So I killed my Sansa Clip+. I sweat a lot of salt and Clippie struggled valiantly, but after a broken clip and a third episode of mid-run narcolepsy due to shorting out, it was time to look for another option.
Let me state this first, though, in defense of the Clip+. It's a fantastic unit, especially for the price. The sound quality is better than the Shuffle, it has expandable storage, a screen, a radio and plays FLAC files, all of which are pluses for me. It also survived a full-flood rinse in warm water twice to 'resurrect' it and is still functioning.
Anyway, I thought I'd court the new Dark Side and get a Shuffle. I use Foobar2000 music player and there's a plugin to manage iPods which eliminates the need for iTunes entirely, so I cannot comment on the iTunes experience (nor do I care to 'enjoy' that experience either). So this is really about the running experience.
Good
Just my 2c, your mileage may vary etc.
Let me state this first, though, in defense of the Clip+. It's a fantastic unit, especially for the price. The sound quality is better than the Shuffle, it has expandable storage, a screen, a radio and plays FLAC files, all of which are pluses for me. It also survived a full-flood rinse in warm water twice to 'resurrect' it and is still functioning.
Anyway, I thought I'd court the new Dark Side and get a Shuffle. I use Foobar2000 music player and there's a plugin to manage iPods which eliminates the need for iTunes entirely, so I cannot comment on the iTunes experience (nor do I care to 'enjoy' that experience either). So this is really about the running experience.
Good
- It's small and sexy looking. Very nice design.
- The clip is very robust - I don't expect it to break like poor Clippie did.
- It has a voice interface - it will allow playlist navigation via voice, and also provide battery level status and button lock status as well as track info. This is actually awesome while running, no mucking about looking at a tiny bouncing screen. This is WIN++.
- If you have a bit of a techie aptitude you don't have to use iTunes. The Foobar2000 integration is very well done for freeware.
- I have seen reports of Shuffles going through the wash unscathed. Anecdotally it's more robust than the Clip+.
- No screen - I like no screen and voice support, it's perfect for running.
- It's a tad heavy for it's size, or maybe dense is a better word. It doesn't bother during-run, but I have noticed it can flop a bit clipped to my collar. A Titanium version would be awesome.And awesomely expensive .
- No expansion, it's only 2GB. At 320kbps that'll get you just over 14 hours of play and it has a reputed 15 hours battery life, which is IMO more than enough for running. You won't take all your holiday music on a road trip on it though. Well, I won't at least.
- Sound Quality is not bad per se, just not as good as some other small players. For running it's just fine.
- If you can't hack your way around it you need iTunes. I don't want another music ecosystem on my computer.
- No screen - if you like screens you won't like this.
- No radio - I don't care, you may.
Just my 2c, your mileage may vary etc.