New 4gb Apple Shuffle

[Bawx]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/11/apples-...uffle-hits-4gb/

It has no buttons, so you control it from the cord on the headphones. Worst iPod yet I think.

" Yes, Apple's cheapest iPod is now the most needlessly complex, and far from cost-effective"

[MasterC]

I agree about the worst iPod yet, functionality wise at least. What happens if I want to plug in my own headphones and not use the craptastic Apple ones? I have to buy another adapter. Not too smart in my opinion.

[gazebee_]

I think it looks horrible with nothing on the front plate. Only Apple can get away with a design aesthetic like this. I owned the 1st generation Shuffle, and that was the best one IMO; standard USB plug, amazing battery life...

[shockz]

Terrible idea with the buttons on the headphones.

Just another add-on apple will make you buy. They are really starting to get crazy with the add-ons you need for just basic functionality... computers and ipod wise.

[Brandon]

Terrible idea with the buttons on the headphones.

Just another add-on apple will make you buy. They are really starting to get crazy with the add-ons you need for just basic functionality... computers and ipod wise.

Apple business model: lets make our standard products look slightly nicer than the competition, charge people through their rear ends, then drain their pocketbooks when they realize that their new overpriced product doesn't do everything the cheaper one does with more overpriced accessories.

Thank god for Chinese knockoffs

[TurkChris]

Don't like it.

Not the cheapest.

[osirisX]

Looks ridiculous without anything on the front. Especially sitting next to the rest of the iPod lineup.

[Quillz]

This is the first iPod that doesn't "just work" if you choose not to use crappy Apple earbuds.

[evo0o]

This is indeed a step backwards. I mean, what if we want to use our own headphones?!

Why a simple button on the device itself + voice over?

[Dogan]

Already posted:

https://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?show...=745216&hl= ;)

[crazzy88ss]

I'm still so shocked apple put this out. I think it's gunna flop like the BMAir has.

[ienhz]

I'd love to see how the Apple fanboys spin this one.

Triple click to play previous track... hahahahaha!

Maybe Apple will make us use morse code to search song names by letter next.

[Ricardo Gil]

People still bitch about having another choice? There are other models on the market that might suit you better. Get those and stop whining.

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

Plus the previous model is still available for purchase.

[d3bruts1d]

IMO this iPod with the controls on the headphones is best suited for the gym or running. Have you ever tried to use an iPod wheel while running? It isn't the easiest task in the world... while the iPhone / Ipod Touch has similar control features with the headphones, they are [iMO] too bulky to be used while running.

As far as the click controls, they aren't bad... I use the click controls on my iPhone to pause & skip when I'm just lounging around.

[DrCheese]

Because of this, you can't even use external speakers anymore. (I'll often pull out my external speakers at work and plug in my ipod) Good job Apple, this is just change for change sake.

[noroom]

Triple click to play previous track... hahahahaha!

Wait, and that's only if you manage to triple-click the center button within the first 6 seconds of the song. If it's after that grace period, triple-clicking will only get you to the beginning of the song. Then you have to triple-click again within 6 seconds to go to the previous song.

6 clicks to play the previous track.

[-KJ]

This is something you'd expect from The Onion!

[Ricardo Gil]

Because of this, you can't even use external speakers anymore. (I'll often pull out my external speakers at work and plug in my ipod) Good job Apple, this is just change for change sake.

It's all about segmentation, each product for a certain purpose. The shuffle is designed for running and similar activities, not as a media hub. Am I whining because the Touch doesn't fit in my jeans side pocket? Or because the Nano doesn't have a touchscreen?

And even if you do want to use it with external speakers there's an adapter that works with everything.

[_bobcat_ Veteran]

I hate the idea of the control on the headphone wire, especially so high up and especially with such a design that prevents you from using your own headphones (unless you have more money to pay out). Oh wait .. I can't even find an adapter on the Apple website. So they are forcing you to use their crappy headphones with it .. :/

I like the design of the unit itself, it's more subtle for clipping onto clothes and such. I never wanted my green shuffle clipped outside of my pockets screaming "look at my iPod, this is the best I can afford from the amazing Apple" (even though usage would be marginally easier). I just got a classic iPod though, and I love my 2nd gen shuffle, so I won't be buying this even if they did fix the controls.

IMO this iPod with the controls on the headphones is best suited for the gym or running. Have you ever tried to use an iPod wheel while running? It isn't the easiest task in the world... while the iPhone / Ipod Touch has similar control features with the headphones, they are [iMO] too bulky to be used while running.

As far as the click controls, they aren't bad... I use the click controls on my iPhone to pause & skip when I'm just lounging around.

Well I use the previous model in the gym and I find it to work perfectly. I can imagine headphone wires bouncing around too much on the treadmill. Trying to catch the control without yanking it out of your ear would be tough I think, or is that just me? It's very easy to put your hand to your pocket/waste band and press buttons on something that is not moving relative to your body.

[_neutrino Veteran]

you will be able to plug in an external speaker or off brand head phones because they have already stated that they are going to be releasing a dongle that will allow you to plug in other headphones and speakers it will simply be the controls on a dongle that you connect other devices into.

[Quillz]

you will be able to plug in an external speaker or off brand head phones because they have already stated that they are going to be releasing a dongle that will allow you to plug in other headphones and speakers it will simply be the controls on a dongle that you connect other devices into.

So, in other words, you can't just buy a shuffle and use the headphones you already have. You have to buy a dongle for an additional $49 or whatever obscene amount Apple will charge. Because, of course, Apple couldn't be arsed just to bundle the dongle with the shuffle.

Next year's revision will be in one color and sell the clip as a "premium" for $99.

[Ricardo Gil]

So, in other words, you can't just buy a shuffle and use the headphones you already have. You have to buy a dongle for an additional $49 or whatever obscene amount Apple will charge. Because, of course, Apple couldn't be arsed just to bundle the dongle with the shuffle.

You can, just not with this Shuffle model.

[d3bruts1d]

You won't HAVE to buy an adapter... as with other Apple products, there will be companies that create headphones that include the controls. It's only a matter of time.

Besides, this is only an issue for people that CHOOSE to buy this specific iPod. Continue to use your headphones with whatever iPod (or other device) you already have.

[JahnnyBoy]

IMO this iPod with the controls on the headphones is best suited for the gym or running. Have you ever tried to use an iPod wheel while running? It isn't the easiest task in the world... while the iPhone / Ipod Touch has similar control features with the headphones, they are [iMO] too bulky to be used while running.

As far as the click controls, they aren't bad... I use the click controls on my iPhone to pause & skip when I'm just lounging around.

I'll give you that - it's best suited for running or working out; however the earbuds that Apple produces are crap - crap sound, and dunno about you, but the certainly do not stay in my ears when I am running.