Apple started shipping the second generation iPod Shuffles. I already had the first generation, and the only real difference is the size of the unit. Most the features are basically the same. I figured size and the aluminum enclosure was a good enough reason to get the new one. Besides it gives me an excuse to write another post for this site. The new iPod Shuffle comes in only one size, 1GB, which Apple says is about 240 songs. I was able to put 263 songs in my real world use. At $79, I found that the iPod Shuffle was very reasonable in price.

I picked the unit up at my local Apple Store. They had plenty in stock even though I had read on other blogs that they might have low inventory. The unit is very small. It’s pretty remarkable how small it really is and I?ll definitely find myself carrying the unit with me on a daily basis. It’s nice that there is a built in clip. I clip it on my pocket and I’m good to go.

Apple claims 12 hours battery life and I haven’t really spend 12 hours in the last two days listening to music so I haven’t been able to verify this claim. Overall with past iPods I’ve been satisfied with battery life and it usually isn’t someone I complain about.

Like the previous iPod Shuffle, there is no LCD and I don’t think it really needs one. It just plays music and I just load some of my favorite tunes in it and I’m completely okay with that.

I like that it comes with a dock. I usually buy that as an accessory with my other iPods. I remember Apple used to ship the full size iPods with docks, but it’s been a pretty long time since then. It needs to have a dock since there is no built in USB port like the previous iPod Shuffle. It syncs through the headphone port and I think that’s pretty unique and as far as I can tell probably saves some space to make the unit as small as it is. The dock is used to sync and charge.

I didn’t have any problems syncing the unit with iTunes. Everything worked as it does with all my other iPods. It’s pretty straight forward and you have the option of autofilling or selecting a playlist or groups of playlists. Also there is an option to copy higher rated files which is nice.

It appears that the new Shuffle is using the old iPod ear buds, not the new ones that come with the iPod Nano or iPod Video. I’m not sure if those are any better anyway. I still use my Bass Buds and they work pretty well. I ordered the Mophie Wraptor as a case. It allows the headphones to be wrapped around the unit and I think that will make it more convenient to carry around with me. I just have to make sure I’m careful with the ear bud so I don’t mess those up.

As far as sound quality goes, it sounds fine to me. I’ve never really had any issues with sound quality on my iPods. I like good sound quality, but I wouldn’t consider myself an audiophile. To me the quality of the iPod Shuffle or any other iPod I’ve used is acceptable.

Overall I’m happy with the purchase. I think Apple did a good job on the unit. I think it should be a pretty popular player because of it’s size, price point, and the ability to use with the iTunes Store. If you don’t have a digital audio player or are looking for a nice small player take a look at the iPod Shuffle.