What are the differences between the "Late 2008" second generation iPod shuffle and the "Late 2007" second generation iPod shuffle?

Please note that all iPods mentioned in this Q&A have been discontinued. The last second generation iPod shuffle model was discontinued when the iPod shuffle 3rd Gen (Colors) line was introduced on September 9, 2009.

Color, essentially. However, there also are minor bug fixes in software and readers have reported modest differences in the "strength" and pliability of the clip as well. The color differences are perhaps best summarized with photos. Please note that these are not to scale -- all second generation iPod shuffle models are the same size.

"Late 2008" iPod shuffle (2nd Generation)

"Late 2007" iPod shuffle (2nd Generation)

"Early 2007/Colors" iPod shuffle (2nd Generation)

Photo Credits: Apple, Inc.

The "Late 2007" iPod shuffle (2nd Generation) line was offered in light blue, light green, purple, silver, as well as Special Edition (PRODUCT) RED. The "Late 2008" iPod shuffle (2nd Generation) line was offered in blue, green, pink, and silver, as well as red -- colors that more closely resemble, but do not duplicate -- those from the "Early 2007/Colors" series, which were offered in orange, green, blue, pink, and silver.

The "Early 2007/Colors" line was only offered with 1 GB of storage capable of holding 240 songs, and when first introduced, the "Late 2007" models also only were offered with 1 GB of storage, until February 19, 2008, when Apple updated these models with 2 GB of storage capable of holding 500 songs and continued to sell the 1 GB configurations as well.

The "Late 2008" iPod shuffle 2G line was offered with either 1 GB and 2 GB of storage for US$49 or US$69, respectively. It was discontinued on September 9, 2009, when Apple introduced the iPod shuffle 3rd Gen (Colors) line.