Promised for an October time frame, Apple just manages to meet this deadline by annoucning on October 31 (US time) that the Shuffle will be available worldwide on Friday 3 November.

Details of the beautiful new 1Gb 2nd-gen iPod Shuffle have been known for the past few weeks after Apple launched their new generation of iPods, just in time for the holiday buying season.

At only US $99, or AUD $119, the new Shuffle is radically different from the 1st-gen model. Appearing more like a book of matches than the stick of gum that was Shuffle gen-1, it incorporates a handy clip, a hidden hinge and only one socket that amazingly handles power, headphones and synchronising with ease.

It’s remarkable because competing players have all kinds of sockets, buttons and larger sizes. Yet while the 2nd-gen Shuffle still has no screen, it will likely sell millions over the holiday season as the most affordable and stylish iPod yet.

With 1Gb of memory, the new Shuffle can store approximately 250 songs. It will also ship with Apple’s newly improved iPod headphones.

However in an effort to dramatically reduce packaging, no iTunes CD is included within. You are instead directed to Apple’s website to download software instead.

Current shipping times listed at the Apple store are two business days, although Apple Centre stores should be receiving stocks now in time for the Friday 3 availability date.

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