Apple iPod shuffle 3rd Gen 4 GB Specs
Identifiers: 3rd Gen - MB867LL/A* - A1271 - 2262
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The iPod shuffle 3rd Generation presented a bold, and controversial departure from the previous iPod shuffle 2nd Generation models by removing the straightforward controls from the body of the player and introducing an effectively three button controller -- volume up, volume down, and "action" (which varies depending on the number and duration of clicks) -- integrated with the earphone cable.
The third generation was the first iPod shuffle to support playlists and also notably introduced "VoiceOver" which speaks the names of songs, artists and playlists upon pressing the center "action" button (press and hold for title/artists, press and hold until a tone for the playlists).
The iPod shuffle 3rd Generation uses an even smaller housing than previous iPod shuffle models (a mere 0.38 of an ounce), and are available only in silver or black aluminum -- both with a "mirrored" finish clip to attach the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation to clothing -- rather than in a selection of vibrant colors like their predecessors.
Both colors of the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation use 4 GB of flash memory supporting 1000 songs and Apple reports an estimated ten hours of battery life.
Also see: What are the differences between the iPod shuffle 3rd Generation and the earlier iPod shuffle 2nd Generation?
Despite the age of this device, site sponsor OWC has inexpensive, compatible headphones and some upgrades and parts for vintage iPods while supplies last.
- Tech Specs
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is "open" by default, but all info is important.
| Introduction Date: |
March 11, 2009 |
Discontinued Date: |
September 9, 2009 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All iPhone models introduced in 2009. |
| Processor Speed: |
N/A |
Processor Type: |
Samsung ARM* |
| Details: |
*Apple provides no information on the processor used in the iPod shuffle 2nd Gen models, but it uses an Apple branded processor, believed to be a Samsung ARM. |
| Onboard RAM: |
N/A |
Storage Capacity: |
4 GB |
| Song Capacity: |
1000 |
Photo Capacity: |
None |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the 4 GB iPod shuffle (3G) models can hold "up to" 1000 songs "based on 4 minutes per song and 128-Kbps AAC encoding; actual song capacity varies by encoding method and bit rate." They lack a display and consequently do not support photo slideshows or video playback. |
| USB Support: |
Sync & Charge |
Firewire Support: |
None |
| Details: |
The third generation iPod shuffle models are capable of charging and syncing by USB using the provided cable. Firewire "400" is not supported. |
| Connectivity: |
USB |
Ports: |
Stereo Minijack* |
| Details: |
The iPod shuffle (3G) models only have a stereo minijack that provides connectivity to the headphones and to a computer using the provided USB cable. |
| Case Type: |
Handheld |
Form Factor: |
iPod shuffle 3rd Gen |
| Housing Color: |
Silver & Black* |
Controller: |
Earphones/VoiceOver* |
| Details: |
*The iPod shuffle 3G was offered in either silver or black with a "mirrored finish" clip. For navigation, these models have a three button remote -- effectively volume up, volume down, and "action" (which varies depending on the number and duration of clicks) -- integrated with the headphones and a spoken response dubbed "VoiceOver" where the iPod "speaks" the names of songs, artists, and playlists. |
| Built-in Display: |
None |
Display Resolution: |
N/A |
| Details: |
The iPod shuffle (2nd Gen) models do not have an integrated display. |
| Battery Type: |
Lithium Ion |
Battery Life (Music): |
10 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that the iPod shuffle (3G) models provide "up to" 10 hours of music playback. |
| Battery Life (Photos): |
N/A |
Battery Life (Video): |
N/A |
| Details: |
The iPod shuffle (3G) models lack a display and consequently do not support photo slideshows or video playback.
|
| Full-Charge Time: |
"About 3 Hours" |
Apple Order No: |
MB867LL/A* |
| Details: |
*MB867LL/A is the order number for the iPod shuffle 3G in silver. In black, the order number is MC164LL/A. |
| Apple Subfamily: |
3rd Gen |
Apple Model No: |
A1271 (EMC 2262) |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All iPods with the A1271 Model Number and the 2262 EMC Number. |
| Dimensions: |
1.8 x 0.7 x 0.3 |
Avg. Weight: |
0.38 ounce |
| Details: |
In inches - height by width by depth (including clip) -- 45.2 mm x 17.5 mm x 7.8 mm, 10.7 grams. Apple also reports its "true volume" as 0.26 cu inches (4326 cu mm). |
| Mac Support: |
MacOS X 10.4.11 |
Windows Support: |
Windows XP SP3/Vista |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this iPod is compatible with a "Mac computer with a USB 2.0 port, MacOS X 10.4.11 or later, iTunes 8.1 or later, and broadband."
It is compatible with a "PC with a USB 2.0 port, Windows Vista or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later, iTunes 8.1 or later, and broadband." |
| Audio Support: |
Apple reports that the iPod shuffle 3G models support "AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, and AIFF." |
| Incl. Accessories: |
Shipped with "Apple earphones with remote and iPod shuffle USB cable." |
| Original Price: |
US$79 |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$20-US$30 |
| Details: |
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple Computer. |
Global original prices for the iPod shuffle 3rd Gen in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region. Please note that prices with an asterisk (*) are bound by carrier contractual obligations.
For global original prices for all iPod, iPhone, and iPad models in one particular country on a single page, please refer to Everyi.com's Global Original Prices section.
If you have additional original prices for this iPod shuffle, please share. Thank you.
Original Prices - North & South America
| Mexico: |
N/A |
United States: |
US$79 |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€79 |
Belgium: |
€79 |
| Denmark: |
N/A |
Finland: |
€85 |
| Luxembourg: |
N/A |
Netherlands: |
€75 |
| Norway: |
NOK 679 |
Portugal: |
€75 |
| Spain: |
€75 |
Sweden: |
SEK 895 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 119 |
United Kingdom: |
£59 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 608 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$600 |
| India: |
Rs 4,800 |
Indonesia: |
N/A |
| Malaysia: |
N/A |
The Philippines: |
N/A |
| Singapore: |
N/A |
Taiwan: |
NT$3,000 |
| Thailand: |
N/A |
Vietnam: |
N/A |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$129 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$155 |
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the iPod shuffle line follow.
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