Is there an adapter to use the second generation iPod shuffle as a USB thumb drive?

As shipped, you can configure any second generation iPod shuffle to store data as well as music, but as noted elsewhere in the iPod Q&A, one disadvantage of the second generation iPod shuffle models compared to the 1st is that the second generation models do not have an integrated USB port.

To reduce the size of the second generation iPod shuffle, Apple swapped out the integrated USB port for a headphone jack that provides connectivity for the headphones, music synchronization, and power.

This headphone jack connects to a included tiny dock with a USB port that connects the device to your computer to synchronize songs and recharge the internal battery (see photo to the left -- courtesy of Apple Inc).

The only downside to this is that one has to carry the admittedly tiny dock with its cable to connect the iPod shuffle 2G to a computer. Consequently, some may be interested in the Incipio iPod ShuffleBud adapter. It is not longer available new, but may pop up on the used market.

Photo Credit: Incipio

Incipio describes the ShuffleBud as:

The perfect travel companion, taking up virtually no space in a bag or pocket. No need to haul around the Dock and cables that came with your iPod shuffle, just pack the iPod ShuffleBud and a user [is] all set. The iPod ShuffleBud also comes with a convenient lanyard loop on the side so you can attach it to [a] backpack or laptop case.

"Haul around" might be a bit of an exaggeration given the size of the dock, but for those interested in a quick and easy way to use the second generation iPod shuffle for data storage, the iPod ShuffleBud adapter, or similar products, may be well worth consideration.