Apple iPod shuffle 1st Generation White (512 MB)

If you feel left out because you don't own an "iPod" but aren't looking for amazing features or a large amount of storage - Then this is the player for you.

I don't listen to an awful lot of music, quite frankly I listen to the same 20 songs on Youtube everyday, but wanted something mobile to take around with me on my journey to University, so I bought this.

Once you've figured out the lighting system (Google 1st generation ipod lighting and click on the "Understanding iPod shuffle (1st generation) status lights" link), charged it up, found a pocket where you won't lose it or even better, made use of the ingenious neck strap my model came with, you're ready to go.

It's 512MB size can hold roughly 120 songs (around eight hours of music). If you understand how to change formats and compress file sizes it could hold up to 16 hours of music.

I charge it over night on my laptop and it doesn't run out for the three hours I'm using it - Though it does have a suggested 12 hour battery life.

Great for people just starting out with MP3 players, or those just needing it for weekends or for workouts at the gym.

The first generation shuffle is just fantastic. Unlike the newer models, it really lives up the older white polycarbonate look, which is my preference, and bears a striking resemblance to the older apple remotes, a nice touch as well. Even though I have a 32GB iPhone, I find myself tending to listen to the same playlists most of the time, until I get bored of it, and move onto another playlist.
I was never one for using the in line remotes, and some of my jeans are really constricting at the pockets, so i didn't like having to whip out the Phone all the time. Coupled with my lanyard headphones (CXL 300 by Sennheiser), the shuffle just hangs round my neck under my t-shirt, jumper and coat. Under all that, I can still find the controls with relative ease.
All in all, I believe this to be the best device for what I would class it as - a complementary player to an existing large storage mp3 player, as well as the fact that if you use your phone for music, this would save battery life as I know it has done for mine. As well as the actual USB connector so you can plug it in to charge wherever there's a computer without needing an iPod Shuffle cable

10/10

I love this iPod for a few reasons. This iPod couples the quickness of having all of your favorite music right on hand without having to navigate through menus and playlists, with the ability to carry it with you where ever you go without having to think about where you are going to put it. What's the point of having all of your music with you if you can't use it because the battery is dead? The iPod shuffle line is famous for having great battery life, and because the USB connector is built in to the bottom, you can recharge it anywhere there is a free USB port. But nothing is better than the price; it started at $99 when it was released, but you can find them for much, much, less. This makes it really easy to bring it EVERYWHERE without having to worry about loosing a two or three hundred dollar investment. That being said, keep in mind a few things. The iPod Shuffle is small, and has a very small memory. At the most, you could fit a few hundred songs on it, but it's just as well because you can only sync one playlist to it at a time. If you want something that plays your whole music library, video, or radio, then this isn't for you. But if you want a fast way to get at your favorite songs when ever you want them, then the iPod Shuffle is for you.

I bought this product because of its size and the ease of use. This device would be ideal for listening to when doing sports, exercise, etc. Its small, neat and robust enough for most activities, and its simple operation make it ideal for quick song selection. The only problem is that I don't exercise! This device is not for people who would rather listen to their MP3's on a big fat MP3 player such as the Ipod touch or Iphone, Creative Zen or other such players. The trouble is once you get used to them, you quickly miss all the LCD loveliness, the Apps and the choices. You cant really do much with the shuffle other than listen to a fixed array of songs. Thats fine if you know whats on your player. Its also fine if small tidy convenience are for you. Otherwise, spend a bit more, perhaps on Apple, to increase your choices.

This is my second 1st Gen shuffle, they are cheap, reliable, light, and simple. This simplicity gives ease of use and ensures nothing can go wrong. My first shuffle endured falls, rain and dirt. It only met its end when left in a pocket and put through the wash, even then it was rust free and the led still worked.

Some prefer their mp3 players to have a screen so that they can watch videos on the train or flick through holiday snaps, however my only use for an mp3 player is music and I couldnt recommend a better one. Im sure i will at some point destroy or loose another first gen shuffle, at which point im sure buy another.