Well starting off this review I'll focus on some positives to this product.
A cool new feature has been introduced in the next generation of Shuffles that should improve your Ipod experience.
That feature is Voice-over, now in case you're not familiar with that term let me summarize it for you. Voice-over for the Ipod Shuffle means quite simple that your Ipod will speak to you!
Now I know what you're thinking "Wow now I can have intelligent conversations with my Ipod!"
Well not quite, It does mean however that you're Ipod can read out aspects of different songs such as the artist and the song name. It really helps make up for the lack of a screen and is a step in the right direction!
The smallest Ipod just got smaller, that's right you read correctly they've somehow managed to make the smallest Ipod ...well smaller! They've made this new Ipod almost half has wide and half as thick as the previous Shuffle although as you can see from the above image, the length has grown.
Another nice revision is playlist support which means that you can import multiple playlist's on the new Shuffle, this will make things a bit more organized.Okay now for the part you've been waiting for...........the negative aspects!
Well one must wonder how Apple managed to make this there smallest Ipod yet, so here's the catch.
The Ipod is almost completely controlled with the headphones! Now you're thinking "Why is that a negative, what's wrong with controlling an Ipod with you're headphones?"
Well the reason this is a problem Is that if you decided to get the new Ipod Shuffle because of it's on-the-go functionality and portability you will have a heck of a time trying to operate it.
While running instead of just being able to reach into your pocket and conveniently push a button apple decided to over-complicate things.
You will have to either stop and push the button located near your head or somehow reach up while running with your cord going all over the place and feel for the play button. This can be a lot more trouble if you're left handed as the controls are on the right ears side.
Quote from 'http://gizmodo.com/5169174/ipod-shuffle-review-2009'
"This is fine when you're sitting, but when you're running, it's really hard to hold your arm still up in that awkward position to change tracks. And when you're really tired, your arms start flailing and it's very, very difficult to not yank the earbud out of your ear when you're changing songs."
Even though this is probably one of the most annoying aspects of the new Ipod Shuffle you need not worry, I'll find something else just for you.
One thing that ticks me off about this Ipod is the plain design, I mean just looks like a rectangular piece of metal. The colour's add some variety but not much. Would it have killed Apple to spice it up a bit?
Another downside to this Shuffle is that you will be charging it a little more often than previous versions as the battery life is two hours shorter.
Well I've gone a bit crazy with this review so I think I'll wrap this one up now. The bottom line is you may just want to skip this upgrade if you were intending on something for jogging, sports, or just about anything that requires you to be moving rapidly. I'd truly recommend getting the previous Ipod Shuffle instead as it is just a lot more convenient and easy to use.
I hoped you liked my review of this Cool New Electronic, and I hope to review something else soon!
P.S. Any ideas for products for me to review would be very helpful!
