June 5, 2009 8:31 AM PDT

Scosche gives the Shuffle 3G actual buttons

by Donald Bell
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Photo of the Scosche TapStick.

An MP3 player with buttons? How novel.

(Credit: Scosche Industries)

The third-generation Apple iPod Shuffle has a ridiculously small and elegant design, but its lack of buttons can sometimes be a real buzz kill. The Scosche TapStick is a $29 case for the iPod Shuffle that bestows three buttons on the front of the device, mimicking the three controls used on Apple's headphone remote. A 3-foot auxiliary cable is also included with the case.

Frankly, $30 seems like a lot of dough to throw at an iPod that only costs $80. But if you received the Shuffle as a gift and just need a way to adapt the thing for your car stereo's aux input, the TapStick's relatively large buttons and snap-on design should do the trick.

Update: The retail price of the Scosche TapStick is $29, and not $39, as stated in the company's original press release.

The following products mentioned are available.

On Sale Now: $74.99 - $80.56
View the latest prices for Apple iPod Shuffle (third generation, 4GB, black)

On Sale Now: $29.99
View the latest prices for Scosche tapSTICK

Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
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by myles taylor June 5, 2009 11:22 AM PDT
That actually looks pretty good and would be nice for those people who want to buy a new shuffle and want buttons. Not quite as goodlooking, but still works.
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by regulator1956 June 5, 2009 4:21 PM PDT
Just buy a 4GB Clip for $60 and you're done - MP3, FM and voice recording.

Don't care who makes what: does it work, features and cost.
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by nob1949 June 13, 2009 5:14 PM PDT
Regulator is absolutely right. I recently purchased a pair of 2gig Sansa Clips on sale for $20 each, one of the best bargains in mp3 history. I do own a 2nd generation Shuffle that I still use, but the new one is a marketing mystery. At one of two major chains I've visited, the new shuffle can barely be seen behind a glass panel near the floor. The other store doesn't even have the Shuffle on display at all. It's buried in a case and I just happened to see it when a salesperson opened the case. The website "Low End Mac" has an old list of less than desirable Mac products called Road Apples; the new Shuffle may make the top of the list.
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