Reviews

1

Sounds like it performs as promised. I ordered one and am looking forward to it to make it less of a hassle to charge. Currently having to fiddle with the back of my iMac G5 is a pain.

Posted by Jazzlawyer in Kelowna, BC Canada on February 3, 2005 at 7:28 PM (PST)

2

All it does is let you plug your iPod in without reaching for a port or a cable, and lets it look nice while charging.

Oh, wait, that's most of what my iPod Dock gets used for too smile

I'd pick one up for $19 smile

Posted by Nagromme on February 3, 2005 at 7:31 PM (PST)

3

Apple is really learning about how to capture more market share. Sell the shuffle cheap and then load up on accessories. Great review and it's nice to see Apple not sitting on it's laurels.

Posted by King Ding a Ling in Earth on February 3, 2005 at 8:34 PM (PST)

4

you don't have to blame apple because regular ipod is happened the same thing. once people buy ipod whatever, they spend a lot of money for accessories, too. you shouldn't miss that point.

Posted by crazypod in St. Louis, MO on February 3, 2005 at 8:52 PM (PST)

5

$29 for a $5 cable with a fancy Apple logo. No thanks.

Posted by K1W1 on February 3, 2005 at 10:08 PM (PST)

6

Some people will, but I don't think you can blame Apple for cashing in on a couple of accessories. First of all, it's not like any of them makes the iPod work any better, so no one NEEDS them to enjoy thier iPod. Secondly, they are sort of jumpstarting the market for third-party companies. I don't think Apple intends to corner the market on this stuff. Thirdly, you may think it has the functionality of a $5 product, but don't forget that a lot of thought went into the design of that product and its packaging, which adds to the cost.

My personal thoughts are that I wouldn't buy a dock for a USB flash drive, so why would I need one for my shuffle? But that's probably because my desk is pretty cluttered and a dock might get lost. smile Who knows.

Posted by poopypants in Canada on February 3, 2005 at 10:36 PM (PST)

7

It seems worthwhile if your computer doesn't have front-facing usb2 ports. My biggest question is will Apple or someone else be putting out a cap for the shuffle that lets it fit on my keyring. I'd love to have a shuffle dangling rather than my lexar jumpdrive. Plus, you could leave the cap on your keyring while using the shuffle to workout or something and just use the included cap or whatever.

Posted by purplestallion in Dallas, Texas on February 4, 2005 at 9:39 AM (PST)

8

Well, it is a glorified USB cable, and I probably won't grab one of these, but there are a number of the accessories that I do look forward to. The article was good though. I think a lot of people underestimate the follow-on marketability of the shuffle, and better than the Gillete example would be the printer market or the airplane engine market. The latter is a case where they sell engines at about 15% of cost in order to sell services and parts later. Of course Apple is still making a tidy profit on the iPod Shuffles as it is.

Posted by Bobak on February 4, 2005 at 9:41 AM (PST)

9

This is not white and doesn't have an Apple logo, but it's seven times more useful than this "dock": Belkin 7-port upright USB hub. You can plug in the shuffle, and have room left over to plug in 6 other devices. Runs around $35, but I've seen it for $30 here.

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdImg/images/pr/177X150/00/01/43/9e/26/21208614.JPG

Posted by Demosthenes on February 4, 2005 at 1:15 PM (PST)

10

USB cable for $2-5? Where? I just paid $25 for a 6' USB 2.0 cable. At that price, this Shuffle Dock looks pretty reasonable. And if the Shuffle Dock makes it so my non-techie wife can plug-n-play her new Shuffle, instead of jacking into this USB cable, it sounds like a winner to me.

Though the Belkins looks like a better deal at $30.

Posted by StewStryker in Vermont, USA on February 13, 2005 at 8:34 AM (PST)

11

is there any accessory for the shuffle that uses the firewire connection? i still have an incompatible version of OS X (10.3.3) that doesn't recognize iPods in the USB port, and my dial-up internet connection renders my ability to get the update very difficult.

Posted by branimal in SC on February 14, 2005 at 5:41 AM (PST)

12

Paid $25 for a "USB 2.0" cable, eh? Sorry to hear that, Demosthenes. Take a look: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10166_7-5577434.html

Posted by markayak on February 18, 2005 at 10:45 AM (PST)

13

Paid $25 for a "USB 2.0" cable, eh? Sorry to hear that, Demosthenes.

I think you have me confused. If I ever pay $25 for a lousy USB cable then shoot me.

Here's a sexy little USB A-B retractable doohickey for $2. They also come in A-A, and A-mini B (this one is great for most cameras!).

Here's an A-A, male/female, suitable for a shuffle, for $2.

Seriously. $25?!? When I go into CompUSA or Radio Shack and see the prices they gouge cable-desperate people with it makes me sad.

http://store1.yimg.com/I/meritline_1833_23285050

Posted by Demosthenes on February 18, 2005 at 1:12 PM (PST)

14

If you're not a fashion slave, the Belkin F5U237 7-Port USB Hub is way more practical, so thanks Demosthenes. One other positive about the Belkin according to Amazon.com buyers is that it is self-powered by an AC converter and stays juiced so it apparently can also act as a charger even if your computer is powered off and the shuffle can be pulled out with just one hand.

Posted by mike33 on February 28, 2005 at 5:58 AM (PST)

15

could the reason why there isnt a line out port on the dock be because u can use the headphone jack on the shuffle instead? or does that not work?

Posted by ikim1213 in UK on May 12, 2006 at 10:25 AM (PST)

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