Gearfuse

Apple has some of the best and apparently the worst of gadgets around. The 2009 iPod Shuffle model was rated a dismal 51 out of 100 points, the worst among 9 similarly specced MP3 players.

Navigation of the device was apparently one of many key problems, the voice controls ranked as one of the most common complaints. T3 points out the terrible quality of the stock headphones and how Apple limits you to using only their models. This year’s Shuffle is clearly not Apple’s best, though it continues to rake in the profit, so somebody’s gotta be loving it.

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An ingenious DIYer noticed that the second generation iPod Shuffle and the Apple Remote have a similar shape. So similar that the two devices could be merged together with some crafty electronic finagling.

When headphones are connected to the Shuffle / Remote mash-up device, the gadget works as the music player. Without headphones, the device carries the features of an Apple Remote. You won’t be saving too much room by eliminating one or the other, but you will have one less toy to worry about losing. That damn Apple Remote has a way of disappearing.

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Want to know why Apple has so much cash in the bank? It’s due to the innovation of Steve Jobs combined with the cost-efficient microeconomics of Apple. The company’s latest version of the iPod, the iPod Shuffle, apparently only costs 28-percent of its retail price, $79, to make. That leaves Apple with nearly $57 profit for each player sold. That tiny, tiny battery inside the Shuffle? It costs a mere $1.20.

I’m curious to see what kind of profits Apple is making off its computers. The real money is obviously in its iTunes digital music service and the accompanying iPods, but nonetheless, Apple is probably banking off every $10,000 Mac Pro being sold.

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Wow. What happened? Is everyone OK? Let’s take a minute and figure out what went down this morning:

Apple takes webstore down

Apple puts webstore back up with new iPod Shuffle

New device features minimalist design, no controls on device

You must use Apple headphones with the Shuffle in order to control the music

4GB capacity, $79 price tag

VoiceOver technology tells you track information over your headphones

I’m really not sure what to make of this. The player itself is absolutely fucking tiny. Like, just too tiny. And the control scheme being integrated into the headphones? Ouch. Bad idea, Apple. However, 4GB for $79 remains a decent buy, even in this economy. Are you gonna buy one?
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