Grab an iPod Shuffle for $29 shipped

As an semiregular jogger, I'm gonna make a bold statement: The iPod Shuffle is the single best MP3 player for runners. I'll explain why in a minute, but for now, here's the deal: Apple has refurbished iPod Shuffles for $29 shipped.

That's for the 1GB silver model only. A blue one will run you $39, which has been the price on these refurbs for as long as I can remember.

The Shuffle comes with earphones, a dock, and everything else you'd find in a brand-new model--including Apple's one-year warranty. (The only thing you don't get is the cute little Shuffle box, but so what?)

So, why do I consider this the number one MP3 player for runners? Simple: it weighs nothing (OK, half an ounce), and it clips to anything.

Some will argue that the Shuffle's lack of screen, which makes song selection virtually impossible, qualifies it as the worst MP3 player for runners, but I always put my player on shuffle anyway. Plus, who wants to look at a screen, mess with controls, etc., when they're running? The Shuffle is plug, play, and go.

I can't imagine that these will last long, at this price, so grab yours now if you want to save 10 bucks. Seriously, a Shuffle for $29 out the door is too good to pass up.

[rickbroida]

Oh, forgot to mention: Mrs. Cheapskate loves, loves, loves her shuffle. And she doesn't go ga-ga for gadgets like I do.

[jerryravens]

While this is a good deal, I believe the Sansa Clip is a better player for joggers/gym rats. It, too, can clip to anything, but also has a larger capacity, an OLED screen, and an FM tuner for watching TV at the gym while on the treadmill, and you can get a new one for only a couple bucks more than this refurb.

[dimfeld]

I agree about the Sansa Clip. If you don't need iTunes compatibility, it's a superb choice. I started out with the 1GB model, and recently upgraded to a refurbished 4GB model from Overstock.com, which was only $26. A great deal if they still have them.

[bryanb867]

Can't say I think it's always the best for runners. I run a lot...training for another marathon now. The shuffle would be fine on shorter runs, but when you're out there for 3 or more hours, it's good to be able to pick and choose. Plus, I listen to Podcasts when I run so rifling through the playlists to find what I want to hear next is a necessity. But, I'd guess for folk less demanding than me (that just want an assortment of music and a smaller device), the shuffle would be the way to go. I love my Nano, but for $29, I seriously thought about picking up a Shuffle...but don't guess I don't really need it - the Nano's size/weight isn't too bad and I can't think of a time I'd choose it over the Nano. But, for anyone wanting a Shuffle...the price is right.

One thing I'd appreciate a heads' up on, if you come across one some day is a non-Apple mp3 player that supports automatic bookmarking (at both the song and playlist level). I also like to listen to AudioBooks and want to download them free from online libraries, but need a device that supports Windows Media Player (can't use iPod for those). But, the good ones are a bit pricey.

[blevinsdavidlester]

Not just for runners: How 'bout for "permanent" installation in your new car with electonics knowing how to run an iPod from the steering wheel controls and displaying the results on your cars Nav/radio display?

[rufustel]

bryanb, you want the SanDisk Sansa Clip (dang, I sound like a fanboy today)--it supports Windows Media Player and will automatically bookmark multiple podcasts and audiobooks, plus the last song played. All in a package only a trifle larger than Apple's player, and that is dang sweet and simple to use--simply drag and drop files to it, if you prefer.

[bryanb867]

Thanks, Rufustel....I'll check out the SanDisk Sansa Clip. - BryanB

Sweet. Shuffle is the best iPod for jogging, hands down.

[livingaudio]

aw, got one (2gb) as a valetines present, its perfect for jogging! Maybe get a back up in case mine breaks!

[barronfujimoto]

I used to have a shuffle for running, but after it died, I switched to the Sansa Clip. I like it a lot better. FM radio and the ability to select songs/playlists makes it nice. Plus the sound quality is much better than the shuffle, or my iPod video, for that matter.

[rickbroida]

I'll agree that a Sansa Clip is a better player for the money, though I don't think I've seen one at this price point (gotta check the archives). Still, there's something really slick about Shuffle.

[jmreader]

Thanks, Rick. Just grabbed one to replace my old, conked-out one.

[rickbroida]

For those who are interested, Wal-Mart (yeah, yeah, I know) has the 1GB Sansa Clip for $29.88 (plus tax). It's new, not a refurb, and it features an FM tuner, an OLED screen, and a clip (natch). Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/clhgjd

[1719matt]

Thanks Rick. Just ordered the 1GB Sansa Clip. ($32.70 all in. tax and shipping)

[rufustel]

Rick, Rick, Rick; you obviously haven't done your homework and tried out the SanDisk Sansa Clip.

In addition to everything else noted above (such as, an informational screen, Rick--no more guessing at your tunes!), it includes an FM radio, an equalizer, and can record. Plus it can play numerous file formats, including: mp3, ogg vorbis, flac and wav. The sound has been reviewed as being up there with the best, despite the player's diminutive size, and the player can be used without any special software, working as an external drive. SanDisk constantly is improving upon the firmware, issuing out revisions periodically.

Oh, by the way: did I forget to mention that the 8gb Clip currently is on sale at Wal-Mart b&m's (not online, oddly) for $49? This is not a typo, as to either capacity or price. And we're not talked refurb here.

Run, don't walk, Rick.

[dhaycock]

"who wants to look at a screen, mess with controls, etc., when they're running?"
You're overlooking everyone who uses nike+ designed for runners with ipods. The shuffle does not have the ability to function with this wonderful running tool. You're obviously not a runner or a nerd---it's such a great gadget!
This is a good deal though, the headphones alone will run you $29...but not the best for runners...close second.

[rickbroida]

Fair point. I'm definitely a casual runner, not a distance guy.

[abundantsnotbob]

I don't know how it compares, but you can get a brand new samsung pebble for $30 I think. I like the look better.

[rickbroida]

And Creative is selling off the 2GB Zen Stone Plus (http://tinyurl.com/cckgzk) for $23 plus shipping. In addition to twice the memory of the Shuffle, this little guy has an OLED screen, FM tuner, voice recorder, and built-in speaker! But, sadly, no clip. So help me, I love the clip!

[rickbroida]

Whoops, I stand corrected! The Zen Stone Plus *does* come with a clip. So that's a pretty sweet deal right there...

[techfortat]

I live in Atlanta and I went to my local Walmart tonight to pick up one of the 1gb Sansa Clips. To my surprise they had the 8gb Sansa Clip on clearance for $49.99! That was just too good to pass up.

[romodoc]

NW-S203F from Sony has been my best mp3 player for running, and don't think any other currently on the market is better. Light, arm band included, great sound, 50+ hours of battery life, and in I forgot to charge it, 15 min charge will give me 8 hours of music. pedometer, calorie count. even will change the music tempo with my pace speed. (preset play list obviously) had a OLED screen and shake to shuffle years before the nano (silly and useless btw). Controls where awesome too. easy to use while running. almost perfect, the down side Sonic-Stage, worst software ever. too bad it wasn't on the market anymore when Sony finally got rid of this crappy software. and too bad I lost it. so I may go for this shuffle just because is so lightweight.

[abundantsnotbob]

All gone now. The new iPod shuffles don't have any buttons, so if you liked the iPod shuffle it would have been a good time to grab on up. Don't be disappointed though, there are many better and cheaper mp3 players to be had.