iLounge

We’re not fans of the third-generation iPod shuffle, but we know that some of our readers like, tolerate, or find it interesting anyway. For those of you who might be wondering how Apple’s new, late 2009 colored iPod shuffles look by comparison with its earlier “nanochromatic” iPod nano models, we’ve taken some comparison photos to help you get an early idea.

There’s a very obvious difference between the strong, saturated blue of the fourth-generation iPod nano and the faded tone of the third-generation iPod shuffle.

On the left of our “silver” photo is the shuffle released earlier in 2009. Under the lighting at Apple’s event, it was hard to be sure whether or not there was a difference between the two units; at one point, the newer shuffle looked a little more dull, but we thought it could just be differences in their angles.

The pink iPod shuffle is a more faded, rose-like color reminiscent of earlier iPod minis.

The green model looks similar in this photograph, but in person, the tones are definitely different, with the shuffle possessing a slightly more yellowish tone.

Apple’s $99 Special Edition iPod shuffle just swaps chrome-polished stainless steel for the prior anodized aluminum. It’s a fingerprint magnet, but otherwise physically identical to the other iPod shuffles. It’s shown in the last three pictures here.

Internally, the new iPod shuffles are said to be the same as their predecessors. We’ll let you know if we find any differences in our testing.