digital audio player

When most MP3 players were based on flash memory, Apple built the original iPod around a tiny 1.8″ hard drive. And on January 11, 2005, Apple introduced the first iPod built using flash memory, the original iPod shuffle.

Unlike competing flash-based MP3 players, the Shuffle has no menu system. You load it with the songs you want to hear, and it takes over from there. You can skip to the next song, but you can’t select it.

Apple saw this as a feature, using the slogans Life Is Random and Give Chance a Chance to market the smallest, lightest, lowest cost, and most rugged iPod to date.

Specs (via Low End Mac)

• Announced: 2005.01.11 at US$99 (512 MB) and $149 (1 GB)
• Display: none
• Code Name: Shuffle
• Weight: 0.78 oz.
• Dimensions: 3.3″ x 0.98″ x 0.33″
• Included Accessories: earbuds, lanyard, USB cap
• Model Number: A1112
• Cpus: 75 MHz SigmaTel D-Major STMP3550
• Audio Chip: SigmaTel D-Major STMP3550
• Battery: lithium ion
• Charge Time: 4 hours max. (2 hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Play Time: 12 hours
• Original Os: iPod shuffle OS 1.0
• Maximum Os: iPod shuffle OS 1.1.5
• Itunes Versions: iTunes 4.7.1 and later.
• Mac Os Required: OS X 10.2.8 or 10.3.4 or later (10.3.6 or later recommended for use with low-power USB ports)
• Windows Versions Supported: 2000 SP4, XP Home or Professional SP2
• A History Of The Ipod: 2005 to Present , Tom Hormby, Low End Mac.