New iPod "Shuffle"

[nder]

New Flash based iPods have been released. Basically, they are memory stick iPods.


Apple's latest digital music device, the iPod shuffle, is shaped like a long, thin rectangle with beveled edges. It has a headphone jack on the top. Clad in white with a grey button interface laid out similarly to the iPod and iPod mini's clickwheel. It measures smaller than a pack of gum and weighs less than four quarters. Available in 512MB for US$99, or 1GB for $149.

[willy]

funny thing is i think my friend just bought a few and selling them for $9000 i gonna check if its the same thing

[nder]

No, its not the same thing. Apple just released these today. They haven't even been shipped out to stores.

[willy]

well just heard from my friend thats its not the same thing and that the one i'm talkin about just got released yesterday and is not even shipped to the stores yet

[nder]

Um, I just told you that. It was released today, not yesterday. Just about an hour ago actually.

[willy]

no not you, i guess my friend made a mistake about the date but he got a flash drive that plays both mp3 and wma files

[nder]

Flash baed Mp3 players are nothing new. Apple (unlike another company that will remain unnamed *cough*Microsoft*cough*) does not claim to invent these stuff. They merely innovate :)

The iPod shuffle is basically an Apple branded, iTunes compatible, flash based Mp3 player. Nothing new or show stopping. But if you like Apple hardware, check this out: Mac Mini Thread (http://www.techjamaica.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=7659)

[NeGatiVe]

http://www.apple.com/ca/ipodshuffle/

The good:
Styling
Very easy to use
Complete iTunes compatibility
Charges through USB
Lots of cool accessories available- including external batetry pack
Small size
Great price for a good quality 512 or 1 GB flash-based player.

The Bad:
No display- relies on iTunes playlists and randomness.
Most accessories cost extra
No FM tuner or extra features e.g. voice recorder

But hey... why dont you be the judge

[megiddo]

yeah, the no display thing is a bummer. also if you want it to be used as both thumb drive and player, then you have to set the space to be used as thumb drive. songs will be stored separately, its not dynamic

[nder]

Personally, it would not be my first choice. But for $99 I can carry around a few of my favourite songs so why not. I wonder if Digisolve will be carrying them?

[Virus]

Looks kool and everything but i not sure if i would buy one. $150 for a gig :eusa_snoo

Better mi buy i 40g external hdd for the same amount.

[nder]

I don't think I'd got for the 1GB model. But the 512, yeah I would. Only because its cheap though. It would make a nice gift though. Too bad my girlfriend doens't use tech Jamaica :)

[zandex]

I think Apple is cheap with features, there are other flash-memory Mp3 players on the market that offers much more features and for the less.

Take for example the Sandisk 1GB Mp3 player

Voice Recorder with built-in microphone
Digital FM tuner with 20 preset stations
Integrated LCD
AAA Alkaline Battery (1 battery for 15hrs) - rechargeable
Carrying case with armband

Now that's what I would call a really good MP3 player.

[nder]

Cut them some slack. Remember, Apple has avoided the low end market in the past. This is their first venture in. So they have much to learn.

Additionally, Apple has a reputation of keeping things simple. Waaayy simple. So they set out to make a small, cheap MP3 players. And thats what they did. The people who will but this device aren't techies like you or I. They are people who want a cheap, simple way to listent omusic on the go. Most of those that this device is aimed at won't care for a voice recorder or the like. But I'll give you the FM Tuner bit. It wouldn't hurt. And they could have added a screen. But, as I said this is new to them.

[pradere]

Apple's iPod shuffle disclaimer for dummies:
"Do not eat iPod shuffle." (http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/)

Is this a sign of the stupidity of the American public or the fact that they will sue for anything?

[nder]

Apple's iPod shuffle disclaimer for dummies:
"Do not eat iPod shuffle." (http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/)

Is this a sign of the stupidity of the American public or the fact that they will sue for anything?

LOL. It pays to read fine print. You get a good laugh. I think it's Apple blowing their own horn: so delicious looking you might be tempted to eat it?

[pradere]

I think it's Apple blowing their own horn: so delicious looking you might be tempted to eat it?

It's probably more to do with the text above saying
"iPod shuffle makes syncing a piece of cake. Cupcake, even." (http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/)

I guess they're covering themselves in case some dim-wit doesn't get it. Just think of some idiot thinking "The amazing iPod shuffle, turns to cake when inserted into your USB drive!"

Having read the whole page now, actually to do with them comparing it to a pack of chewing gum, "Smaller than a pack of gum & much more fun*"

[nder]

I didn't see that bit about cake. I think youre right then. Apple is practicing CYA (cover your, um, rear) :D

[owen]

yup its an expensive flash drive with head phone jack thats about it. not saying that it isn't cool but it still expensive.

[GodKid]

has anyone watched the entire keynote address or done ANY market research? I know I'm an Apple activist, but let's be fair.. ANYONE please list the MP3 players currently on the market for $99 THAT YOU WOULD BUY.. and compare sie and features.

Secondly.. realize that Apple has created a market for others by leaving addon development OUTSIDE of it's spectrum... so there'll be LOADS of 20 add-ons soon enough... and to be honest.. i prefer it that way.. that way i don't end up paying for something I won't use

Thirdly.. remember Apple is still a COMPUTER company... that's their goal.. sell more Macs.. so this is leverage

I checked out the Sandisk player.. it's pretty kool.. and I think I can see how they fit all that in and why apple wouldn't be able to do that.. the HUGE diff is the USB connector.. Apple's iPod Shuffle has a male standard USB connector which is a nearly third of the total size.. if it were afemale 4 or pin USB connector like the sandisk they'd have more space for LCD and radio etc... but then that would affect point 2 above... :D (and the Sandisks are 50 bucks more expensive at each size)

by the way.. peeps can pre-order from sales**at**digisolvit***dot***com

[owen]

That's right GodKid you are a Apple activist. your opinion is definately bias. the apple product looks better that's about it, you mostly pay for the brand. there is no need to going statistics or market analysis - it is a flash drive with a headphone jack.

[nder]

Apple activist or not, GodKid has a point.

[owen]

Voice record and fm radio would have been good features.

[nder]

Maybe we will see those features in iPod Shuffle v2.0

[GodKid]

hmmm.... owen.. check it out.. 1GB USB drives go for 80 or so bucks... you're paying $120 MORE (Sandisk 1GB drive is $199) for radio, LCD and voice recording... do you know the price of a digital voice recorder and radio? About $80!

...and market analysis is evrything dude, that's what tells them what they NEED to put in to compete.

Why is it that no-one minded the Creative MuVo which was a 256MB player when it was selling at $80 roughly? Come on! Be objective.

[pigeonflight]

The ipod shuffle is an amazing piece of marketing.

from their webpage:

the unpredictable new iPod. What will it play next? Can it read your mind? Can it read your moods? Load it up. Put it on. See where it takes you. Choose from pocket-size 512MB or 1G models starting at $99 and surprise yourself.

translation:
We've taken a usb key and branded it an iPod. You can play the songs in order, or you can shuffle them. We found it very challenging to find a way for you to jump to a specific song so we didn't implement that feature.

[GodKid]

lol lol lol lol lol

[nder]

And in the end, its all about marketing. Thats one reason ppl still buy Windows :)


We found it very challenging to find a way for you to jump to a specific song so we didn't implement that feature. - LOL

[megiddo]

marketing is the reason people buy lots of things, ipods, windows, theres always some brand that is rotten, but everyone still buys it.

[Kirby]

i think u all missed something :icon_idea

Time to mix things up. Meet iPod shuffle, the unpredictable new iPod. What will it play next? Can it read your mind? Can it read your moods? Load it up. Put it on. See where it takes you. Choose from pocket-size 512MB or 1GB models starting at $129 and surprise yourself.
not $99 :eusa_whis

[marlonxp]

The only thing tht would stop me from gettin one of these is the lack of a display screen

[nder]

i think u all missed something :icon_idea

not $99 :eusa_whis

The iPod Shuffle is US$99. You quoted the Canadian price which is CA$129.

[Kirby]

omg my mistake sry