.com/uk

Specifications:

• 512MB/1GB flash drive
• Stores approx 120/240 songs (based on 128KB aac files)
• USB interface
• Supports aac, mp3 and wav audio formats
• 22g
• 12-hour battery life
• Lanyard
• 84 x 25 x 84mm (w x h x d)
• Includes iTunes for Mac and Windows

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