iPod shuffle (2010) Hands-on: Cheap Thrill, Buttons Are Back!

So just to recap, Apple took the buttons away from the new iPod nano but brought them back for the new shuffle. And it’s cheap. At $49, this 2GB player is $30 less than last year’s model when it launched. There’s really not much else to say about the shuffle, except that the colors are really nifty. This aluminum accessory is available in silver, blue, green, orange, or pink. We’re actually partial to the orange.

Based on our hands-on time, the Clickpad works fairly well despite its small size. Like the last shuffle, the VoiceOver feature lets you do more without using your hands, whether you’re walking, running, or cycling. Just press a button to hear the title of a song and artist. You can also have the shuffle bark the names of playlists so you can switch between them.

We know it’s a little early to be talking holiday presents, but the new shuffle could be one hot stocking stuffer this year. Check out the gallery below and let us know if you’d rather have this player or the new multitouch nano.