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November 13, 2009 12:50 PM PST

How to set up an iPod Shuffle

by Donald Bell
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In spite of its unassuming size, the Apple iPod Shuffle is a surprisingly sophisticated MP3 player. With voice feedback, headphone control, playlist management, and podcast support, the iPod Shuffle is in many ways more advanced than the original brick-size iPod.

You don't need a PhD to get started with your first iPod Shuffle, but even seasoned iPod veterans could use a few pointers on this buttonless beauty. Just as we did with the iPod Touch and the iPod Nano, we've put together a video and a slideshow tutorial on setting up the iPod Shuffle.

If you have any additional tips to share, feel free to plug them into the comments section.

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Donald Bell is CNET Reviews' senior editor for MP3 players and portable audio, and one half of the MP3 Insider blog and weekly podcast. He also likes getting his hands dirty with digital audio tools for musicians and DJs.
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by mclaurin10 November 13, 2009 9:53 PM PST
Was this really necessairy? I mean isnt it fairly self explanitory?
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by mhock November 15, 2009 5:44 PM PST
Step 1, plug in.

Step 2, unplug when it says, "finished."
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by migeemaan November 16, 2009 6:28 AM PST
Donald, can you make a video on tying a pair of shoes? Are you kidding me that you are including a video on how to hook up an iPod shuffle? This is just like my second gen. iPod shuffle, no need for a video on that either. Thanks for another useless video. Also, this version of the shuffle is terrible...apple really needs to questions their decision on this product.
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by Jeffdo November 16, 2009 9:56 AM PST
How about a video on good grammar so we can avoid statements like "really needs to questions their decision on this product."

Good video for a newbie.
by portezbie November 16, 2009 8:41 AM PST
I was a huge fan of the original ipod shuffle and still own two of them that work great, however they went off target with the second gen and even more so with the third which I find terrible. This has led me to look for other options similar to the shuffle. I highly recommend the Transcend MP320 or 330 which just came out. It is a great player that has the built in usb and size of the ipod shuffle but also has a screen, radio, and voice recorder. It holds 8gigs and needs no software which can be both a plus and minus, has good battery life and sound quality. Best of all, its only 45 bucks at the transcend store! Great deal. The GUI isn't perfect, but its definitely worth it.
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by paulygparty November 16, 2009 10:58 AM PST
I am such a fan of the first 2 generations.

I don't ever want to rely on headphones for my mp3 player's actual ability to play.

Hope they get back to basics next generation.
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by miniwas November 19, 2009 5:57 AM PST
Wish I could find out where it disappeared to.
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MP3 Insider is a blog and weekly podcast created by CNET's MP3 technology experts, Donald Bell and Jasmine France. Each week, Jasmine and Donald discuss the latest digital music (and video) news, hardware, software, and media services, and address reader calls and e-mail. Send us e-mail at mp3insider@cnet.com or call us at 1-800-720-CNET (2638) and be a part of the show.

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The hosts of MP3 Insider
Donald Bell Donald Bell is an electronic musician, a veteran record store employee, and a fearless hardware hacker. He's also CNET's Senior Editor for MP3 and digital audio.
Jasmine France Jasmine France is CNET's resident digital audio doyenne, writing and editing product reviews, crave blogs, and feature stories on all things MP3. And if you need advice on headphones, she's your girl.

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