Comments on: This iPod Shuffle is a disaster

Apple is known for offering products with great designs. But in the case of the new third-generation iPod Shuffle it made some strange--and bad--choices.

[rexscar]

get a zune

lol

bad grapes

[iheartcr]

It's a 4GB memory stick with an Apple logo with proprietory Headphones.
RIP-OFF!!!!!!!
Apple could get away with this kind of rip off in the past because they understood that usability was paramount. But this is basically nothing new on the usability front with relatively old tech at a premium new tech price.Stick to the 2nd Gen if you must have Apple.

[photojunkymonkey]

yeah im a big apple fan. but i just dont get the new things there coming with. They should really start coming up with something worth advertising

[mrjones69]

It seems to me there is a trend to bash Apple products for the sake of, I suppose, being a nay sayer to something that is successful. This is not to say that I think the design of the gen-three iPod is a good design, but I don't seem to understand the logic in this article. Moreover, I don't think the arguments are sufficent enough to warrant the new iPod as a "Disaster".

The first point that is made is that the device is too small. This is purely subjective.

The second point is the voice-over feature. I sort of thought that this was an interesting feature since the device does not display the song that is playing and the device never has. That to me does not seem sufficient to call it a disaster. In addition, you can turn this feature off, so I don't see the point of this argument.

The third point is that the controls are built into the headset. The reason this is an issue is because the writer does not like the way headset fits and there will be an additional cost to get another headset. If that is the reason, wouldn't you need to get another headset anyway, regardless of whether the controls were built into the headset? So, I don't see how any of these items, individually or collectively, warrants calling the new design a "Disaster".

[tsaoutos]

You all missed one important addition: Playlists. It is the main reason I have already ordered my new 3rd gen Shuffle. It is great to listen to a different playlist while running or while traveling.
Personally, I think that controls on the headphones are more functional than on the side of the player (which is sometimes hidden in a pocket or a bag). What Apple could have done is make the headphones detachable on the top of the controls - so that any headphones would fit.

[dabest4me]

Can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I agree with everything that David says. I was on the fence about buying a 2nd gen shuffle but not anymore. No controls? Third party adapters? Voice over? They took something so simple and straightforward and overcomplicated it for not reason. I don't get it.

[bobmarleypeople]

Oh christ. Three things:

1) The headphone thing I agree with. No controls on the actual device? That's not innovation, that's just stupid. And from what I see, there's actually room for buttons on it.
2) It's stupidly small. There's small, and then there's too small.
3) Compared to other Apple products, it's actually rather ugly. Just a plain aluminum cuboid with a clip on the back. Boring and ugly. Next please...

And this is coming from someone with a 24" iMac (albeit with a 40" TV connected to it). So I'm not just a PC fanboi raging. Apple seriously screwed up with this one. And here's me who was hoping for a return of the indistructible 1st gen shuffles....

[fleurya]

Note to the author: there's a very easy way to keep the headphones in while running. Just loop the wires around the back of your ear and the earbuds will be insulated from the cord jerking around while you're running.

That one was for free. If you want any more gems, you'll have to make me a staff writer!

[dcarnoy]

Believe me, I tried that. Thanks, though.

[CBSTV]

"Disaster" is way overstating it. But I agree that it would be desirable to have local controls on the device, too.

[MPB]

Ok its different but I would go as far as to say is a disaster. I like the new shuffle.

[protagonistic]

And the pundits all said the original iPod would be a failure, and as I recall the iPhone just would not cut it. Why don't you people reporting, and I use that term very loosely, let the consumer decide. But then I guess that would not make for sensational headlines, would it?

[davies2005--2008]

I agree its awful. I am a big fan of Apple I use a Mac have a Video, touch and the whole family has 2nd Gen shuffles. I have also bought over 30 Shuffles for different clients but i wont be buying one of these. Apples earphone drop out easily enough but with the added weight of a switch I can see it happening even more. No fast forward? What's that about you can only skip. I dont want Steven Hawkins telling me what I am listening to thanks as others has said a single line display would do it. Oh and you cant play them in the car via a socket anymore because you cant press play because the controls are on the headphones DOOOOOOOH.
Stupid Apple. Think this one should be called "i off the ball pod"

[Perry_Clease]

For all of you complaining about the design of this new Shuffle, the old Shuffle is still available.

[Constable Odo]

If you lose it, then you just buy another one. Oh yeah, it's a disaster alright. A disaster for other mp3 makers who are gonna have to start scrambling to one-up the fruit company. If every mp3 company doesn't start putting in voice feedback I'll be very surprised. I'm sure the sight-impaired users will be very happy with it.

[johnqh]

If you don't like it, get a Nano. It is not that much expensive and have everything you want.

Shuffle is for people who exercise. Expect to see more accessories to take money out of your pocket. The voice over is for changing playlists (you need it for 4GB of music). When people exercise, they just let it play so the need for control is minimum.

By the way, voice over is an OPTION, so don't get so upset about it.

At the end of the day, Apple now focus their products more on a particular kind of use. Shuffle is ideal for exercise, not for other things. If you like G2, get G2. I am still happy with my 512M G1.

[c4me12on]

Couldn't agree more...Apple is lost without Jobs...let's just hope its not permanent

[Goflorp2]

Why could they not have got it right?

This is a working solution (for workers/joggers etc) Take an Gen 2 Shuffle, use the earphones (HPM-70) in-ear-plugs that comes with Sony Ericsson Phones. Split the headset at the microphone. Now you can have earphones without bulky cables that just flap around, it sits neatly onto your collar. If you are a worker you will not damage the Shuffle.

What Apple offers is a much more clumsy solution, I must buy long-cabled earphone (at 80USD extra). No, I dont think so. I will stock up on Gen 2 Shuffles.

[shofixti]

If they had to do this, they could have included a dongle with the controls and a headphone jack, sort of like iriver was doing years ago with their venerable CD-based MP3 players. In fact I'm pretty sure the radio add-on for the iPod works this way.

They could even have had an optional version of the control cord with an OLED display on it, for those who want a screen.

At least they're letting other people make headphones with controls. Ahem magsafe ahem.

[YoungDonald]

Why are so many people against change and improvement? I can't wait for Apple to bring out an in-ear iPod, with full voice control. In the meantime, the closest we have is the new Shuffle, and I'm sure that if people are ready to spend on new earphones for it, they will quickly become available.

Suck it up and start looking for the future instead of at the past.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Running out of ideas , what is next from Apple ? A propeller that pops out and spins LOL