The newest iPod shuffle is a good music player. However, the non-standard USB plug, easy-to-misplace size and so-so sound quality detracted from the rating, according to C|Net UK on Monday.

With the small size of the iPod Shuffle 3G comes a catch. It’s easy to lose. C|Net recommended, "...go for one of the brighter colour options. The pink, orange, green and blue models will probably be easier to spot on a cluttered desk than the muted silver one is.

Of course the lack of the screen makes it hard to navigate amongst songs. [However, TMO notes, that’s one of the design elements of the iPod shuffle. Turn it on and enjoy what comes next.]

The reviewer didn’t care for the docking mechanism and would have preferred a mini-USB plug or the original shuffle’s direct USB plug.

More important was the observation that the sound quality left something to be desired. " In cursory testing, we found the shuffle’s audio quality to be decent through the included earbuds, but bass was lacking, and we could detect some light static when we twisted the headphone plug during quiet moments....

"Swapping in a pair of Shure E4cs improved the bass situation, but overall, music was still too bright and lacking in warmth for our tastes. We could also detect noticeable background noise during silent segments. Suffice to say that the newer shuffles don’t sound as good as the old one." [Because the review was originally written for the 2G shuffle, the comment appears to refere to the very first 1G shuffle.]

The review was even-handed except for the comments about the lack of a screen, which, after all, is a feature not a weakness. Also, those who are prone to lose things, will surely lose a small item like the iPod shuffle. However, the issues with the sound quality compared to the previous generation was a notable observation and led to a less than excellent rating.