iPod shuffle sales surge 50% as iPod touch maintains top slot

[AppleInsider]

Sales of Apple's most affordable iPod shot up more than 50 percent a week after the company unveiled new, more compact models that shift the push controls from the player itself to the included pair of earphones.

Barclay's analyst Ben Reitzes relayed via a report earlier this week data from market research firm NPD showing that sales of iPod shuffles grew 51 percent the week of March 21st, the first full week the third-generation players were on the market. Sales continued to gain momentum the following week, rising another 10 percent.

However, a snapshot of Apple's overall iPod business during these same time periods isn't so rosy. Combined, sales of all iPod models fell a staggering 38 percent on a year-over-year basis during the week of the 21st, following a 21 percent decline the week prior.

The good news for Apple is that these declines were fairly inline with broader trends in the digital media player sector, which saw sales slip 37 percent and 21 percent, respectively, for those same two weeks. Also noteworthy is that the week of the 21st is somewhat of a tough compare given that Easter Sunday fell on the 23rd last year.

On the downside, Reitzes reports that the recent fall-off in sales suggests iPod shipments for the first calendar quarter of the year could be down some 14 percent year-over-year. This is inline with general market trends, but much worse than the analyst's previous estimate of a 2 percent yearly decline.



That said, Retizes notes that while NPD data factors in sales at Apple retail stores, it doesn't include sales from the company's online store or any iPod distribution points outside the United States.

"We continue to believe that International sales growth is stronger than the US for iPods," he wrote.



The analyst also include the above iPod unit sales distribution chart, which provides a visual breakdown of Apple's weekly iPod sales mix by model and price point. The 8GB and 16GB iPod touch, along with the 120GB iPod Classic, are by far the company's best selling players by volume since the start of the year. The 32GB iPod touch and 16GB iPod nano trail the pack by a considerable margin.[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ] (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=11108)

[Robin Huber]

Boy, does this fly in the face of the predictions of most of the so-called analysts out there. Is it just me or are they wrong far more often than they are right about anything Apple-related. After all these years they still don't get it.

[hillstones]

All the whiners complained about the new shuffle..saying it sucks...guess they were wrong about that too. Looks like people do want the new shuffle. I am quite happy with my 2nd Gen Shuffle and iPod 160 Classic. No need to upgrade.

[CU10]

AI April Fools Headline: Japanese women love the new iPod shuffle. :D

[solipsism]

All the whiners complained about the new shuffle..saying it sucks...guess they were wrong about that too. Looks like people do want the new shuffle. I am quite happy with my 2nd Gen Shuffle and iPod 160 Classic. No need to upgrade.

While I think the new Shuffle is a great improvement, they added everything I wanted I don't think this article is proof of the success of this new design. The upswing in sales is common for a major product revision. Even the BB Storm had a swell of new sales and carrier contracts... before a about 50% returned the device.

[RichL]

All the whiners complained about the new shuffle..saying it sucks...guess they were wrong about that too.

Popular doesn't necessarily equal good. Any Apple product refresh will see a jump in sales no matter how good or bad the new product is. Let's see how it performs in the long term before drawing conclusions.

[gmcalpin]

Is it just me or are they wrong far more often than they are right about anything Apple-related. After all these years they still don't get it.
It's not just you.

[solipsism]

Too bad you said your not even gonna buy one. :no:
I'm quite utilitarian in my purchases. Since my current Shuffle sufficient I won't get a new one, but that doesn't mean that the changes I posted for are not welcome. If my current Shuffle is lost, stolen or broke I'll know what I will buy next.

[solipsism]

It does suck. That's not a whine or a complaint but a fact.

Making a statement of "it sucks" is a complaint that adds nothing to the thread. If you were to structure your comment with clear and well thought out reasons why the device doesn't fit your needs and/or why you think it won't fit the needs of the majority then I doubt any of the regular posters would be stating your comment is negative or trollish. In fact, I know I'd be taken aback and would post accordingly, as I've done in the past, when you've posted well.

[Quadra 610]

The problem is that most tech-geeks (forgive the term) and technophiles live in a vacuum. They assume the rest of the market (meaning the vast majority) think as they do.

Well they don't. Not even close.

The success of a product depends on a good understanding of the *average user.* The ones who want to get things done with the least amount of tinkering and frustration possible.

[jth2117]

I don't think it is fair to say that the Ipod Touch maintains the top slot. The graph breakdown is by price range which results in three models getting added together. It is impossible to say where they would rank if shown individually. For example, if they are all sold equally then each model would only represent about 12% and therefore the nano would be the number one seller.

[sausage&Onion]

Wow, didn't see that one coming... Not sarcastic.

Solipsisismtitties, yes the thing was largely panned by pretty much everyone that matters, including Gizmodo, Engadget and even our dearest cheerleader (appleinsider) questioned the new direction. So no, he's not just being some troll. Lay off.

[Quadra 610]

How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Please post the scintillating reviews of Vista by the tech community just prior to release. Your only problem with that will be trying to fit all the link into one post.

The only sure way to judge the success of the shuffle is to wait at least 6 months after release.

[shagghie]

bought my fiance a new one, and myself a red 2nd gen shuffle...thinking I couldn't live without the controls.

A week later, and I'm enthralled by the new shuffle and wished I had bought one.
Yesterday, she told me while at the gym, the new shuffle is 'so freeing' while on the treadmill and in the gym. No need to look down, navigate, or even LOCATE the device... and you can select from multiple playlists immediately...something I can't do my 2nd gen shuffle.

Put another way, the new talking shuffles are bad ass, and only 'suck' until you actually own one...take it from me... a first hand convert whose red 2nd gen shuffle is already collecting dust...

[Quadra 610]

How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Added: And I've stated and well as countless others have numerous times that the Shuffle was once synonmous with a simplified iPod and that this one is not.

How is it not a simplified iPod?

[Quadra 610]

bought my fiance a new one, and myself a red 2nd gen shuffle...thinking I couldn't live without the controls.

A week later, and I'm enthralled by the new shuffle and wished I had bought one.
Yesterday, she told me while at the gym, the new shuffle is 'so freeing' while on the treadmill and in the gym. No need to look down, navigate, or even LOCATE the device... and you can select from multiple playlists immediately...something I can't do my 2nd gen shuffle.

Put another way, the new talking shuffles are bad ass, and only 'suck' until you actually own one...take it from me... a first hand convert whose red 2nd gen shuffle is already collecting dust...

And boom . . .

Your fiancee is the perfect example of the average user. Apple designs products with people like her in mind. And thank goodness for that.

[Robin Huber]

Saying a product sucks carries a lot more weight if you actually buy one and use it. Playing with it in the store doesn't count for much. Forming an opinion second-hand based on the opinions of others isn't much better. Oftentimes when something is new and different, we don't like it at first, but with time and experience we learn to love it. Perhaps Techstud could merely say that it strikes him that the idea of it sucks. That leaves room for redemption.

[Quadra 610]

Right and wait til she/he snags their headphones on a peice of equipment and they break. :no:

Because that's a HUGE problem. :rolleyes:

[jpellino]

It does suck. That's not a whine or a complaint but a fact.

No, that would be an "opinion". It is however a fact that you *believe* it sucks.

[FineWine]

The 8G Touch and the 120G Classic lead the field. Fact is, Apple is lagging in capacity. Yeah, I get it they want to move to flash, but flash still does not have affordable large capacity. You go to 32G and the price shoots up out of reach for most consumers. And there are plenty who want large capacity - that's why the 120G is a top seller... I bought one too, and I would've bought a bigger one had the they offered one. Apple has actually gone BACK in capacity from 160G to 120G.. WRONG DIRECTION APPLE!!! The right direction is MORE not less capacity. There are plenty who want more, and Apple is missing that market.

[macnyc]

I could care less about Vista. :no:
But talk about comparing Apples and Oranges:a software review vs a hardware review? Come on!

You really don't get it do you? He was referring to the fact that just because the tech press praises or criticizes something doesn't mean that it is so.

[Robin Huber]

Techstud, if I said you were an idiot because everyone else on the thread said so, would that be a fact or opinion?;)

[macnyc]

Right and wait til she/he snags their headphones on a peice of equipment and they break. :no:

All ipods have headphones so they can all get snagged! It's really not that difficult to slip the cord under your shirt so it doesn't catch on anything.

I have an iphone and when I'm walking around i always listen to music and answer phones calls using the cord controls. It is extremely convenient.

A friend invited me to the gym the other day and i used my 2nd G shuffle and it was a pain in the ass trying to use the controls on it while on the treadmill. I ended up not even using it.

The cord controls are simply far easier to use.

[JupiterOne]

Right and wait til she/he snags their headphones on a peice of equipment and they break. :no:

Whaaaat? Every iPod ever made has come with headphones that could snag on something. What's your point?

[hillstones]

It does suck. That's not a whine or a complaint but a fact.

But Teckstud, you hate everything from Apple. LOL

[macnyc]

Techstud, if I said you were an idiot because everyone else on the thread said so, would that be a fact or opinion?;)

It would be a fact irregardless of the majority opinion :-P

[cmf2]

Most people who would buy a shuffle won't be replacing the headphones. The fact that the stock headphones come with a remote is a feature to them, and I would imagine most people actually interested in the shuffle wont care about the lack of physical buttons.

But there is a market for third party headphones, even for the shuffle, and because Apple controls so much of the market, third party manufacturers will hapily produce new headphone models with in line remotes. In time there will be plenty on the market, as well as adptors to add a remote to your existing headphones. What is significant about this is that all the new ipods work with this remote as well. So when you are looking for new headphones for your ipod touch (or whatever) next year, you will have the buttonless shuffle to thank for all the new headphones with inline remotes available to you. I don't know the details on this remote setup, could it be licenced to other mp3 player manufacturers? If so you could see a new headphone standard emerge with virtually all mp3 players supporting these remotes, that would be a pretty big deal and would make it easier to control all your media.

Looking at the big picture, I don't think Apple was only thinking of the shuffle when they took its buttons away, not many companies can invoke change like Apple can.

[shagghie]

Right and wait til she/he snags their headphones on a peice of equipment and they break. :no:

Right...starting now, it is advised that no portable music devices should be allowed into the gym, especially not light weight miniature groundbreaking ones that can clip to your bra strap and rock your world while you are working out while the gasshat next to you is trying to unlock his zune screensaver between sets.

[Postulant]

bought my fiance a new one, and myself a red 2nd gen shuffle...thinking I couldn't live without the controls.

A week later, and I'm enthralled by the new shuffle and wished I had bought one.
Yesterday, she told me while at the gym, the new shuffle is 'so freeing' while on the treadmill and in the gym. No need to look down, navigate, or even LOCATE the device... and you can select from multiple playlists immediately...something I can't do my 2nd gen shuffle.

Put another way, the new talking shuffles are bad ass, and only 'suck' until you actually own one...take it from me... a first hand convert whose red 2nd gen shuffle is already collecting dust...

Cool. I could use a new iPod.

[macnyc]

[QUOTE=teckstud;1396956]How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Apparently you need someone else to tell you what is good and what is bad. I am fully capable of determining that myself. I certainly don't heed much attention to the tech press that either hates Apple or just doesn't get it.

I love the cord controls on my in-ear headphones that I use with my iphone. I only wish that the volume controls worked for it.

[Robin Huber]

Techstud: You didn't answer my question.

[macnyc]

Robin and MacNYC- If Apple said to drink some Koolaid out of your iPod HIFI cooler- would you do it? :lol:

Again you just don't get it.

Apple's strategy is to focus on it's core businesses, in this case the ipods, and have 3rd party vendors deal with the rest. It's genius because you get a large number of companies promoting your product because it is in their best interest.

Clearly this has worked very well for Apple.

[hillstones]

How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Added: And I've stated and well as countless others have numerous times that the Shuffle was once synonmous with a simplified iPod and that this one is not.

What bad reviews are you reading?

Macworld 3 out of 5
iLounge C

iLounge review was a joke. One of their cons is claiming that the Shuffle has a confusing interface that will be hard for many users to totally grasp and use. Sounds like he is retarded and can't figure out an On switch and a Play button.

Granted they are not receiving an A+ or 5 mice, but the shuffle is not receiving an F. The main complaint from both sources is their opinion that no one will like the remote control in the headphones. I would find that easier to use because you don't have to grasp for your 2nd gen shuffle clipped to your clothing and wonder which direction it is in. The headphone control is always in the same position. The 2nd Gen iPod included an inline remote and people liked it, and then complained when Apple yanked it from the 3rd Gen. The iPhone has an inline control and no one complains about that.

At the gym or riding a bike, I have never seen anyone use different headphones. I have also never heard of anyone using a Shuffle in the car (That was iLounge's other complaint). Most have an iPod connection kit so they can control the iPod from the stereo. They don't use their Shuffle. The original and second generation only got B reviews. The shuffle is still a simplified iPod and easy to use.

Klipsch, Scosche, V-Moda, Monster, and Etymotic all have headphones in developement to be compatible with the 3G Shuffle. So people whined about nothing.

[Jimzip]

All the whiners complained about the new shuffle..saying it sucks...guess they were wrong about that too. Looks like people do want the new shuffle. I am quite happy with my 2nd Gen Shuffle and iPod 160 Classic. No need to upgrade.

Doesn't mean they were wrong at all, it just means a lot of people bought the product. Hell, they might have done so because the ads look cool.

Whaaaat? Every iPod ever made has come with headphones that could snag on something. What's your point?

Because that's a HUGE problem. :rolleyes:

Right...starting now, it is advised that no portable music devices should be allowed into the gym, especially not light weight miniature groundbreaking ones that can clip to your bra strap and rock your world while you are working out while the gasshat next to you is trying to unlock his zune screensaver between sets.

You're all missing a huge issue here. The reason he mentioned the girl is screwed when the headphones break. Think about it, it's the reason I think this new revision is seriously flawed, and in fact the last generation of iPod Shuffle was perfect.

If the controls for the device are on the headphones, what happens if the headphones break, or get lost? You're looking at $80 to replace them.

More importantly, how exactly do I plug this iPod into my stereo? How can I use my own headphones? I own some noise-cancelling bose headphones, they're useless with this device.

The design, in my opinion, was an ill choice on Apple's part, which sounded good in the office 'Let's make it smaller', but in practice actually made it less intuitive. The same functionality could have been achieved if the controls had been placed on the device.

Design for the sake of design is useless. Which is why I'm so surprised Apple went the way it did with this iPod.

Jimzip :D

[Jimzip]

I'm telling you- these Koolaid drinkers are in DENIAL. :D

Tell me about it. I used to be one of them! :lol:

Jimzip :D

[Robin Huber]

It seems like you're thirteen. Or maybe you just write that way. Just an opinion. You mis-guessed my gender.

[Quadra 610]

But Teckstud, you hate everything from Apple. LOL

LOL, I can't imagine why he would. But to each their own.

[BjK]

Hey everybody, most forums have this this really great feature that helps with habitual trollers. It's called an ignore list.

Have a nice day. Don't forget to visit your dentist.

/PSA

[Robin Huber]

T-stud and friend: If failing to condemn a product based on second-hand reviews while sales are exceeding expectations makes me a Kool-Aid drinker, pass the Grape please.

Listen, I've bought, used, liked, loved, or been disappointed by Apple products since the first Mac. Most are great, some are okay, and a few have been wanting. I've never been shy about dissing an Apple product that didn't make me glad I bought it. But to trash something you have no personal experience with and expect others to line up and sign on to unfounded criticism is just lame.

[Jimzip]

Hey everybody, most forums have this this really great feature that helps with habitual trollers. It's called an ignore list.

Have a nice day. Don't forget to visit your dentist.

/PSA

Crap! Thank you, I totally forgot! (I'm being 100% serious here, meant to confirm my appointment this arvo!) God bless AI.

Jimzip :D

[Robin Huber]

Ignoring starts now.

[Jimzip]

T-stud and friend: If failing to condemn a product based on second-hand reviews while sales are exceeding expectations makes me a Kool-Aid drinker, pass the Grape please.

Listen, I've bought, used, liked, loved, or been disappointed by Apple products since the first Mac. Most are great, some are okay, and a few have been wanting. I've never been shy about dissing an Apple product that didn't make me glad I bought it. But to trash something you have no personal experience with and expect others to line up and sign on to unfounded criticism is just lame.

Ok, fantastic, you love it.

Now tell me how I play music off my stereo with it, and I'll apologise.

Jimzip :D

[BjK]

Crap! Thank you, I totally forgot! (I'm being 100% serious here, meant to confirm my appointment this arvo!) God bless AI.

Jimzip :D

Haha, my appointment's in a week.

Glad I could help out :D

[Quadra 610]

Nah, let's not silence debate.

Every site needs its devil's advocate. ;)

That was my role over at Neowin. Although it's a Windows tech site, it was (and is) still general enough to have a very healthy (and very vocal, that is, until I left) Apple community. Hell, most of the mods there use Macs.

Though I have to admit, AI is an all-Apple site. It would be odd to see Windows users chiming in on the discussion, though it's by no means unwelcome.

Besides, Windows users are so easy to refute. ;)

[Bregalad]

I like the new Shuffle and think it was a nice step forward.

My wife and I simply cannot buy it, however, until there are compatible third party earbuds. The Apple ones simply won't stay in her ears. They fit somewhat better in mine, but they tend to fall out if I move and I can't stand the poor sound.

Are the Apple in-ear headphones compatible with the new Shuffle? Last time I looked the Apple Store didn't list the 3G Shuffle as a compatible iPod.

[NasserAE]

I'm quite utilitarian in my purchases. Since my current Shuffle sufficient I won't get a new one, but that doesn't mean that the changes I posted for are not welcome. If my current Shuffle is lost, stolen or broke I'll know what I will buy next.

Watch out!! You might be a cool aid kid because you only buy what you need from Apple without complaining and believe in customers choice and product diversity.

To be non cool aid kid you have to buy every Apple product and start whining about each and every one of them all over the threads (even thought you knew they lack the features you complain about before you bought them) . Furthermore, you need to complain about Apple computers refusal to add specific technologies and keep buying them anyway!!

:lol:

[cameronj]

AWESOME chart! Dark blue, medium blue, light blue, medium gray, light gray... I don't know how that could have been improved!

[iVlad]

Ya that 32GB iPod Touch is pretty expensive. Its not really gonna hit in this economy. This might even make apple not to put 32GB in iPhone. Dunno.

[Robin Huber]

Ok, fantastic, you love it.

Now tell me how I play music off my stereo with it, and I'll apologise.

Jimzip :D

I must have missed the part where I said I loved it. I don't. Nor do I hate it. I don't know it. That was my entire point. Let those who have actually used the damn thing long enough to give a fair response have the debate. Those of us who haven't should just sit on the sidelines and listen, and not make "it sucks" pronouncements.

[jazzguru]

Ok, fantastic, you love it.

Now tell me how I play music off my stereo with it, and I'll apologise.

Jimzip :D

Why purchase a product if you know it doesn't have the features you want? For example, if I wanted a machine that would encode video quickly, I wouldn't buy a netbook.

[Jimzip]

I must have missed the part where I said I loved it. I don't. Nor do I hate it. I don't know it. That was my entire point. Let those who have actually used the damn thing long enough to give a fair response have the debate. Those of us who haven't should just sit on the sidelines and listen, and not make "it sucks" pronouncements.

That's totally fair, but I never said it sucks, I just said a huge design fault was the controls being on the headphones.

Why purchase a product if you know it doesn't have the features you want? For example, if I wanted a machine that would encode video quickly, I wouldn't buy a netbook.

I don't know why you quoted me there... I didn't buy one, nor will I. I've tried one, and realised the flaws. That's generally what people should do before purchasing something, no?

Jimzip :D

[Quadra 610]

[QUOTE=Jimzip;1397031]That's totally fair, but I never said it sucks, I just said a huge design fault was the controls being on the headphones.

That's actually looking like a big plus. It's pretty much the major feature of the device. It was intended.

But we'll see the real results a few months from now.

[Postulant]

Up next: Ebert and Roeper critique movies they haven't seen yet.

[mdriftmeyer]

Note the sales for the 32GB iPod Touch. The distinct minority are screaming for 64GB and 128GB models.

I'd love to see the breakdown of iPhone sales, by model.

[Jimzip]

That's totally fair, but I never said it sucks, I just said a huge design fault was the controls being on the headphones.

That's actually looking like a big plus. It's pretty much the major feature of the device. It was intended.

Ok. How does it look like a big plus?

(And of course it was intended, otherwise it wouldn't have been released.)

I see the merits of the gimmick; I love the thought and the idea behind the voice navigation, I just think it was implemented the wrong way. Explain to me the solution to the problem I posed, whereby the device is useless without the Apple headphones it comes with, and I'll agree that this device is genius, and a step forward.

Jimzip :D

[NasserAE]

Ok. How does it look like a big plus?

(And of course it was intended, otherwise it wouldn't have been released.)

I see the merits of the gimmick; I love the thought and the idea behind the voice navigation, I just think it was implemented the wrong way. Explain to me the solution to the problem I posed, whereby the device is useless without the Apple headphones it comes with, and I'll agree that this device is genius, and a step forward.

Jimzip :D

You do the same what you usually do when you lose or damage any iPod headphones. Buy new one for $30 or buy third party adapters and use regular headphones. Third party adapters are in their way I believe.

[dagamer34]

I'm just annoyed that the default headphones that come with the iPod Shuffle fit so crappily in my ear. You have to upgrade to the in-ear version to get a decent fit (and I'm not sure those support all of the Shuffle's functions).

Plus, who really wants headphones that cost as much as the player itself? It just doesn't sit well with me.

[Jimzip]

You do the same what you usually do when you lose or damage any iPod headphones. Buy new one for $30 or buy third party adapters and use regular headphones. Third party adapters are in their way I believe.

That ain't a big plus to me ... but whatever, at least replacements are only $30. :/ (I thought they were $79, but that's just the in-ear ones. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850?mco=MTIyNzA)

That said, you shouldn't need an adapter to use this product with something else. You have to agree with me there.

I was endlessly annoyed when I bought my 1st gen iPhone and couldn't use anything with it because the earphone jack was sunk into the device. I had to buy an adapter for that and it's a pain in the neck let me tell you. That's not good design. Apple realised this and fixed it with the iPhone 3G.

This is the reason this limitation irks me, Apple's products are usually so well thought out and polished.

Jimzip :D

[NasserAE]

That ain't a big plus to me ... but whatever, at least replacements are only $30. :/ (I thought they were $79, but that's just the in-ear ones. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850?mco=MTIyNzA)

That said, you shouldn't need an adapter to use this product with something else. You have to agree with me there.

I was endlessly annoyed when I bought my 1st gen iPhone and couldn't use anything with it because the earphone jack was sunk into the device. I had to buy an adapter for that and it's a pain in the neck let me tell you. That's not good design. Apple realised this and fixed it with the iPhone 3G.

This is the reason this limitation irks me, Apple's products are usually so well thought out and polished.

Jimzip :D

It might be inconvenient for some people but in general the average buyer stick with whatever comes with his MP3. Telling you the truth, I liked the recessed jacks in the original iPhone because they were solid all around the jack. Every time my 3G iPhone headphones are pulled laterally in my pocket I worry about the casing getting cracked. Cracked headphone jacks were reported for the 3G iPhone on many threads including AI. You can tell I am not an audio person. ;)

[Jimzip]

It might be inconvenient for some people but in general the average buyer stick with whatever comes with his MP3. Telling you the truth, I liked the recessed jacks in the original iPhone because they were solid all around the jack. Every time my 3G iPhone headphones are pulled laterally my pocket I worry about the case getting cracked. Cracked headphone jacks were reported for the 3G iPhone on many threads including AI. You can tell I am not an audio person. ;)

I know! It looked so nice with the Apple earphones meeting the metal, those headphones were the perfect size. :)

Jimzip :D

[Quadra 610]

Ok. How does it look like a big plus?

(And of course it was intended, otherwise it wouldn't have been released.)

I see the merits of the gimmick; I love the thought and the idea behind the voice navigation, I just think it was implemented the wrong way. Explain to me the solution to the problem I posed, whereby the device is useless without the Apple headphones it comes with, and I'll agree that this device is genius, and a step forward.

Jimzip :D

Why would you use the device without the Apple headphones? Using the Apple headphones is the whole point. The solution . . . is to use the Apple headphones. Why would you want to use anything else?

Don't lose them, I suppose. Then again, you can get a replacement set from Apple.

You'll eventually be able to use third party adapters made for the Shuffle. I don't see a problem.

[Tomahawk]

That said, you shouldn't need an adapter to use this product with something else. You have to agree with me there.

I was endlessly annoyed when I bought my 1st gen iPhone and couldn't use anything with it because the earphone jack was sunk into the device. I had to buy an adapter for that and it's a pain in the neck let me tell you. That's not good design. Apple realised this and fixed it with the iPhone 3G.

This is the reason this limitation irks me, Apple's products are usually so well thought out and polished.
Yep, and when the dock was introduced on the iPod you couldn't use anything with it. Now look at the market. Seriously, in two years the audio in jacks in most cars could include the components needed to be able to use the forward and reverse buttons on your stereo to control your shuffle, iphone, ipod touch, etc. as long as you have the right cable.

Give it six months and see what your options are before you sit and complain!

[Jimzip]

Whatev. Done!

Jimzip :D

[Haro!]

I think the new Shuffle is quite awesome, though it took some getting used to compare to the previous versions. It's good to see that it did well.

[solipsism]

How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Added: And I've stated and well as countless others have numerous times that the Shuffle was once synonmous with a simplified iPod and that this one is not.

1) I've seen you post a link as a a reply to someone's post, but I haven't clicked on it. I have absolutely no interest in going to another site to read an article just because you have hyperlinked it. You don't post your own pro and con views of the article, you don't summerize the author's general view or quote a paragraph that sums up the point you are trying to push. You just plop a link down as a replay and somehow expect your post to being as a serious post.

2) For all the negative reviews and "my friends all agree" postings you can muster I can find just as many on the opposite end. I implore you to post a balanced comment every once in a while.

3) Nothing is unbiased, but these negative takes on x-product you post are often from anti-x-company sites and authors or, more often, a balanced article that you have personally focused on only seeing the negative aspects that are mentioned. Never seeing the other, positive comments that are stated about the product. What it all comes down to is if the product fits your needs or not. That does make a product bad or good in any way shape or form, it only means it's not the right product for you if it does not meet your needs.

[solipsism]

Watch out!! You might be a cool aid kid because you only buy what you need from Apple without complaining and believe in customers choice and product diversity.

To be non cool aid kid you have to buy every Apple product and start whining about each and every one of them all over the threads (even thought you knew they lack the features you complain about before you bought them) . Furthermore, you need to complain about Apple computers refusal to add specific technologies and keep buying them anyway!!

It's ironic that Teckstudian logic states that if you buy an Apple product you don't like and/or don't need you are someone normal, but if you need and/or like a product that Apple makes you are a fanboy.

[jpellino]

If the controls for the device are on the headphones, what happens if the headphones break, or get lost? You're looking at $80 to replace them.


The standard (shipping with the Shuffle) ones are the same $29 I have for my Touch and work perfectly in the new Shuffle. If she then *also* bought the $79 in-ear and snags them then yes, she's out $79. But anyone who is in constant danger of snagging their headphones on something would be ill advised to buy $79 headphones or a 4th Gen Shuffle and $79 remote headset.

[iReality85]

Boy, does this fly in the face of the predictions of most of the so-called analysts out there.

All the whiners complained about the new shuffle..saying it sucks...guess they were wrong about that too. Looks like people do want the new shuffle. I am quite happy with my 2nd Gen Shuffle and iPod 160 Classic. No need to upgrade.

Not really, just that people will buy anything if its new and fashionable; not necessarily if its functional.

And I seriously don't understand how the new Shuffle's arrangement makes working out at the gym any easier in terms of music player control. Maybe if you were walking on a treadmill. I don't know about you, but whenever I run, my earphone cords bounce and bob and move all over the place, and that would make the 4G Shuffle controls annoying. That's why the Shuffle has featured a clip- to make it easily accessible (or armbands if you have a larger iPod). Fact remains, the new control scheme is awful.

[Dueces]

In other news. Returns of shuffles have shot up 2,000% and is on track to be the most returned ipod ever by the time it is 3 months old.

[macnyc]

You're all missing a huge issue here. The reason he mentioned the girl is screwed when the headphones break. Think about it, it's the reason I think this new revision is seriously flawed, and in fact the last generation of iPod Shuffle was perfect.

If the controls for the device are on the headphones, what happens if the headphones break, or get lost? You're looking at $80 to replace them.

More importantly, how exactly do I plug this iPod into my stereo? How can I use my own headphones? I own some noise-cancelling bose headphones, they're useless with this device.

The design, in my opinion, was an ill choice on Apple's part, which sounded good in the office 'Let's make it smaller', but in practice actually made it less intuitive. The same functionality could have been achieved if the controls had been placed on the device.

Design for the sake of design is useless. Which is why I'm so surprised Apple went the way it did with this iPod.

Jimzip :D[/QUOTE]

You're missing the point, the headphones are an integral part of the shuffle not an accessory. There are 3rd party headphones coming out.

As for losing headphones? LOL. That was the argument against the nano and the shuffle when they first came out, that they were too small and you would lose them.

There is a cable to connect the shuffle, the last generation had a cable too, nothing new there!

All these people who complain about the controls on the cord have obviously never used them. I use the controls on the cord with my iphone everyday and i would hate not to have them!

[solipsism]

I like the new Shuffle and think it was a nice step forward.

My wife and I simply cannot buy it, however, until there are compatible third party earbuds. The Apple ones simply won't stay in her ears. They fit somewhat better in mine, but they tend to fall out if I move and I can't stand the poor sound.

Are the Apple in-ear headphones compatible with the new Shuffle? Last time I looked the Apple Store didn't list the 3G Shuffle as a compatible iPod.
They are compatible, but at $79 they seem a bit expensive just to use with the Shuffle. I use mine with my 2G Shuffle, iPhone and MacBook. The controls and mic even work on the newer Macs. For the price they are priced fairly, but the bass could be higher.


NO-My belief is that you and your ilk would never disagree with anything Apple manufactured, no matter how unpractical or poorly made it is. You simply lick the Kool-Aid Jello out of the Apple bowl daily- nonstop. Solipsism is obviously as very pathetic philosophy- it can't think for itself and frequently resorts to denial..
Why would I disagree with anything Apple's manufactures? If a product fits my needs I buy it, if it doesn't I don't. I don't disagree with a company simply because it's not catering directly to my specific needs. If they broke laws, acted in an unjust manner and took advantage of people then I will disagree with a company.

Me and my 'ilk" have posted on these board many things that we like AND dislike about products that many companies make, but that doesn't mean that we focus only the things we don't like and hate companies and CEOs because of it. I've posted several times that I think the Zune 2.0 is a solid device for a MS HW/SW combo and that I have a HP media server running Windows Home Server. I've posted pros and cons of each on these forums and others, but you seem to only want to look at one narrow view of everything instead of stepping back to see the larger picture. To each their own, but don't make stuff up.

PS: You seem to dancing very closely to a banning with your personal attacks today. You may want to put the kibosh on that just to be on the safe side.

[monstrosity]

I hear it's a favorite among Lilliputians.

:) doing well there I hear

[Quadra 610]

So to put it simply - they're not practical/durable for exercising / gym wear.

Uh, no.

Simply put they have headphones like every other MP3 player.

It's not hard to keep them in your ears.

Again, third parties will be making compatible sets.

(BTW, are you the same "teckstud" from Neowin?)

[macnyc]

NO-My belief is that you and your ilk would never disagree with anything Apple manufactured, no matter how unpractical or poorly made it is. You simply lick the Kool-Aid Jello out of the Apple bowl daily- nonstop. Solipsism is obviously as very pathetic philosophy- it can't think for itself and frequently resorts to denial..

I'm wondering how old you are and what you do for a living.

[mzaslove]

I'm wondering how old you are and what you do for a living.

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[cycomiko]

No need to look down, navigate, or even LOCATE the device... and you can select from multiple playlists immediately...something I can't do my 2nd gen shuffle.
...

So she struggled to find a good sized set of buttons attached to herself bouncing up and down while she runs, but manages to find a small button (well smaller than my finger) on a wire bouncing up and down while she runs?

[guinness]

I like how the article said that sales shot up 50%, but didn't give any actual units sold, so it may be a 50 percent increase, from nothing, to something more than nothing, who knows, given the emptiness of the actual stats.

Besides, anything new is going to get a slight bump, and the rest of the iPod sales make some sense, given the state of the economy, and market saturation.

[gmcalpin]

I like how the article said that sales shot up 50%, but didn't give any actual units sold, so it may be a 50 percent increase, from nothing, to something more than nothing, who knows, given the emptiness of the actual stats.
150% of nothing is zero, dude.

And it's the third best-selling iPod at the moment. For a player aimed at a relatively niche audience, whose potential won't be fulfilled until third-party headphones and adapters come out, that's not bad.

[gmcalpin]

Fact remains, the new control scheme is awful.
The stock earbuds are not "the control scheme." The controls could be very different on every single pair of third-party headphones or adapter offered for this thing.

Runners might love the stock earbuds and not needing to fumble around to find the right button, but okay, so you (understandably) hate the one-button control? Buy a set with dedicated forward and back buttons, then. (Remember that chip all the alarmists were saying was for hardware DRM and wasn't? THAT is the control scheme.)

You want behind the ear ones? They made them for the 2nd gen, and this is even smaller, so it won't look nearly as stupid.

You could build headphones into a motorcycle helmet and stick one of these in it, for God's sake — because it's tiny, and because it doesn't have any unnecessary controls on the actual player.

Granted, none of those accessories exist — yet — and that's how things always go. You need a successful product out on the market before a lot of the accessory makers are going to support it.

This product has heaps of potential. If, in one year, nothing like that exists — then I'll agree that the new Shuffle kind of sucks. Until then, as far as I'm concerned, all bitchers and moaners like teckstud just have no imagination.

[Constable Odo]

:lol: So much for the gripers who couldn't believe anyone would buy it because of the remote being part of the headphones. It's an iPod, people will buy it just to be the first to have one. The Sansa Clip beat the new Shuffle hands down in features, but sales are not going to jump up 50% for the Sansa Clip. I'm sure the Sansa Clip is a better value than the iPod Shuffle, but I'd still buy the Shuffle because I'm a Mac user. I'm sure it doesn't make much sense to SanDisk since their product is somewhat better, but some people just buy on account of brand loyalty.

[solipsism]

The Sansa Clip beat the new Shuffle hands down in features, but sales are not going to jump up 50% for the Sansa Clip. I'm sure the Sansa Clip is a better value than the iPod Shuffle, but I'd still buy the Shuffle because I'm a Mac user. I'm sure it doesn't make much sense to SanDisk since their product is somewhat better, but some people just buy on account of brand loyalty.

Value is perceived, but from my POV I'd say the Sansa is a considerably better value for anyone who doesn't use iTunes. For me, the size, lack of device features and the integration with iTunes are all features that make my 2G Shuffle a better option for me than other options at lower prices.

[Abster2core]

How many times do I have to post the link of the bad reviews for the new Shuffle for you? I can't help it you are in denial or refuse to read what's been written. Show me a glowing review then. Come on- show me one , and one that's not biased.

Added: And I've stated and well as countless others have numerous times that the Shuffle was once synonmous with a simplified iPod and that this one is not.

Well there are a couple of glowing reviews in some of the 'non-bad' ones listed below:


http://www.macworld.com/article/139345/shuffle_reaction.html
http://nytimes.com.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-shuffle-third/4505-6490_7-33550035.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/apple-ipod-shuffle-third/4505-6490_7-33550035.html
http://i4u.digitaltrends.com/review6311.html
http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews85048.html
http://www.toptechnews.com/story.xhtml?story_id=12100709S0QB&page=1
http://technologizer.com/2009/03/13/apple-ipod-shuffle-review-third-generation/
http://gear.ign.com/articles/964/964603p1.html
http://www.slashgear.com/ipod-suffle-3rd-gen-review-2739205/
http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2009/03/3g-ipod-shuffle-review-where-were-going-we-dont-need-buttons.ars
http://www.macworld.com/article/139589/shuffle.html
http://teentechblog.com/2009/03/16/new-ipod-shuffle-review/
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2009-03-11-ipod-shuffle-review_N.htm
http://www.geek.com/articles/apple/review-ipod-shuffle-4gb-third-generation-20090313/
http://ptech.allthingsd.com/20090311/the-littlest-ipod-packs-in-songs-and-finds-its-voice/
http://www.macworld.com/article/139406/2009/03/3gipodshufflereview.html


I really can't quite understand why in every post you create, they are always so anti-Apple. Every one of them. Surely you can't begrudge Apple or anybody that decides to support one of the new shuffles. Afterall, you still have 28 other iPods, re form, functionality, color and size, to select from.

[gmcalpin]

But... those are all biased!

Dude, your time is better spent arguing with God than with Teckstud. God will actually listen and even changes his mind once in a while.

[DavidW]

You could build headphones into a motorcycle helmet and stick one of these in it, for God's sake — because it's tiny, and because it doesn't have any unnecessary controls on the actual player.

Granted, none of those accessories exist — yet — and that's how things always go. You need a successful product out on the market before a lot of the accessory makers are going to support it.

This product has heaps of potential. If, in one year, nothing like that exists — then I'll agree that the new Shuffle kind of sucks. Until then, as far as I'm concerned, all bitchers and moaners like teckstud just have no imagination.

Or they can make a dock that will plug into a stereo (home or car) with a wireless remote control and will charge the Shuffle at the same time.

Or a "ghetto blaster" or car that has a built in dock that will accept the new Shuffle and uses the control built into the "ghetto blaster" or for the car radio to control the Shuffle.

Basically, the Shuffle just got a docking port. Just like it's bigger brothers. Only not as functional. Or maybe there's still some hidden features we don't know about yet.

There might even be adapters that will adapt the Shuffle port to that of the regular iPod. So that a Shuffle can be used on devices that normally uses iPods with the regular dock connector.

[sflocal]

If the controls for the device are on the headphones, what happens if the headphones break, or get lost? You're looking at $80 to replace them.


That is incorrect. Right on Apple's website, same headphones can be had for $29.

So to put it simply - they're not practical/durable for exercising / gym wear.

And you have come to this conclusion because you have actually tried one during a workout? Did your parents put a treadmill in the basement for you?

I'm wondering how old you are and what you do for a living.

I've spoken to Teckstud's parents. They apologized for his accidental escape from their basement. They promised to put a bigger padlock on the door and keep him sedated with spiked koolaid. :lol:

[ivan.rnn01]

owns BB but presents generously iPods (being stuffed with some mysterious videos).

Isn't iPod seen just as kinda flash key amongst highflyers:???::lol:

[jpellino]

So to put it simply - they're not practical/durable for exercising / gym wear.

You demonstrate the fine art of the irrelevant conclusion. My point was that this is not a rampant problem, and in the event it does happen she's out $29 not $79. Anyone who is serially and reliably ruining headphones by snagging them on things likely suffers from some sort of clinical motor skill deficiency and can't find the door to leave the house in the morning.

[jpellino]

So she struggled to find a good sized set of buttons attached to herself bouncing up and down while she runs, but manages to find a small button (well smaller than my finger) on a wire bouncing up and down while she runs?

That's right. The 3-button headphone is a step up.

I have an original iPod 5GB, a 1st gen Shuffle, 2nd gen Shuffle, 1st Gen Nano and 2nd gen Touch. The 1G Shuffle is still my favorite, the body was directional and the buttons raised, easiest shuffle/nano nav yet. The 1 gen Nano is my everyday, thanks to Nike+for running and stationary bike in the off season. But the button arrangement on the Nano is flatter=worse for no-look operation. 2 gen Shuffle was less directional and worse than the 1st gen Shuffle for no-look operation. The Touch is made much better by the 3-button headphone. I spent a day with the new Shuffle and the new headphones, and the learning curve is about three minutes, and simpler than the 2nd gen for no-look.

Once the 3rd party cables come out, this will be *better* for a car than the 2g Shuffle and maybe for others as well - no look operation preferred in a car and you'll have voice feedback through the stereo.

Disclaimer - this is an opinion, albeit based on extensive hands-on experience with all of these units.

[m2002brian]

Just one button would solve everything for me. Considering it's a shuffle and I will never own one I guess I'm wasting space here, but whatever. I know that if I have nothing selected to play (ipod touch) and I double click home (ipod controlls) and click play, it will then start playing "All songs." So my point is, being that it's a shuffle with little capacity in the first place. Why not put a play button (similar to ps3, no moving parts) for the sake of usability at all times (even if handicapped, the ipod that is).

[gmcalpin]

Anyone who is serially and reliably ruining headphones by snagging them on things likely suffers from some sort of clinical motor skill deficiency and can't find the door to leave the house in the morning.
Seriously. I may not be the most active guy in the world, but despite having snagged my headphones on things repeatedly myself, I've had the exact same pair for almost five years. They're pretty durable.

And if you're really ruining headphones that much? BUY A SPARE SET.

[gmcalpin]

I've spoken to Teckstud's parents. They apologized for his accidental escape from their basement. They promised to put a bigger padlock on the door and keep him sedated with spiked koolaid. :lol:
So THAT'S why he always brings up drinking the Kool-Aid.

I was curious, because last I checked, only morons used that phrase.

[ktodack]

When was the last time you saw an ad for any Apple product on TV. Apple catches a lot of attention for the ads it runs, but their ads run just during major sporting events or run for a few months then stop. Have you ever seen a print ad for any Apple product? If you have I would be amazed because I can't recall ever seeing one. Apple sells products that they design to be simple to use for the average person-- but for the most part Apple advantages are not explained to the average person. Im sure if you asked the average adult over 30 what features differentiate the various iPods-- Shuffle, Nano, Classic, Touch, IPhone that except for the IPhone having cell phone capabilities, they wouldn't be able to tell you. Apple simply throws away a huge number of sales because they refuse to market their products effectively, not giving folks over 30 compelling reasons for buying their products. Print ads offer a great way to explain their products and to build excitement-- yet Apple marketing seems to be blind to the opportunity-- and it's not like they don't have the money to afford it. The IPod Touch is an amazing product at a very reasonable price that connects you to the Internet wherever there is WIFI and has a huge amount of software available. Yet again few people over 30 have any reason to buy one because they don't even know what an IPod Touch can do except possibly play games. Apple knows how to advertise their products well on their web site, but unfortunately only a tiny percentage of the general public have any reason to go to their web site.

[strikestrike]

I like how the article said that sales shot up 50%, but didn't give any actual units sold, so it may be a 50 percent increase, from nothing, to something more than nothing, who knows, given the emptiness of the actual stats.

Besides, anything new is going to get a slight bump, and the rest of the iPod sales make some sense, given the state of the economy, and market saturation.

Huh? A percentage increase from nothing cannot be quantified properly, I think. But yes, 50% from what?...a bit vague there.

[jido]

Not really, just that people will buy anything if its new and fashionable; not necessarily if its functional.

And I seriously don't understand how the new Shuffle's arrangement makes working out at the gym any easier in terms of music player control. Maybe if you were walking on a treadmill. I don't know about you, but whenever I run, my earphone cords bounce and bob and move all over the place, and that would make the 4G Shuffle controls annoying. That's why the Shuffle has featured a clip- to make it easily accessible (or armbands if you have a larger iPod). Fact remains, the new control scheme is awful.

It won't move once you catch the cord. And you can find the controls when you slide your hand along the cord.

Jimzip, you can't control volume or playlists etc when you connect to headphones without remote or to a stereo. But you can listen to music. Just select "continuous" or "shuffle" on the selector from the "off" position. Why don't you use a device with a display and controls to connect to a stereo?

[jpellino]

When was the last time you saw an ad for any Apple product on TV. Apple catches a lot of attention for the ads it runs, but their ads run just during major sporting events or run for a few months then stop. Have you ever seen a print ad for any Apple product? If you have I would be amazed because I can't recall ever seeing one. Apple sells products that they design to be simple to use for the average person-- but for the most part Apple advantages are not explained to the average person. Im sure if you asked the average adult over 30 what features differentiate the various iPods-- Shuffle, Nano, Classic, Touch, IPhone that except for the IPhone having cell phone capabilities, they wouldn't be able to tell you. Apple simply throws away a huge number of sales because they refuse to market their products effectively, not giving folks over 30 compelling reasons for buying their products. Print ads offer a great way to explain their products and to build excitement-- yet Apple marketing seems to be blind to the opportunity-- and it's not like they don't have the money to afford it. The IPod Touch is an amazing product at a very reasonable price that connects you to the Internet wherever there is WIFI and has a huge amount of software available. Yet again few people over 30 have any reason to buy one because they don't even know what an IPod Touch can do except possibly play games. Apple knows how to advertise their products well on their web site, but unfortunately only a tiny percentage of the general public have any reason to go to their web site.

Apple print ads are sparse. Apple TV ads are all over the place. iPhone / iPT ads are now evenly split between games, music and apps. The Get A Mac ads have slowed down, but likely will pick up. Apple certainly knows which media work best. IIRC back when we were doing external research for them, they actually went 365 days with no mainstream advertising. No TV no radio, no newspapers, no popular press, and they didn't take any hit in sales. Subsequent marketing was highly targeted. It's not like selling soap. It's quirky. Zune has 99% print ads, near zero TV ads they desperately need to explain the differential re: iPod and they still can't get arrested. Anyone remember any TV ads for the original iPod? I don't believe there was even one. Apple's iPod advertising actually lagged its sales for most of its existence, really ramping up with the iTMS and then the iPhone and Touch. And with 90% market share, Windows seems to need a resurgence in advertising led by a raft of small children. Go figure.

[piot]

When was the last time you saw an ad for any Apple product on TV. Apple catches a lot of attention for the ads it runs, but their ads run just during major sporting events or run for a few months then stop. Have you ever seen a print ad for any Apple product? If you have I would be amazed because I can't recall ever seeing one. Apple sells products that they design to be simple to use for the average person-- but for the most part Apple advantages are not explained to the average person. Im sure if you asked the average adult over 30 what features differentiate the various iPods-- Shuffle, Nano, Classic, Touch, IPhone that except for the IPhone having cell phone capabilities, they wouldn't be able to tell you. Apple simply throws away a huge number of sales because they refuse to market their products effectively, not giving folks over 30 compelling reasons for buying their products. Print ads offer a great way to explain their products and to build excitement-- yet Apple marketing seems to be blind to the opportunity-- and it's not like they don't have the money to afford it. The IPod Touch is an amazing product at a very reasonable price that connects you to the Internet wherever there is WIFI and has a huge amount of software available. Yet again few people over 30 have any reason to buy one because they don't even know what an IPod Touch can do except possibly play games. Apple knows how to advertise their products well on their web site, but unfortunately only a tiny percentage of the general public have any reason to go to their web site.

Poorly though out rubbish. No offence. :)

[tonton]

To all of you defending the new shuffle (which I cannot use with any short-cord headphones), it now looks like you CANNOT use it for working out. The controls appear to be sensitive to sweat. Good one, Apple.

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1946469&tstart=0

And in case Apple pulls down the discussion (which they have a habit of doing to every discussion that reports problems):

http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/09/04/02/ipod.shuffle.3g.problems/

[cycomiko]

Seriously. I may not be the most active guy in the world, but despite having snagged my headphones on things repeatedly myself, I've had the exact same pair for almost five years. They're pretty durable.

And if you're really ruining headphones that much? BUY A SPARE SET.

in the past year or so i have gone through about 4 sets of headphones, not through snagging, but the wires die routinely when in the gym, plus the origonal apple set managed to pull the speaker directly out and left it in my ear.

All up, the headphones cost me less than one set of the apple headphones with a controller.

Sure, you can get a lovely new iPod and keep purchasing overpriced headphones consistently, but the only person that will help is Apples bank manager...

[cycomiko]

double post

[minderbinder]

Apple is still selling the old version.

Do we know for a fact that the sales were the NEW shuffle? Or are some of those sales people rushing to buy the old ones while they still have a chance?