Read our full specifications for the Apple iPod shuffle

Apple iPod shuffle specifications

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As its competitors pile ever more features into their players in an attempt to dislodge Apple, it goes the other way and makes an even more simplistic player. It’s true that if any other company tried to release a MP3 player without a screen they’d get laughed out of town - but then it wouldn’t look like an iPod. Ultimately if you’re in the market for a flash based player, what makes or breaks the deal on the shuffle is whether you feel you’ll miss having a screen or not. The absence of one will certainly put off anyone who wants to have control of their music, but by going down this path Apple has been able to offer a serious amount of storage for the price and as ever, the integration with iTunes gives it a step-up over other players. So while it may not appeal to a more demanding user, if you want a second player for the gym or something relatively inexpensive and easy to use for the kids, the iPod shuffle is a good choice. But control freaks need not apply. - - - Many thanks to the nice people at MR Systems for loaning us an iPod shuffle for review. Read full review