Dappered Classics – The Best iPod Ever Made

The Best iPod Ever Made – iPod Shuffle 2nd Generation – $49 (refurb.) – $55.00 (new)

Originally Published 5/4/2010

NOTE: Since this post was published, the brand new 4th Generation Shuffle has debuted, and Apple has gone back to the features that made the 2nd generation so popular. But also note my personal 2nd generation is coming up on 4 years old, has been run through conditions ranging from -6 degrees to 105, dropped, stepped on, been played with by some rambunctious cats, and it’s still going strong.

Even Apple can screw up. They never should have redesigned the iPod Shuffle. Because the third generation is far inferior to the second.

The second generation is small, has buttons on the body, and is almost indestructible. The third generation ditched the buttons on the body in favor of a headphone cord that has the controls on it. Really bad idea Jobs.

The ipod Shuffle was born to be used while working out. And if you happen to sweat when you workout (here’s a fitness tip: you should) the controls on the 3rd generation are right there on the cord, ready to be flooded with your drippings. Once those headphones go, you’re SOL on using it until you get another pair of apple headphones with the controls on it. Not any old pair will do.

If you want your music in a small, light, tough package that can clip to your gym shorts on a run or easily stow inside your jacket pocket on a flight, stick with the second generation.

Comments

Yakov Hadash says

May 11, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Hee hee… audiophiles say that the FIRST generation iPod Shuffle (the white stick) is the best iPod ever made. Apparently its audio components are superior to anything Apple has put in any of its iGadgets.
Craig says

October 2, 2010 at 8:15 PM

I would opt for a Sansa Clip+ which new costs about the same and you can add an Micro SD card for extra storage. It has an OLED screen that is crisp and holds a charge for a while. I love mine and can’t see myself using an iPod again especially being able to just drag and drop my Mp3s into folders on the Clip. Also the sound quality is great.

Don’t forget Apple isn’t the only portable MP3 player maker out there!
Ryan says

October 21, 2010 at 6:01 PM

I 2nd what Craig said. After having my much loved and used 2nd gen ipod die a sudden and incredibly dissapointing death, I went on the hunt for a replacement. The 3rd gen was off the list for all the same reasons listed in your article and trying to find a a new 2nd gen for even close to the same price I paid for mine was nearly impossible. Every one I came upon was at least 20-$30 more for a few year old product. Supply and demand I guess. Anyways, I picked up a Sansa Clip + 2GB for around $25 on sale and haven’t been happier. Not only is the sound quality superior to my old shuffle, its got the SD card slot, FM radio and a cool little screen to boot. Apple is not always the best choice for everything. I do love my iphone, macbook and ipad though…