The third-generation iPod Shuffle.

Do you love music? Do you complain at times that the device you are using has too low a volume? Is your new MP4 player malfunctioning a month of the purchase?

Well, to be honest, I was in your shoes once and thought I wasted my money on a cheap iPod knock-off. Sometimes, there isn't any substitute for the original; most people learn this lesson the expensive way. The only solution is to get yourself an iPod and stop the complaining. This week, we'll take a look at the new generation of iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle.

The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories; telephone 906-1067, 906-1068, and 754-5048.

iPod Nano (fifth generation)

Noteworthy points

The iPod Nano offers a kaleidoscopic palette.

A small media device that plays MP3s, MP4s, displays pictures and also video-records from the built-in camera.

Comes in a rainbow of colours.

Has a built-in accelerometer to adjust the orientation of the screen, depending on how you hold the device.

Comes with pre-installed games for your enjoyment.

Has a built-in FM tuner to listen to your favourite radio programmes.

Details

This is Apple's fifth-generation iPod Nano, with all its glory and might. This device sports a camera, no, scrap that, a video camera that only video-records. Yes, it only video-records. That mystifying fact really puzzles me because I've never heard of a similar device that can video-record but can't take photos.

Anyway, enough of the complaining.

The saving grace is that this iPod's video-recording quality is top-notch! The FM radio function is a sweet feature that keeps you in tune with the real world, not to mention the day's Cash Pot winning numbers. Also, you'll not have any problems with reception, even if you live in a cave.

As always, the media playback is superb for both videos and music. The fifth generation is certainly a keeper if you're a person who loves music and videos, but doesn't want to have a device weighing down your pockets.

iPod Shuffle (third generation)

Noteworthy points

A really small device that plays music.

Audio feedback interface (A feature that announces the artiste and track name while it's being played).

Details

I lost it! Darn thing is so small that I lost it after I finished reviewing it. I'm convinced this small, no, microscopic MP3 player is the smallest music player to ever graced God's green earth. I mean, if you accidentally swallowed it you wouldn't even feel it being digested. I wonder if I did swallow ... . Guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow morning to find out that out.

Besides its size, it also has a very nifty feature that helps you find your favourite playlist and songs. Apple calls this user interface which speaks to you, VoiceOver. It's a set of text-to-speech files associated with each track on your iPod that announces the title and artiste of your current song. Hold the button down long enough and the voice will cycle through your entire playlist, one by one, reading the names. The audio playback is marvellous, to say the least.

It's such a shame that this iPod Shuffle has all the controls on the earphones themselves, which totally eradicates the idea of using your own head or earphones. This iPod is suited for the non-flashy music lover or persons who like to listen to music while they work out.