I really like what Apple's been doing with these Shuffles. Though the price has been raised on the new ones seen above, at $79 for 4GB, they still make great corporate gifts. I can't tell you how many companies I've seen giving away Shuffles to employees, potential customers, etc...

There is some argument over the minimalising of the controls, though.

It's only a matter of time before they just build the shuffle into the headphone cord itself...

Cord...what cord??


Just 2 buds in the ears...lalalllallalllaaaaaaaala

Problem I have with controls on the cord is that the Apple earbuds SUCK! Incredibly uncomfortable, IMO.

Am I reading the specs correctly? You have to use the Apple earbuds? There is no volume etc on the shuffle?

The new Shuffle has its own Buds - does not work with the iPhone or iTouch Buds or even the 2G Shuffle.

Apple should really standardize on a common ""jack"" and ear buds for all products - Just psses people off and not to mention the waste of specialized materials

They can't standardize the ear buds unless they do it on the ones they just introduced. But a few weeks and ear buds with the controls will be third party. Apple would be stupid to fight that.

The jack has been standard for years but the way these things are going the mini jack will be the largest item on the the new iPod gnat in 2010. It might have to be downsized.

My understanding is that Yes the controls are on the earbud chord, you can adjust the volume and by pressing the "button " on the chord it tells you the song title and artist.. hold it longer and it reads your playlists, press again when you hear the playlist you want. Viola! ... you can "shuffle" through the lists.

Currently only Apple earbuds work, BUT 3rd party companies are making compatible sets... be patient... all they need is the jack and the controller (3 buttons) on the existing chord. Shouldn't take them long.

I'm waiting for the iChip they plant in your head ! Holds 100,000 songs or 10,000 movies. It feeds directly in to the proper region of the brain!
One downside is IF the iChip ever malfunctions - the saying "I can't get that song outta my head" will have new meaning !!

i just bought my daughter a . . .
Refurbished iPod shuffle 2GB - Silver

Special Limited Time Price
Holds up to 500 songs
Up to 12 hours of music playback
0.55 ounce
1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches
Apple Earphones
Included dock

$39.00
and she can use any old headphones we have.