For many people, the appeal of the original iPod shuffle was that it had the form and function of a plain old USB thumbdrive, aside from being an awesome MP3 player. The 2nd generation iPod shuffle is an even more awesome MP3 player, and has an even better form factor, but lost it's ability to function as a USB thumbdrive without having to use the new dock.The ShuffleBud, by Incipio (which we think rhymes with C3PO), solves that problem, and it does it for only $5.99 USD. The ShuffleBud is what Apple should have just tossed in the box to begin with, although I am starting to think that Apple deliberately omits certain features in order to keep the multi-billion dollar iPod accessory market thriving, which isn't such a bad thing.
ShuffleBud is just a small (5.6 grams, 47mm X 16mm) USB to 3.5mm adapter that enables you to plug your 2G shuffle directly into an available USB port without having to use the iPod shuffle dock, making it much more convenient to shove in your pocket or clip to your bag with the included lanyard loop for those who are always on the go and don't need more gear in their bag.
[via iLounge]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-04-2006 @ 10:00PM
Jon Cox said...
I would prefer a cable, just so it wouldn't have to be right up next to the computer and wouldn't a small little trinket that could easily get lost in a bag. I bought one of the hundreds of "3.5mm to USB" cables on eBay on a whim that it might work with the shuffle, but no cigar. Anyone heard of a similar cable, or know of another cable that might work? I've heard that the ones for the mobiBLU players might work, but those are usually over $10 or so.
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12-05-2006 @ 1:47AM
some dude said...
I bought an exact duplicate of this, but for the Mobiblu player:
http://store.mobibluamerica.com/damija.html
It was $9.95, though. Works well "tip" my ziplinq retractable usb cable!
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12-05-2006 @ 6:42AM
chip said...
jon,
maybe you could import one of these
http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/04/diatecs-mobile-cruizer-for-ipod-shuffle-a-mini-charger-and-syn/
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12-05-2006 @ 6:52AM
mike said...
There is more than meets the eye to this circuitry. http://thoughtout.biz/podcast/2006/12/05/key-development-plans-for-ipod-shuffle-2nd-generation/
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