iPod Shuffle generation comparison - why is 2nd better than 3rd?

I am happy user of iPod Shuffle (1GB, blue) and I would have bought it even if the new, third generation of iPod Shuffle had already been on the market. To understand this, let's review what the iPod Shuffles are about: they're small, easy to use, cheap and compact. For me, iPod Shuffle is ideal mp3 player for sports. No display? I don't mind, I wouldn't look, anyway. If I don't like the song, I just press the next button (you can press the button even over the shirt.

Comparison of iPod Shuffle 2nd and 3rd generation

iPod Shuffle second generation	iPod Shuffle third generation
1 GB (was 2 GB, too) Silver, Green, Blue, Red, Pink colors	4 GB black or silver
battery life: 12 hours	battery life: 10 hours
41.2 x 27.3 x 10.5 mm 15.5 g	45.2 x 17.5 x 7.8 mm 10.5 g
controls to play/pause, previous, next, volume up or down switch shuffle on/off switch player on/off (in iTunes you can set maximum volume, too)	no controls on the player itself controls on the earphones cords multiple playlists, VoiceOver function reads the songs
brushed aluminium	polished steel

Why is second generation better?

1. iPod Shuffle is simply a one-purpose tool. Why to have it too expensive?
2. 1 GB is absolutely fine for my use of iPod Shuffle. I don't need 4 GB. While charging, I can automatically change the playlist.
3. I can use any phones I want. The original phones are very light, and I like having the controls on the playes. They are dead simple to use.
4. I don't really need more playlists - if I want, I can switch off the shuffle function and find what I need fairly quickly.
5. 15 or 10 grams? I can't tell the difference. But using any earphones I want, and paying substantially less, that is a reason to stick with second generation. At least for me.

According to Wikipedia, this is the deal with the earphones in case of third generation iPod Shuffle:

Unlike most other portable audio players, the iPod Shuffle's controls are situated on the packaged headphones. If a customer decides to purchase new headphones, they cannot skip forward, skip backwards, pause/play, or adjust volume. Also, adapters that were made by third party companies for the iPhone and iPod are incompatible with the iPod Shuffle.

It's your choice... Overall, I definatelly recommend buying iPod Shuffle as a portable mp3 player for different sports. You can set it and forget it, it is light and simple. And, if you find a good deal, really really cheap.

See also:

• How to know what iPod I have - review of all available Apple iPods
• Apple iPod Shuffle - PC World Review