High-quality unboxing photos of Apple's third-gen iPod shuffle
Apple retail stores on Thursday began receiving the company's third-generation 4GB iPod shuffle in extremely limited quantities. What follows are a few dozen unboxing and comparison shots, along with some commentary.
Average to mid-size Apple stores we spoke with report receiving only a couple dozen of each color (black and gray) as part of their initial shipment, with more expected by the end of the week. Thus far, the black model is proving to be far more popular with early adopters than the grey model, and was expected to sell out at several locations by day's end.
Apple says the third-gen iPod shuffle ships in packaging that's 40% smaller and 33% lighter than the one used for the second-gen shuffle, and it shows (comparison photos below). The plastic capsule-like container can be concealed almost completely in the palm of your hand.
Inside the box is a pair of Apple Earphones withÂ*Remote, a 1.8-inch iPod shuffle Dock sync USB cable, a Quick Start guide, and of course the 4GB shuffle itself. The first thing we noticed is how incredibly tiny the player is. It's no bigger than the length and width of three pieces of Chiclets chewing gum aligned side-by-side. It's also considerably smaller than the mini BiC lighters it resembles.
If you've ever gone diving between the couch cushions to find your misplaced Apple Bluetooth Headset, watch out with the new shuffle. It's most comparable in size -- slight shorter but wider, and approximately the same width (not factoring in the headset's earpiece).
On top, there's a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, a three-way control switch (shuffle, play in order, turn off) and tiny LED that could easily be mistaken for a spec of dust or some other form of debris. Meanwhile, the back sports a new version of the shuffle's familiar clip, only this time with a chromed finish and grainy off-white Apple logo with a bit of sparkle.
More generally speaking, the precision anodized aluminum molding of the player is perfection at its finest. While floating in its retail packaging, the new shuffle appears to lack seams entirely. It's only after a close inspection that you'll notice seams for what looks like a trap door mostly obscured by the clip on the back of the device.
At this juncture, it would also be impossible for Apple to deliver a thinner digital music player without substituting the 3.5mm jack with a new generation of connector. It's that thin.
We'll be putting the new shuffle through our gauntlet and will deliver a full review of the player and its new VoiceOver interface in coming days.
Average to mid-size Apple stores we spoke with report receiving only a couple dozen of each color (black and gray) as part of their initial shipment, with more expected by the end of the week. Thus far, the black model is proving to be far more popular with early adopters than the grey model, and was expected to sell out at several locations by day's end.
Apple says the third-gen iPod shuffle ships in packaging that's 40% smaller and 33% lighter than the one used for the second-gen shuffle, and it shows (comparison photos below). The plastic capsule-like container can be concealed almost completely in the palm of your hand.
Inside the box is a pair of Apple Earphones withÂ*Remote, a 1.8-inch iPod shuffle Dock sync USB cable, a Quick Start guide, and of course the 4GB shuffle itself. The first thing we noticed is how incredibly tiny the player is. It's no bigger than the length and width of three pieces of Chiclets chewing gum aligned side-by-side. It's also considerably smaller than the mini BiC lighters it resembles.
If you've ever gone diving between the couch cushions to find your misplaced Apple Bluetooth Headset, watch out with the new shuffle. It's most comparable in size -- slight shorter but wider, and approximately the same width (not factoring in the headset's earpiece).
On top, there's a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, a three-way control switch (shuffle, play in order, turn off) and tiny LED that could easily be mistaken for a spec of dust or some other form of debris. Meanwhile, the back sports a new version of the shuffle's familiar clip, only this time with a chromed finish and grainy off-white Apple logo with a bit of sparkle.
More generally speaking, the precision anodized aluminum molding of the player is perfection at its finest. While floating in its retail packaging, the new shuffle appears to lack seams entirely. It's only after a close inspection that you'll notice seams for what looks like a trap door mostly obscured by the clip on the back of the device.
At this juncture, it would also be impossible for Apple to deliver a thinner digital music player without substituting the 3.5mm jack with a new generation of connector. It's that thin.
We'll be putting the new shuffle through our gauntlet and will deliver a full review of the player and its new VoiceOver interface in coming days.
Comments
Baaaaaa Baaaaaa BA BA.... BOM bom BOM bom...
Might get one after my DSi
It would be a subtle feature, but extremely convenient. Who wants to deal with more cables than is absolutely needed.
it looks like an apple lighter.
i'm still not completely convinced about the uni-click button.
(I am not talking about the technical issues :-) enough people are talking about it already)
Zomg my new ipod shuffle is like totally scratched already screw you apple
So you mean your new 3g iPod shuffle is ALREADY scratched???!!!
What have you done with it??
Couldn't you find a dustier environment for your pictures?
(I am not talking about the technical issues :-) enough people are talking about it already)
Listen, when you see this thing in person, you'll understand. It's tiny. Most of that dust isn't recognizable to the human eye. We're using a high-res camera with a macro lens. However, I agree. The shots could be better and we're working on improving our photo-shoots for the next piece of Apple pr0n.
Thanks,
K
And the pictures look nice....
But, how does it sound in comparison to the 2nd gen Shuffle? I cannot stand my wife's 2nd gen and still use my 1st gen when running.
Keep up the great work!
looks like the monolith from 2010... except much much smaller.
Baaaaaa Baaaaaa BA BA.... BOM bom BOM bom...
Now that's funny!!
Listen, when you see this thing in person, you'll understand. It's tiny. Most of that dust isn't recognizable to the human eye. We're using a high-res camera with a macro lens. However, I agree. The shots could be better and we're working on improving our photo-shoots for the next piece of Apple pr0n.
Thanks,
K
Just use a can of compressed air on the surface before shooting. Old photographer's tip.
Couldn't you find a dustier environment for your pictures?
(I am not talking about the technical issues :-) enough people are talking about it already)
Agreed, but at least they don't have a hand model with dirty fingernails!
Just use a can of compressed air on the surface before shooting. Old photographer's tip.
Yeah, I know. Next time.
K
Listen, when you see this thing in person, you'll understand. It's tiny. Most of that dust isn't recognizable to the human eye. We're using a high-res camera with a macro lens. However, I agree. The shots could be better and we're working on improving our photo-shoots for the next piece of Apple pr0n.
Thanks,
K
Thanks for the photos Kasper...now I don't have to make a special trip to the Apple store to see it!
I to have owned all the shuffle iterations to date and this one is the best looking. (I give the old ones to my nieces.)
I especially like the chrome clip. After using the iPhone earbuds controller I think I would like the controller on the new Shuffle. All those PHD's at Apple are always think'n!
Thanks for the photos Kasper...now I don't have to make a special trip to the Apple store to see it!
I to have owned all the shuffle iterations to date and this one is the best looking. (I give the old ones to my nieces.)
I especially like the chrome clip. After using the iPhone earbuds controller I think I would like the controller on the new Shuffle. All those PHD's at Apple are always think'n!
We'll have a full review soon. The clip is fairly stiff. Nicer than the last clip.
K
I could go on but I think its not funny anymore.