I understand that Apple is trying to make iPod Shuffle as simple device. However, this becomes too simple. It is supposed to be an entry level device too but the price is no longer an entry level device in the market.
4GB iPod Shuffle is $79. For the similar price ($79.95), you can get Sony 4GB walkman - with a screen.

Other points - you can't use your own headphones.
Source(s):
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-Video-Player-Black/dp/B001F50UHM/ref=pd_...

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It is very small with lots of capacity. But You better keep up with the headphones. All the controls are located on a button on the headphones themselves.
Source(s):
http://www.apple.com/ipodshuffle/

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Although I'm disappointed that the battery life has been reduced to 10 hours of playtime I am happy with the upgrade. Apple has a full lineup of mp3 players and this is just one of them that caters to a specific need. When I think of the shuffle I think of people using it while skiing or running where looking at the screen is either impractical, dangerous, or both. With the old shuffle a skier had to take the shuffle out of their pocket to jump to the next song and now they don't. This seems like an improvement to me.

The device is tiny, rugged, and moving the controls to the headphones makes sense for many of the people that use the device. Obviously there are people unhappy about this, but many of them hated the shuffle from day one and it has clearly done well.

As for requiring the Apple headphones there is one main issue. You can't use better headphones without an adapter. Personally I think if you are looking to use better quality headphones you wouldn't be using an ipod shuffle. If you are looking to use sport style headphones or something similar then I agree that it is a nuisance to need an adapter.
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