Apple I-Pod Shuffle 2GB -2nd-generation
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Posted On :
Aug-22-2011
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Article Word Count :
877
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Apple iPod Shuffle (2GB): This MP3 player comes with a storage capacity of 2GB, which saves upto 500.
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With the nano as well as the iPod touch getting new looks , it is now Shuffle’s time to change.The shuffle is the most affordable apple device and for many it represents the entry into Apple’s sphere of PMP’s.Though the lack of a display makes the shuffle a music player , unlike the Nano , Classic and touch which can handle photos and videos.
There are a number of cheaper MP3 players available in the market but hardly any have the compact dimensions and style of the shuffle. There were a lot of expectations from the shuffle and it didn’t disappoint in most categories.
LOOK AND FEEL
The compactness of the shuffle cannot be denied. It is super tiny , weighs only 12.5gms and as a result of its aluminium chassis , it feels extremely solid and can easily survive a fall, if it comes to that. The front has a large centre button which is surrounded by a larger circular clickable control pad. The control pad is the only mom metal component on the device and is made of plastic. It controls the basic media functions –play/pause,track change and volume.
There are two tiny steel finished controls on the top , which despite their small size are pretty usable. There is a 3.5mm jack to the left. A large clip with a strong spring dominates the back. The device can be easily clipped onto belts , collars , pockets etc. In short , anywhere you want.
The main controls are quite spontaneous and well laid out , as is expected from the fifth generation product which has seen many refinements.
The top controls compromise of a tree position slide lock button which controls power and the play order. The button near it is new and is called the “Voice Over” control.
This button can work in three different ways –On a single press , current track and artist name is read out ,two quick presses give battery information and information about multiple playlists is given by a long press. All this data is read out , which is an added feature and tries to make up for the lack of display.
The shuffle has a basic feature set and it is meant for people who want music on the move without a display and a fancy interface.There is no FM radio , which is a huge negative because most people expect a FM radio in a music player.It should definitely have been there , since the shuffle is an all music device.
There is no 4GB version in the shuffle ,only a 2GB one. Obviously , this is an apple strategy – as it offers Nano for people looking for more storage.
PERFORMANCE
Apple has made compromises in the latest generation Nano and iPod touch and we were hoping that the same was not the case in shuffle. More so because touch has a lot more to it besides music whereas music is the only feature in Shuffle.
Our wishes however, were not completely granted. Apple had fiddled slightly with the maximum volume level and therefore with the output too. The new shuffle is not as powerful as the previous ones and has influenced sound quality particularly with aftermarket headphones.
The good part is that Apple hasn’t toned down the dB levels much. The slight toning has probably been done in order to get more battery life out of the device or maybe because few people use apple earphones at maximum levels , thereby making them of no use. But , with the aftermarket headphones , this alteration makes a big difference.
The shuffle is quite powerful and able enough to drive Grado Rs1i headphones easily. Bass is well controlled and tight, never becoming loose. On certain tracks, however , bass had less than expected and sounded a little flat. The mid range is good with simple passages and slow music-pop , ballads, country all sound good with nice vocals and good guitar accomplishments.
However , things change with complex music ,as the shuffle is not able to provide adequately fast transient response to keep the drivers happy. The mid range becomes unfocused, vocals seem indistinct sometimes , guitars blend and all this is very noticeable with genres like speed metal , specially when there is a lot going on at once.
With the default earbuds, things definitely improve , but then the earphones become a limiting factor. The shuffle is pretty close to neutral ,but not boring and as a result casual music lovers will still find its quality good.
VERDICT
The shuffle is well built , compact ,neat and offers decent music quality. Apple potrays itself as a lifestyle brand and gives the impression that price competitiveness is below its dignity. This is why the shuffle is priced at Rs3200 , which although is not overtly expensive ,but the fact remains that you can get a higher capacity player with display at a cheaper price from lesser known brands.
We recommend the shuffle if you can live with the lack of FM radio and limited storage space . If not , look elsewhere.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Apple I-Pod Shuffle 2GB -2nd-generation_75673.aspx
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Author Resource :
Robert Blume is a well known author and has written articles on Digital Camera, nokia 500 price, Apple Ipods, karbonn a1 price and many other subjects.
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Keywords :
apple ipod shuffle 2gb price in india, apple ipod shuffle 2gb, apple ipods,
Category :
Product Reviews
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Consumer Electronics
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