The baby of the Apple iPod range takes minimalism to its logical conclusion. Like its forebear (are you old enough to remember the white 'stick'?), the iPod shuffle shuns any kind of screen – you steer your listening via a single circular dial on the front of the player.

In use, the missing screen is never an issue. The shuffle is marketed and even named as a tiny box of surprises. Available with 1GB and 2GB storage capacities, it's designed for the tube commuter rather than the cross-continental tourer – you top the player up with your current killer playlists, and away you go.

And we mean go. The shuffle is shaped to be as much a fashion accessory as a music source: the famous clip means you can wear it just about anywhere, its inch-high form means you're barely aware of it, and it comes in a range of no fewer than five colours.

Synchronisation at its simplest
Getting your music into the shuffle means a world of iTunes, the same rule that applies to all other iPods. But being locked into Apple's software must rate as one of life's more pleasurable limitations – it's easy to set up, and synchronisation is the work of seconds.

However, the shuffle won't sit comfortably if you're used to using a single dock to feed your family's collection of 'Pods – it syncs via a dock that uses its 3.5mm headphone minijack to transfer information.

Apple claims 12 hours of sound from a full battery, and we have no reason to doubt that claim. The only issue may be the one common to all iPods – eventually, that battery will refuse to charge the way it once did, in which case a replacement's in order.

Some would say exercisers – who will relish the baby iPod's bassy, pacy sound - don't want to fuss with menus on the move. You might disagree, and also bemoan the lack of a hold button. But gripes aside, for sheer sound-per-pound performance, this is the player to beat.

The only proviso is that the supplied Apple in-ear headphones can be bettered easily: you might want to pair your new shuffle with cans that can realise its full potential. Start choosing over here.

For
Truly musical performance from a tiny package

Against
No display or hold button


Select your iPod shuffle from the Apple store. Now with free laser engraving and free shipping.