News
Thought Out discloses The KEY for iPod shuffle (2G)
Thought Out has announced “The KEY” ($22), an accessory that is designed to add a standard USB 2.0 plug and keychain ring hole to the bottom of any second-generation iPod shuffle. The KEY enables users to “sync, charge, and transfer data like any standard USB drive,” and is planned for release in the early first-quarter of 2007. As with most new iPod shuffle accessories, the company’s only available imagery is art rather than actual photography.
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1
Yikes! $22 for an add-on for an iPod that only costs $79.
Posted by Jason on November 3, 2006 at 1:22 PM (PDT)
2
When the shuffle 2G has been out for a year, the prices on all accessories will drop. Until then, carry around your docking station.
Posted by genius on November 3, 2006 at 1:34 PM (PDT)
3
Wow, talk about doubling the size of your Shuffle 2G. Wouldn’t it be easier to simply buy a Shuffle 1G if you wanted to use your iPod as a USB drive?
Posted by cxc273 on November 3, 2006 at 1:36 PM (PDT)
4
Well, it wouldn’t actually double the size of your shuffle because you couldn’t actually use the shuffle while it’s connected. What it does is significantly decrease the bulk of the docking station, and give you a smaller, more portable option for connecting to any computer even if you didn’t bring your dock with you. It seems very clever, to me, except that, if it were me, I’d probably lose it, but then the same goes for the new shuffle.
Posted by Rob E. on November 3, 2006 at 2:07 PM (PDT)
5
Rob E. - You got it all right, but remember to bring your keys and your all set.
$22 is approximate as listed on the news site. Made in USA, China or Taiwan is the driving factor? Currently, ALL THOUGHT OUT products are USA produced. Even the MagStay Pro is a product of the USA. Should it stay that way?
Posted by Mike Talmadge on November 3, 2006 at 2:43 PM (PDT)
6
You can get a 1gb flash drive for $15.99 at microcenter! A dock connector would be more useful. So I can use my itrip and icruze.
Posted by Gutierrez on November 3, 2006 at 3:06 PM (PDT)
7
great idea. bad price. enough said.
Posted by johnnay. on November 3, 2006 at 10:07 PM (PDT)
8
Seems like a smart and useful product to me. I just picked up my new 2G Shuffle tonight and while the dock is nicely designed the USB cord is quite long which increases its bulk even more. I think it would be great to have an accessory just like this one - it’s so small you could fit it into your wallet!
Posted by Eric Wayne on November 3, 2006 at 10:34 PM (PDT)
9
How could the price be much lower? Are there any electraonic accessories priced much lower? This is a functional accessory that fills a need. $22 won’t break the bank. If you want the 2G Shuffle but still want the USB drive capability, this fills that need? Why do some people feel the need to find something to complain about?
Posted by Jason (not the same as above) on November 4, 2006 at 7:40 AM (PDT)
10
That was an impressively quick announcement, although something like this was inevitable given the niche it fills.
That said, the price is too high. At that price point I’d want to see something made out of extruded aluminum which seamlessly snaps onto the shuffle.
But it’s a good start. I’m sure other manufacturers will tackle this same issue soon too…
Posted by mattwardfh in Texas on November 4, 2006 at 1:24 PM (PDT)
11
Here is another accessory
http://www.withipod.net/bbs/zboard.php?id=community_ipod_gallery&page=1&sn1;=&divpage=1&sn=off&ss=on&sc=on&select_arrange=headnum&desc=asc&no=5024
Posted by John on November 5, 2006 at 1:16 AM (PDT)
12
Oh my gosh. Is that a condom for the shuffle? No way. I would only buy one of those polycarbonate-y things.
Posted by Adam on November 7, 2006 at 1:51 PM (PDT)
13
This is probably worth that $22 if it gives you the ability to not have to travel with your iPod Shuffle dock.
Posted by Caitlyn Imburgo on November 8, 2006 at 1:50 PM (PDT)