Apple iPod Shuffle (second generation 2006, 1GB, silver)

Pros: Attractive redesign; handy integrated clip; still intuitive

Cons: Sound quality is poorer

Summary: For a cheap mp3 player that will hold a decent amount of tracks, this isn't a bad buy. The redesign looks a lot better than the original, though it wasn't really a selling point for me. The clip is nice to have, but it seems a little weak. Yes, it doesn't have a screen, but that would just end up shortening the battery life, so I can live without it.

What's irritating is the fact that, comparing it with the 1stGen 512MB Shuffle I have, the sound quality is worse. There's a little static if you twist the plug, as CNET mentioned. However, there is also a soft high-pitched whine that does not occur on the old Shuffle. Perhaps it's just my unit (and if you're the type to blast music loudly, you've probably lost that portion of your hearing anyway), but I'm a little disappointed.