shuffle click wheelYou’d think the iPod Shuffle would work just like any other iPod. But there are some inexplicable differences. For instance, most iPods you can plug into any computer and play the music that’s on them through ITunes. Not so with the Shuffle–when you plug it in, your only option is to reload the thing with songs from the current computer, or else ignore it completely (in which case you can’t put songs on it or play songs from it). What’s up with that?

In other respects it’s a great commuter music device. Far more durable, lighter, and requires much less mucking about than any other player I’ve tried. And the price for a refurbished unit ($79 for the 1GB model) is not bad at all. Here’s to living on the back end of the early adopter curve!