Apple's new iPod shuffle
Apple's iPod shuffle is getting smaller and smaller. The latest version, the third if I'm not mistaken, is the size of an AA battery and features a single control switch that determines how you want your songs to play back.
With the switch, there are only three positions: one for off, one for straight play, and one for shuffled play.
The controls are on the right earphone cord. This not only helps to reduce the size of the shuffle so it fits into your pocket better, but it also means you can leave it there when you want to switch between playlists, find songs or simply adjust the volume. And, all the while, you can stay focused on what you are doing.
Another new feature of the latest iPod shuffle is its VoiceOver, which gives the device the ability to talk back to you. This again enables you to navigate your library and get information on the music you are listening to without having to take it out of your pocket.
With VoiceOver, the shuffle will tell you the name of the track you are listening to at the press of a button, or the playlist that you have selected. This feature will even remind you that your battery is running out. More impressively, VoiceOver can speak 14 languages, including Putonghua.
The iPod shuffle, with 4GB of memory, sells for HK$600.
Pros: controls are on the earphone cord so you can use the shuffle without taking it out of your pocket
Cons: you won't be able to use third party earphones; VoiceOver doesn't support Cantonese
