After the revolutionary change from the second to the third generations of iPod, Apple’s line has remained fairly similar. The iPod Mini was a definite stir, but it still retained a similar size, and similar style to previous members of the lineup. Again, the iPod Photo has turned heads, with it’s colour screen and large capacity - but it was still a classic iPod. The new iPod shuffle has really broken away from Apple’s trend, and taken on a whole new aspect.

The tag line is “Enjoy Uncertainty”. Typical Apple really, short, sweet and intriguing. It makes you wonder what on earth is so special about this product, and yet gives a little away. It only really makes sense once you know what the product is all about. Apple can explain it better than I can:

Welcome to a life less orderly. As official soundtrack to the random revolution, the iPod Shuffle Songs setting takes you on a unique journey through your music collection — you never know what’s around the next tune. Meet your new ride. More roadster than Rolls, iPod shuffle rejects routine by serving up your favorite songs in a different order every time.

Basically, the iPod Shuffle randomly plays any song on it. Personally, I think this really is a great idea - it’s the best route to take with such a small device, rather than trying to do something similar to everyone else on the market. And interestingly, only Apple could get away with it. It’s so simple - you just plug it in, iTunes puts 240 songs on it, and it plays through them randomly.

I’m sure this new MP3 player won’t be for everyone. But, at only £70, it’s a good price, even for a 512mb USB stick! - Why not get one from Apple, and use it for your music as well? - It’s certainly not going to appeal to die hard music fans, let’s face it - the ability to play a specific album is never going to be unneccessary. But it’s nice to see that Apple have accepted that they have conquered that market, and have moved on to something different. Great work!