CR on iPod shuffle

"If the pricey and stylish full-sized Apple iPods are the Lexuses of digital-music players, the new $99 iPod shuffle is more like the Toyota Echo--a decent performer of the same pedigree that's smaller, cheaper, and a lot less luxurious," wrote Consumer Reports in a recent review of Apple's new flash-based player. The non-for-profit consumer rating magazine found the shuffle's battery life to be "relatively short for a flash-memory player" at just 10 hours. "Many of those we've recently tested deliver 18 hours or more of continuous music before batteries must be replaced or recharged."

With most flash-memory players using disposable or rechargeable AA or AAA batteries, Consumer Reports saw the shuffle's built-in battery as a disadvantage. "That means you must leave your computer on to charge the unit, which can take up to four hours."

In most other ways, the publication said the shuffle offers the performance that makes full-sized iPods so appealing. It praised the iPod ear-bud headphones, saying they are "among the best" its tested.

"With its random-play ability, the iPod shuffle offers a very inexpensive and simple way to enjoy music on the go. It is ideal for working out at the gym, for example," Consumer Reports said. "But choose it over a full-sized iPod, or a more fully featured flash-memory player, only if you value compactness and low price over features such as an equalizer, an FM tuner,  multiple-playlist support, or even a basic display that tells you which song is playing."

by MacNN Staff