With so much fuss about the nano, I feel like the iPod Shuffle doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It seems more primitive than it really is – understanding the controls is the key to realizing the Shuffle’s potential. Here are some intelligent nuances that make the Shuffle very dynamic.
- Fast Forward/Rewind – Don’t like Adam Curry’s song choice at the beginning of the DSC? Just hold down the “next track” button for a couple of seconds and the Shuffle will scan through the track. You can back up with the “previous track” button if you go to far.
- Go To Top – Want to switch between music and Podcasts? Load your Podcasts at the top of the list in your Shuffle. You can listen to your songs in “shuffle” mode and if you run across a Podcast, skip it. When you’re ready to listen to your Podcasts, just switch to “repeat” mode and tap the “Pause/Play” button three times. Your Shuffle will skip to the top of your playlist.
- Podcast Completion Memory – Admittedly, this is more of an iTunes feature. I like to listen to Podcasts on my way to work, but when I arrive, I’m usually in the middle of a Podcast. I just plug the Shuffle into my laptop, and iTunes detects where I left off. I can then pick up where I left off on my computer using the file on my hard drive while I clear the Podcasts off of my Shuffle.
- Control Tactility – The raised nature of the controls on the Shuffle make it great for listening to everywhere, even places where you may need to pause it quickly to speak to or hear someone. You can easily feel the controls in your pocket. I sometimes even wear it in the breast pocket of my shirt, which makes for an amusing visual when I hit “pause” or “next track”.
I feel like the Shuffle’s brilliance is overlooked. Maybe more people would buy it if they had a better idea of just how much control one can have with it.
Ron said,
December 15, 2005 @ 6:05 am
I bought my 512 MB Shuffle about one month ago and I use it everyday. I have no regrets about not trading up to the Nano model.
It seems the Shuffle gets a lot of bad press these days and I’m not sure why. I would definitely be considered a power user and see no reason for the average person just needing some music to enjoy during their daily routines to buy anything beyond the basic 512MB Shuffle model.
Seeing as I am usually at my computer in the morning I select an album to start the playlist with, and then fill the rest of the space with random selections from a Library Playlist I created that selects music over 1:45 min., not comedy (although some days it would be good), and all at least one star or above (some songs I just don’t want to hear, but I include in my Library as I want a complete listing of an albums listing).
You would be surprised how fresh your music sounds shuffling between all of you music. You would think listening to Rush, then some Surf Music, then Bjork, then Beastie Boys would be harsh, but it works great. I can listen for hours.
I also keep 80 - 100 MB of memory free to use as USB memory. This comes in handy once in awhile.
I bought mine new on sale. $100 CND. Beat that.
Sure there’s no screen, but really who cares? I just wear mine around my neck and forget about it. It makes for a smaller case and a simpler design. I like it.
So it’s inexpensive, well constructed, highly portable, manufactured by an industry leader, works with MP3 format, it comes with some killer software (iTunes), is a bargain when you can find them on sale, and can be used as USB memory. If we could get iTunes ported to Linux it would be perfect.
What’s not to like?
Max said,
December 16, 2005 @ 7:46 am
I’ve had a Shuffle since April and have loved every moment of it, although I wouldn’t qualify myself as a power user. I really like the “podcasts at the top of the playlist” tip!
My main satisfaction with the Shuffle is its durability (esp. compared to the big HD based iPods) and its form factor. It’s perfect for the gym, mowing the grass, or pretty much any other activity I can think of!
fling93 said,
December 16, 2005 @ 11:44 am
Yeah, I’m a Shuffle fan (although it has a few annoying quirks), and I use it almost exactly as you do except for the “Podcast Completion Memory” thing, which I’ve got to try out! Thanks!
Sam Beaven said,
January 8, 2006 @ 12:33 pm
I have a Shuffle and a 3g iPod (yes, I’m Steve Jobs’ dirty little whore), and I use the shuffle as much as the full size, in fact probably more thanks to it’s Podcast memory (which the 3g can’t do, leading me to believe it’s a iPod feature more than an iTunes feature). Whilst it’s nice to have the screen and be able to get to that track off that/i> album, most of the time I use an Airclick when I’m out and about anyway, with the iPod itself tucked away in a pocket or on my belt, hidden from view - I’m a little paranoid about flashing my ‘Pod in case of muggers (and I keep either the Airclick remote or the Shuffle in a pocket).
Oh, and I find my Shuffle doesn’t play podcasts at all in Shuffle mode. Possible a bug, but a handy bug
kadavy said,
January 8, 2006 @ 12:37 pm
I’ve noticed that, too, Sam. I never seem to run across podcasts when I’m in shuffle mode. The sophistication of the shuffle never ends!
Ron said,
February 6, 2006 @ 8:00 am
Go to portableapps.com and download open source software to run off of your shuffle or any other removeable drive.
I’m currently running OpenOffice, Firefox, and NVO (a web development tool) from my 512MB iPod Shuffle.
Everyone with a Shuffle should be checking this out. If anything I’ll be picking up a 1GB Shuffle just to accomodate more data and applications.
Anyone who disses the Shuffle for not having a screen just doesn’t get it.
Ron said,
February 13, 2006 @ 1:21 pm
Okay.
Partition your iPod Shuffle to leave space for files.
Now download WinAmp Lite. Install it to your Shuffle.
Now run Winamp from your Shuffle. From Winamp Playlist window select ADD -> ADD DIR. Select ipod_control directory from your shuffle. All your mp3 files loaded on your shuffle will now appear in the playlist.
Enjoy.
dannnnny said,
October 13, 2006 @ 6:28 pm
For anyone like me who *wants* to hear podcasts when their Shuffle is in shuffle mode, right click on the podcast in iTunes, select Options, and uncheck the “Skip when shuffling” checkbox. This box is apparently checked by default for all podcasts.