iPod: The Missing Manual, 11th Edition

Chapter 9. Tour the iPod Shuffle

You’ll learn to:

• Get your Shuffle up and running

• Automatically fill it with music, audiobooks, and podcasts

• Make the Shuffle announce song titles

• Use the Shuffle as a flash drive

AS THE SMALLEST MEMBER of Clan iPod, the Shuffle is often overshadowed by the more full-featured members of the family. Sure, the Shuffle has no WiFi access, apps, or even a screen—but who needs any of that when you’re out on a 10-mile run at 6 a.m.?

The Shuffle’s simplicity is perhaps its greatest asset: It’s just there to play music, audiobooks, and audio podcasts and not distract you while you’re working out or sitting quietly. At 1.24 inches wide by 1.14 inches high and grazing the scales at 44 ounces, this featherweight iPod won’t distract you physically because it comes with a built-in clip that lets you attach it to your collar, t-shirt, or bag strap.

Although the Shuffle has no screen, that doesn’t prevent it from giving you feedback about the song or playlist currently coursing through your earbuds. Thanks to its optional VoiceOver feature, the Shuffle announces the title of your current selection at the touch of a button.

This tiny iPod runs on stable flash memory—the same kind used in pocket USB drives. With a couple of clicks, you can convert your Shuffle into file-toting flash drive, too. This chapter shows you how to get the most out of your Shuffle in, shall we say, ...