Ok… Unfortunately I’m old enough to have lived through old Coke vs New Coke vs Classic Coke – which by the way isn’t the same as the old Coke. This might be just a matter of taste too, but I belive the original iPod Shuffle is still the best iPod Shuffle. By now it’s quite obvious that Apple’s business model is to come out with new iPods every few months so that there’s always a new iPod that you’ll want to buy. For most of their other iPod models the new ones generall are better than the old ones. But I still have my original iPod shuffle and it still works great. And while it doesn’t talk to me, it has some features that make it the best..
Small Enough
While now it actually looks kind of big compared to that pack of gum, the original was revolutionary small. Small enough to get lost in your pocket, but still big enough that you could feel the controls. How small is too small on devices that cost 80 bucks? This morning my wife brought me a 4GB memory stick that went through the washer and dryer. (it still works fine by the way – thanks for asking)
Big Enough
Ok.. It’s never big enough. But my 1GB unit was enough to hold 240 songs, which honestly is enough for me. Let me clarify.. FOR an iPod Shuffle!
Use ANY Headphones
One of the big tech complaints of the day is that the new iPod Shuffle has virtually no controls on the unit and they’ve been moved to the headphones. This means that you’re stuck using Apple’s earbuds. And if they get lost or chewed by you’re dog it’ll probably be $20 – $30 to replace them. The original iPod Shuffle had a simple click-wheel on the unit and could use any headphones.
USB Mass Storage Mode
One of the featuers of the original iPod Shuffle was that you could also store files along with your music. In iTunes you could divide up the 1GB (or 512 MB) and assign a certain amount of it for data storage. It’s a feature that would be nice on the newer models and, for me, would help justify the purchase.
Completely Self-Contained
This is where they totally lose me and why the original iPod Shuffle wins. How is it better to have a dock or a cable?
Why not put the USB connector right on the unit? Go ahead and make the unit smaller, but keep the USB connector so I don’t have to carry a bunch of crap around with me. The previous generation Shuffle was the worst, with that annoying little dock. But even this new one requires a cable to attach it to a computer:
What do you guys think? Does it bother you to have to take a dock or a cable with you? What’s your favorite iPod and more specifically, iPod Shuffle?
I forgot the original shuffle had the usb built in. if they went back to that design (with the usb and storage option), kept it the same size but made it like 8+ gb and put a clip on it, it would be the best ipod after the touch IMO.
Absolutely correctomundo Michael. Original was/is the best. I'm on my third one. First one went through the wash and made the mistake of turning it on before letting it completely dry out. I know it can survive the washing machine. Second one appeared to be a knock-off or refurb I bought online. It did not come in the "lime" packaging so I was suspicious from the get-go. Lasted six months.
Just before last Xmas I made a comment to my daughter re: how I missed my original Shuffle, but that I wouldn't buy one unless it was in the sealed, original, lime packaging. Can't even find them anymore. Came time to open Xmas gifts and lo and behold, my daughter had spotted the little "gem" at a reputable store in the mall. Joy to the world! Gotta love that kid.
Final points: The new ones are too small . . . period. Also, I love being able to attach to a PC and grab a file when needed. Did I mention iTunes?
This post actually prompted me to dig my original shuffle out and I've been using it the last few days. It was a pretty decent value that I've had it for so long and it still works great.