Apple iPod Shuffle 3rd Gen 4GB MP3 Player Review - Intro

Apple continues to decrease the size of its media players, as clearly evidenced by the latest iPod Shuffle. Storage space is the exception to this downsizing rule, however, since it packs in 4GB of memory in an even smaller package. Its more compact size leaves no room for music playback controls on the player itself and they've been relocated to a remote control unit on the included headphones. Never fear, though - you can hear song and playlist information through a computerized voice with the new VoiceOver technology that's now incorporated. How will this new Shuffle fare in our tests where previous iPods have ruled the roost with their excellent results? Read on to find out...

Section	The Good	The Bad
Tour & Design	Minimalist and sleek design	Apparently, we don't need no stinkin' buttons
Hardware	Small and sturdy - a great combination!	Small enough to warrant a choking hazard warning on the box
Media Interface	Nothing to draw your eyes away from the task at hand	No screen means clicking is your only method of navigating your music
Media Management	VoiceOver technology works fast and is a neat novelty	VoiceOver is still slower than having a display to help you along
Other Media Software	Podcasts can be found easily among your music now	No photos or other media for you!
Performance	Very good noise performance, decent cross talk and distortion	Low output power
Internet & Wireless	No wireless radios to use up battery life	Wired syncing is all you get
Synchronization	iTunes does it all	iTunes is the only way to sync your Shuffle
Other Software	There's nothing else here to detract from music playback	The Shuffle is not for you if you want PIM management or other functions