In my previous review of Nokia 3300 <https://mouthshut.com/review/Nokia_3300-84354-1.html> I spoke about the amazing sound quality of Nokia in comparison to an Apple IPod Shuffle. The comparison ends there.
I got this IPOD unit from the US from one of my friends who had gone there on a biz trip. I had never in my life worked on anything APPLE and was apprehensive about how this experience might turn out to be. It turned out to be one of the best purchases I ever made as far as a digital player is concerned. There are people who would shake their heads and say that an IRIVER or a Transcend would actually be a better bet. While I agree to that statement but there is an enigma, a beauty, a flawless sculpture kind of reputation Apple products have achieved and that is one area where Apple time and again scores on.
The shuffle unit comes box packed in a nice looking green box with the base accessories: headphone unit, lanyard cable (interesting name for a cable you wear around your neck to which the the shuffle is attached) and a CD with the ITUNES software and a coupla songs. I got my unit for 160$ (approx. 7200 INR). I connected the shuffle to my computer and waited with bated breath on what problems it might encounter with paranoid Microsoft XP :). Installation of the drivers was a breeze and no problems were encountered during or after the setup. Post installation I realized that for me to access the shuffle I would need to install the bundled ITUNES software which allow you to setup a library and transfer songs to and fro from the device. That part I did not like as I find the drag and drop interface of Windows much easier than going through a manufacturers software. Post installation I was able to import my enormous audio collection without any problems and transfer them to the shuffle. Transfer is pretty fast as it is the ever reliable USB 2.0 interface. Shuffle also allows you to store data on it provided you set it up in the supplied ITUNES software. There is also a firmware update bundled along with the software which allows you to update ITunes with any new changes effected by Apple.
Weight: The shuffle is extremely light (22.11 grams) and looking at it you might be led to believe the make is not strong enough to withstand any pressure whatsoever. Well, I have had the unit for an year plus now. I have taken it to the gym where it fell down a gazillion times but nothing, I repeat nothing happened to the unit.
Looks: This one is for the guys/girls who appreciate beauty. The unit I purchased is white and it looks pristine. There is a basic feeling of purity when you use the shuffle. Whoever designs Apple products need to be lauded over n over again!
Sound: You can keep on increasing the sound till you feel your ears split :). The sound is that clear and resonant. The bass might feel a bit low for people who are into HIP HOP like me but then you just cant complain considering the depth of the sound belted out.
Battery: The shuffle comes with lithium-ion batteries which on a complete charge cycle (4 hours approx) would give you nearly 15-16 hours of backup (USTC). Charging can only be done if you have a computer with a USB PORT :). If you reach somewhere where there is no computer then you are doomed untill you get an accessory which allows you to charge (for approx. 20$ or more).
Shuffle: This feature has been there for ages. Only an American company could have come up with the idea of making it their USP :)
Konc luzion:
The GOOD: The unit rocks. The looks are awe inspiring! The battery and the resilience of the unit is awesome. The sound has a very good depth on the standard apple headphones.
The BAD : Using ITUNES as a mode of transfer. Not having a display unit to sift through the songs. No other interface other than USB to charge the unit. Buying accessories for this beauty might set you back by a coupla thousands.