Apple iPod Shuffle (1GB)

Pros: Smal size and portability

Cons: No display, battery cannot be replaced, bad with audio books

Summary: Although the Shuffle is great with portability, please beware that Apple does not let you know that the Shuffle is a "disposable" MP3 player. The Shuffle's rechargable battery has a limited life (2 years or so) after which the battery will hold no charge. While Apple is happily advertising how the iPod's battery can be changed when it's life is over, it has failed to mention that the Shuffle's battery cannot be replaced (unless you'd like to spend almost twice as much as what you paid for it to send it to Apple and have the battery changed for you - mind you, that may take anywhere from 3 to 6 months). Basically when your Shuffle's battery is dead, you have to toss it away into the trash can and hunt for something new. It's Apple's sneaky little scam to get you interested in the world of bigger iPods. Sadly Apple has developed Microsoft syndrome.

I listen to a lot of audio books (which is why I got the Shuffle). Firstly with the Shuffle there is no way to bookmark a spot in a 9 hour audio book (so if you want to find a spot again for reference, good luck). Secondly, when you stop at a particular spot in an audio book, turn it off and then later turn it on to continue listening, the Shuffle resumes play about 3-5 minutes ahead of the last stopped spot. That's really frustrating!

Apple whatever happened to your "good ethics" . IMO you're just another dirty blood sucking corporation in the guise of a trendy rebel.