Apple iPod Shuffle 4th generation September 2010
New even smaller Apple iPod Shuffle
Apple has launched the fourth generation of the tiny iPod Shuffle, the simplest and cheapest device in the iPod range.
The new Apple iPod Shuffle, launched in September 2010, looks remarkably like the 2006 model.
That’s because Apple has dropped the controls on the headphones and returned the click wheel to the front of the player. This makes it simple to use and means that you can now plug in your own headphones, rather that having to use the supplied set. Apple has also returned to the previous iPod Shuffle square design after introducing a rectangular shape in 2008.
Since writing this First Look review in September 2010 we've fully tested all the iPod range. Read what our experts have to say in our full iPod Shuffle review.
The smallest iPod ever
The new iPod Shuffle is available in five bright colours.
Apple has reduced the size of the Shuffle over previous versions. The last generations of Shuffle were already small, but this new version is absolutely tiny. It measures just 2.9 x 3.2cm and weighs only 12.5g.
However while Apple has changed the controls, it has retained the VoiceOver technology. This enables you to hear the track and artist name at the press of a button and it’s a system that works well. And the Shuffle has kept its clip on the back so it can be 'worn', which is great for when you’re running or at the gym and want an unobtrusive way to listen to music.
The new Shuffle comes with the standard Apple headphones and has an advertised battery life of up to 15 hours.
iPod Shuffle range and price
It’s available in five different colours, though just one memory size (2GB), and only costs £39. This makes it by far Apple’s cheapest, and smallest, MP3 player.
Pros: Great value, extremely small
Cons: Limited battery and memory
