Best Reviewed
MP3 Players
- Best MP3 player Apple iPod touch *Est. $230
- Best iPod alternative Microsoft Zune HD *Est. $180
- Budget MP3 player SanDisk Sansa Clip+ *Est. $35
- Budget iPod iPod shuffle *Est. $50
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Budget iPod
- Physical controls
- Small and lightweight
- Good battery life
- Clip is awkwardly positioned
- Small amount of storage
Reviewers have traditionally had mixed reactions to the iPod shuffle, but experts say the fourth-generation shuffle is the best one Apple has produced. Unlike the previous version, which had no physical controls, the new iPod shuffle has buttons on the front that make it much easier to control your music. The square design is small and lightweight, and the iPod shuffle has an integrated clip for running or going to the gym. Reviewers also like the VoiceOver feature that announces your song selection or battery life when you push a button on the top of the player. The battery lasts more than 15 hours, which is another plus. The iPod shuffle comes only in a 2 GB capacity, and many reviewers wish for more storage space. It's also difficult to open the clip without accidentally pressing the buttons on the front. If you don't want an iPod, reviewers recommend the SanDisk Sansa Clip+ (*Est. $35 for 2 GB), which is also small and lightweight.
We found the best reviews of the new iPod shuffle at technology sites like iLounge.com, Laptop Magazine, Macworld, CNET and PCMag.com. Each of these sources tests and rates the iPod shuffle, making it easy to see how it compares to other MP3 players. Analysis is detailed and balanced. Shorter reviews can be found at SlashGear.com and MacNN.com.
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Our Sources
1. iLounge.com
The fourth-generation iPod shuffle earns a B rating from iLounge.com. Jeremy Horwitz calls it the "best overall iPod shuffle yet," but he says he thinks it's not the best value compared to other MP3 players on the market.
Review: Apple iPod shuffle (Fourth-Generation), Jeremy Horwitz, Sept. 7, 2010
2. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Laptop Magazine gives its Editors' Choice award to the iPod shuffle. Dana Wollman calls it "a steal" and says it's much easier to use than the third-generation model. However, a 4 GB storage option would be nice, Wollman says.
Review: iPod shuffle (2010), Dana Wollman, Sept. 10, 2010
Macworld gives the iPod shuffle a 4 out of 5 rating. Jason Snell calls it the "perfect entry-level iPod" and also says he thinks it's a good second iPod for those who want a small and light MP3 player. However, he says the buttons are easy to press when using the clip.
Review: Apple 2GB iPod shuffle (Fourth Generation, Late 2010), Jason Snell, Sept. 7, 2010
4. CNET
The iPod shuffle earns a good rating from CNET. "The iPod shuffle's buttons are back, and the lightest, smallest MP3 player on the planet is now better than ever," Donald Bell writes. However, he would like more storage space.
Review: Apple iPod shuffle 2010 (2GB, Silver), Donald Bell, Sept. 7, 2010
PCMag.com gives the Apple iPod shuffle a good rating. Time Gideon says the shuffle is "far more user friendly" than previous generations, and he says he thinks it's a good value if you already use iTunes. Like many other experts, Gideon would like more storage.
Review: Apple iPod shuffle (4th Gen. with Click Wheel), Tim Gideon, Sept. 7, 2010
Stuart Miles gives the iPod shuffle a very high rating of 9 out of 10 and a Hot Product award. Although he notes that you'll need to be comfortable with iTunes to use the shuffle, Miles says it's a good affordable option.
Review: Apple iPod shuffle 4G review, Stuart Miles, Oct. 1, 2010
7. IGN.com
Scott Lowe at IGN.com says the iPod shuffle is much better than the previous generation, which relied on an earphone remote instead of physical controls. "It's sleek, colorful, the controls are intuitive, and it is cheaper than ever," he writes. Overall, he gives it an outstanding rating.
Review: iPod shuffle Review, Scott Lowe, Sept. 13, 2010
SlashGear.com doesn't rate the iPod shuffle, but Vincent Nguyen has a detailed test-based review. Like most reviewers, he says he appreciates the controls and finds them easy to use. Fifteen hours of battery life is also a plus.
Review: iPod touch, nano and shuffle Review – Apple's Best iPod Lineup Yet!, Vincent Nguyen, Sept. 7, 2010
9. Macnn.com
MacNN.com gives the new iPod shuffle a 3.5-star rating. Justin King says he likes the new controls, but he says it's hard to attach the clip without pushing one of the buttons because the shuffle is so small. Even so, he says the iPod shuffle "serves as a great secondary iPod for situations when a Touch or Classic would be cumbersome."
Review: Review: Fourth-Generation iPod shuffle, Justin King, Sept. 13, 2010
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