Apple iPod Shuffle / 2nd Generation

Apple iPod Shuffle / 2nd Generation

The 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle is among the entry level models under Apple’s iPod line of portable media players. It was released in September 2006, the same time the newer version of the 5th Generation iPod Classic and the 2nd Generation iPod Nano were introduced.

The gadget has an anodized aluminum casing with a clip design for better portability. It was initially released in silver, green, blue, pink, and orange with the size of 1 gigabyte. Later on, red, turquoise, lavender, and mint green models were released along with the availability of the 2 gigabyte versions. The colors replaced the original pink, orange, green, and blue colors. Both the 1 and 2 gigabyte versions measure 1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches and weigh approximately 0.55 ounces.

Like the 1st Generation model, the 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle has a circular control pad featuring music payback buttons at the front of the gadget. It also has controls for random and consecutive playback. The 2nd Generation model also makes use of an integrated lithium polymer battery that takes about 4 hours to charge and lasts up to 12 hours of music playback. It also features a battery indicator that lights up in green when the battery is full, amber when the battery is low, and red when the battery is empty.

Apple approximates that the 2 gigabyte version can store up to 500 audio files. It supports skip-free playback of a number of audio formats including MP3, MP3 VBR, AAC, protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store, M4A, M4B, M4P), WAV, and AIFF.

The 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle is compatible with Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later using iTunes 7 or later. For Windows, it is compatible with Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later.

Review Summary

Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) is a lightweight portable device. Its dimension are about 1.62 x 1.07x 0.41 and it weights about 0.55 ouches. With these sizes, you can take this digital player anywhere with you. It can become your travelling buddy, your exercising buddy and even your “chilling” out buddy. A nice feature that is added to it is a clip. With this clip you do not have to worry about what you will do if your clothes does not have a pocket that is large enough to keep it safely inside. This clip is a built-in clip. Therefore you can use the clip to clip it unto any part of your clothing. Yes, any part and you can clip it unto your bag if you prefer. This device carries 1GB of storage space, which converts to about 240 songs. This is very commendable, especially for the size of the device. It has a built in Lithium polymer battery and it carries about 12 hours of power before it will need recharging.

The Apple iPod comes with a USB dock, a quick start guide and an earphone. Gray and white in colour, the device must be placed on the docking station when it is time for it to be recharged. The docking station helps to keep the iPod in one position as you load it with your songs or as it is being recharged. Apple iPod Shuffle (2nd Generation) sound quality is very good. Made in aluminium, it is sturdy and can stand up to the everyday use. You may want to replace the earphones that it comes with though, because it does not do justice to the sound system. However, it is not equipped with a FM tuner. It is compatible with AIF, WAV, MP3, VBR AND AAC.