First impressions

The iPod shuffle weighs a mere 15.6 grams (0.55 ounces), and measures just 27.3 mm (1.07 inches) high by 41.2 mm (1.62 inches) wide by 10.5 mm (0.41 inch) deep (and this depth, by the way, includes the clip). It is the ultimate portable music player, encased in robust aluminium that resists the smearing caused by dirty or damp fingers.

There's also a choice of five colours: blue, green, pink, red and silver. A range of hues may not seem significant, but if you fix your iPod shuffle to your clothes like a badge, you may want a preferred colour.

The device that holds the iPod shuffle in place on your clothes or bag, incidentally, is a clip fixed to the back. Any such clip must be secure and reliable: if you're jogging, working out, or commuting to and from school or work, you don't want to drop or lose such a tiny piece of electronic equipment. The clip on the iPod shuffle feels completely trustworthy.

Features

The main feature of the iPod shuffle is the offset ergonomic ring that has the volume, previous/rewind, and next/fast forward controls, with the play/pause button in the middle. Both the ring and button respond positively and feel good to the touch. They give you the confidence to use them without needing to watch what you're doing ' a handy ability if you're squashed amidst commuters on a bus or train.

The on/off control is neatly located on the bottom, together with the shuffle switch. This switch lets you hear your songs in random order, or listen to them in your chosen sequence.

There are two status lights on the iPod shuffle, one on the top, and one on the bottom. The different messages the lights can give you may take a while to learn, but the most important ' the battery status indicator ' is straightforward. A green light means you have a 30% - 100% charge; an amber light means you have a low charge, somewhere between 10% and 30%; and a red light indicates you have less than 10% of power remaining. At other times, the status lights tell you when you've pressed a certain button, and whether the iPod shuffle is up and running as an external storage disc. They also warn you if there's a problem.

One of the two accessories that accompany the iPod shuffle is a set of earphones. These rest comfortably in each ear and have an adjustable cable. If you're happy to use less discrete headphones, different manufacturers offer a compatible range.

The other accessory is the USB dock. The iPod shuffle slips easily into position on the dock using the earphone port as the connection. There's also plenty of cable from the dock to a USB 2.0 port on your computer.

Once you connect the iPod shuffle, iTunes appears on the computer screen. If you're already familiar with iTunes, you'll know what to expect. If not, it's worth bearing in mind that iTunes is not just software that enables you to organise and transfer music to your iPod shuffle. The iTunes Store, for instance, lets you buy songs and albums, plus audiobooks and podcasts (although many podcasts are free).

As for the other iTunes features, use them to place the content of your CDs on your iPod shuffle; put your music into playlists; create automatic music updates; arrange the order of your songs; set the same sound level for different tracks; and adjust the volume limit. In other words, your iPod shuffle may not have a built-in screen, but you can still view and control your content through iTunes.

Technology

The iPod shuffle comes in two versions. The 1GB holds around 1,000 playback minutes ' or approximately 240 songs. The 2GB model can take about 500 songs. The audio compression format that achieves this is 128Kbps AAC (advanced audio coding).

The iPod shuffle also supports further audio formats, including AAC (8 ' 320Kbps); MP3 (8 ' 320 Kbps); MP3 VBR; Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4); AIFF (audio interchange file format); and WAV (Waveform). You're unlikely to need anything else in the normal course of events.

Frequency response is 20Hz to 20,000Hz, which is exactly what you need for high quality sound reproduction.

Performance

A music player is all about ease of use and sound quality. When you start using the iPod shuffle's controls and connect it to iTunes, you will have no doubts about the versatility and simplicity of this device. When you plug in your earphones and begin listening, you also experience first class sound quality with a wide volume range. The maximum volume is so high, in fact, you may want to restrict it via iTunes.

The other key performance factor for a portable music player is battery life. Despite the iPod shuffle's tiny dimensions, the built-in battery keeps going for 12 hours. You can then charge it using the USB dock or connect it to an Apple USB Power Adaptor (available separately). Either way, you'll be 80% charged from empty in two hours, and fully operational in four.

Conclusions

Pros

• Small, lightweight and well-built




• Useful clip




• Easy to use controls




• Complements iTunes




• Good battery life




• High quality sound

Cons

• No screen, but if you're looking for a tiny, robust music player you can't have everything

About the Author:

Ben T Wilson writes about iPods, such as  the iPod Shuffle.