• All-white skin protects your iPod Shuffle from scratches and bumps
• Firm rubber bottom keeps easy-to-use dock stable
• USB extension cord solves port compatibility problems
• Skin and dock can be used simultaneously
• Use with the iPod Shuffle only

The iPod Shuffle Dock and Clear Skin Accessory Bundle from Speck Products includes both an easy to plug and sync dock and a two-part skin that protects your Shuffle from scratches and bumps. The dock features a non-slip rubber bottom and comes with a 4.5 foot USB extension cord that you'll find handy if your USB port is in an awkward place or won't accept the iPod Shuffle's shape. If you want to use both dock and skin at the same time, just un-cap your Shuffle and plug it into the dock with the skin on.

On a roll here. As in my last review, I'll begin by saying how much I love my iPod, and what's more how I love iTunes (especially since I have gotten a broadband connection.) One of the things I like doing in my apartment on Saturday mornings is listening to my music, but often, I alternate this with public radio from my iTunes (by way of a streamed URL feed.)

Sadly, I can't stay in my apartment all the time. Or more accurately, it's a tad frustrating that I need to go to work to pay the bills.

And even sadder still that work is not an iTunes friendly environment (no unauthorized software, such as the nefarious iTunes.) C'st la guerre.

So, I'm grateful to have my iPod Shuffle to bring a bit of my music with me to work. Even more with the ability of the Shuffle to act as an external drive.

But this brings me to my rather minor dilemma -- my work computer is located under the desk in a rather inconvenient place to easily plug and unplug the USB connection of the Shuffle.

Wah Laa! In comes Speck with the new Shuffle Dock! And I was excited and pleased to add this little bit of hardware to my work desktop location.

Installation is a snap. The USB connector goes in, and the cable (all 4.5 feet of it) trails nicely to a convenient corner of my desk.

And as the Shuffle is plugged in, unit charging begins immediately. And with the combined effect as a USB extension cable, the Shuffle drive is available for use as normal.

I liked the stability of the Shuffle on my rather busy desk. And the design is elegant and simple. Rather what I expect in things Apple associated.

So, I love what the Shuffle Dock does.

My frustration is that I can't play my songs simultaneously while the Shuffle is charging. Now mind you -- this comment only reveals my own ignorance. Neither Speck nor Apple advertise this feature. I just sort of expected the capability as a basic function similar to other desk- or tabletop related charging units.

And while Speck doesn't directly mention this in their website, Apple is pretty clear about it in the Shuffle's FAQs.

As mentioned, such is ... And if you want a great way to plug in the Shuffle on your desk with a USB cable extender, then definitely get the Shuffle Dock!

Please contact me with any questions.

Sean McPhilamy
seanmcphilamy@mac.com

This product was actually better than I expected it to be. The case is practical (I've seen some better cases for iPod shuffles, but at least this one was cheap), although it is not meant for lanyard users. The dock is fine. I recommend it; for only $17, it's a great deal!!!