BIG SURPRISE IN A SMALL BOX: the new Shuffle Originally posted November 17th, 2006 by Special Features Editor, Bet-TAY Morgan. If you think the new iPod Nano is small, wait till you see the newest generation iPod Shuffle up close. I always hint to Rob-ART about gifts I desire. "I like things in little boxes that sparkle and shine." Apple must have been listening because at 1.62 inches long and a half an ounce, the shiny iPod Shuffle sounds like it should be on my Christmas wish list. Arriving in a small box it holds up to 240 songs. At a great price, it's a no-brainer as a Christmas gift idea. (That's a HINT for Rob-ART.) Don't be looking for a click wheel or a LCD screen on this iPod. It's about basic music listening. You have two options. Play songs in sequence or "shuffle" them randomly. Capable of playing for 16 hours without repeating, I venture to say that it will hold all of your most favorite songs. Last month was my niece's 7th birthday. We wanted to get Shannon something "APPLE." When we read how tiny and well-made this little hunk of aluminum was, we ordered it for her. Problem was the new Shuffle didn't start shipping until the day of her birthday. So I made up a photo card that showed its size next to the other iPod models. It arrived a week ago and she loves it! Her mom installed her favorite songs. When we came over to visit, she was in a world of her own, playing with her dolls in her bedroom and listening to her new Shuffle. She had huge headphones on, though. We asked her where the earbuds went. Her mom said they didn't fit in her little ears. She likes the big headphones, though, since they cover her little ears and block out the rest of the world. The best part of this gift was the cost! Imagine, $79 for a tiny iPod you can clip to your sleeve, on your collar, to your wrist, or on your belt. You don't need a cover or any accessories for it. Plug in your favorite headphones, clip the iPod Shuffle to yourself, select sequential or shuffle mode, and enjoy your TUNES! As compact and light as it is, there are times when my video iPod feels too bulky and heavy. This is especially true when I'm working out in the gym. So I'm tempted to buy a Shuffle. After all, I have two Macs. Why can't have have two iPods? With the inexpensive pricing, I think it would be great stocking stuffer and a fabulous addition to my jewelry box (hint, hint). Included in the iPod Shuffle Box: Earphones USB dock Quick Start guide Easy Sync & Charge Charge and sync with the slick USB dock. Operate its controls with one hand. Enjoy up to 240 songs or up to 16* hours straight of skip-free music playback. Requirements for Mac USB 2.0 port Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later iTunes 7.0.2 or later Internet connection (Broadband recommended. Fees may apply.) Requirements for PC USB 2.0 port Windows XP Home or Professional Service Pack 2 or later, or Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 iTunes 7.0.2 or later Internet connection  (Broadband recommended. Fees may apply.) * 1GB = 1 billion bytes; actual formatted capacity less. Song capacity is based on 4 minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual capacity varies by content. WHERE TO BUY A SHUFFLE Buy your Shuffle or any other iPod from the Apple Online Store. (Click our Apple ads or text links and you support Bare Feats.) Other online sources include Amazon who offers free shipping with the Apple 1 GB Shuffle Rev B. Also check with Small Dog Electronics and be sure to register for a free MacBook. For noise suppression, nothing beats ear covering headphones like the Bose Quiet Comfort 2. For ear "fobs," we use the Bose In-Ear Headphones when listening to our iPod -- Help support Bare Feats by ordering your set from Sharper Image. Has Bare Feats helped you? How about helping Bare Feats?