Apple iPod Shuffle

The basics

Apple iPod Shuffle is the smallest digital audio player and considered as the budget model of Apple's line of iPods. It makes use of the tagline 'life is random' and weighs a mere 15 grams or 0.55 oz, and makes use of flash memory. Some iPod Shuffles can store 512 MB while some can store up to 2 GB.

The good

Forget everything you’ve heard about Apple being a brand reserved for superstar software developers and overpaid ad execs – here’s a rock-solid bargain to please all ears. Sound quality is (nearly) up to its bigger brethren and the Shuffle’s 250 (1GB) to 500 (2GB) song capacity should be enough to keep anyone but rabid triathletes amused at the gym. We like the handy clip, dig the glowing battery indicator and positively swoon over the rainbow of metallic aluminium colours.

The bad

Despite shock-proof playback, Apple’s white earbuds leap from your ears at the slightest hint of motion – annoying considering everything else about the Shuffle is geared up to complement a vigorous workout. They sound pretty dire, too, so swap them for some Sony or Sennheiser sports cans at the first opportunity. The 12-hour battery life is also below average these days.

The bottom line

The ever-so shiny Shuffle sings loud and proud from its tiny aluminium shell. Count your pennies – this is the best mini music player pocket-money can buy.