2G iPod shuffle now shipping

Meeting its self-imposed October deadline, Apple has begun shipping its new second-generation iPod shuffle. A number of customers who pre-ordered the tiny device, which was announced last month at a special event, began receiving shipping notices over the weekend. iLounge’s package tracking number shows that the shuffle is shipping directly from Apple’s manufacturing partners in China, and that it is expected to arrive before the end of the week. As of this morning, Apple retail stores still did not have any 2G shuffles in stock, though stores are expected to have them any day.