Digital Home Thoughts: Second Generation Shrinkage: The 2G iPod Shuffle Reviewed

Product Category: Portable Audio Player
Manufacturer: Apple, Inc.
Where to Buy: Amazon.com Affiliate Store
Price: $78.00 USD
System Requirements: PC: iTunes 7.0.2 or later, Windows XP SP2 or Windows 2k SP4, USB Port; Mac: OSX 10.3.9 or later, USB Port, iTunes 7.0.2
Specifications: 1 Gigabyte capacity; Height: 1.07 inches; Width: 1.62 inches; Depth: 0.41 inch (including clip); Weight: 0.55 ounce;

Pros

• Ultra-small size;
  
• Excellent sound quality;
  
• Long battery life (12 hours rated; probably better in the real world);
  
• Built in Clip;
  
• Dock included.

Cons

• No Screen;
  
• Requires specialized dock (included) for charging and syncing;
  
• iTunes must be downloaded since there is no CD in the box!
  
• Includes the old-style Apple earbuds (see update at the bottom of the article)

Summary
Apple's first-generation Shuffle proved to be an enormous success. Following on its heels is the even smaller and much cooler second generation model. Does the new kid on the block hold up compared to the model before it?

Read on for the full review!