The really, really, ridiculously small new Shuffle.

Last week, Apple announced the absolutely minuscule new iPod Shuffle. And over the past few days, I had the privilege to try one out for a bit. Read on for my take!

Ok, so here are my thoughts on this new iPod Shuffle.

Hardware: Well, this thing is tiny. Like unbelievably tiny. Like, I have bigger flash drives and Bluetooth headset tiny. But with this size comes a sacrifice, particularly in the buttons department. However, this being the Shuffle, they weren’t exactly supposed to be a highlight anyway. In fact, if you take into account the headphone controls, its actually an improvement on the original Shuffles, as Apple added in the one feature I’ve wanted for… well, the original Shuffle: playlists. But more on that later. Back to headphones. As mentioned, Apple, like on the iPhone and the newest Touches, has included audio controls on the headphones. This overall works well, although it takes some adjusting to get used to the 3 button controls (basically uses lots of different versions of double and triple clicks- see Apple’s whole list here.

And one last note: there’s been a large uproar on the web about Apple charging headphone makers extra to add the necessary Shuffle controls to their headphones; turns out that’s not quite the case – see here and here for an explanation and stop worrying so much. Also, Apple, in an effort to allow users to use standard headphones on the Shuffle is currently making an adapter with the buttons to serve as a channel for the headphones and the iPod.

Software: Alright. Despite the fact that it lacks a display, the Shuffle finally addresses the largest complaint against it, and does so in an excellent way that allows it to be used practically: now, the Shuffle supports playlists. How? Through a new technology known as VoiceOver. Basically, after holding down a menu, the music you’re listening to fades down, and the iPod begins reading you the list of playlists. You can “scroll” the list with the controls, select the playlist you want, and then even choose the song on that playlist. And since this is done all with the remote, it still remains a useful option for the Shuffle’s main audience – people running and exercising.

Wrapup: Overall, the new Shuffle works. With added storage, and a new playlist system to navigate it, the Shuffle is becoming a realistic option for a full time music player, and with a $79 price tag combined with the ability to hold 1,000 songs (the new Shuffle has 4GB of memo– the most yet for any Shuffle) and an absolutely minuscule size (seriously – go to an Apple Store and check it out – it will stun you), the new Shuffle gets a very good 4 out of 5 on our ratings.

We give the new iPod Shuffle a very good 4 out of 5