how 'kid friendly' is the shuffle?

Yes the sportscase is a good idea. I highly recommend it.

The shuffle's are extremely durable. Since they have a flash drive, it should be okay, as there aren't any moving parts to be damaged (like a harddrive)

They are extremely easy to use, and he should get the hang of it!

A case just makes it that much more durable, and you probably should get one. The apple case is fine, but check out http://www.ipodlounge.com to get more ideas on cases (you can go to the reviews section!)

btabz

I have the action jacket, w/ the armband, but have no kids to try it on. so i put the armband around my wrist, which is probably as big or bigger than your sons upper arm, and the bad news is that the velcro may wrap too far around and cover up the slot that you slip the shuffle case/clip into.

but, the case and clip will attach to anything and will serve well enough, i dont ever even use the armband. plus i may be wrong and your sons arm may be bigger than my wrist/forearm.

one last thing, the clip on my action jacket just broke, but i called DLO and they said they would replace it if i paid to ship it back. so thats not so great but they tried to atleast meet me halfway. plus i think i broke the clip, so i think i can recommend it, with only minor reservation.

dave

The shuffle is the most durable iPod you can possibly buy. With no moving parts, there's no hard drive to wreck if it's dropped. Also, the plastic case holds up to abuse a lot better than the metal of the mini. I just don't even worry about mine.

The only cautions: Don't get it wet, because there are points around the case where water could get in, particularly at the power switch. And if we were talking about a small child, the USB cap (the one without the lanyard) can be swallowed. But that's not a problem for a 9-year-old.

Try this iPod shuffle cover...
Your child could probably throw it against a brick wall and it would survive

he USB cap (the one without the lanyard) can be swallowed

Does anybody remember when the iPod Shuffle first arrived on the Apple store, and all the rave was about iPod being smaller than a stick of gum, and Apple gave the messgae in small print ''do not eat iPod Shuffle''.

...and now they've stopped the humor 😟....

*nathan

leigh-ann getting youur son a shuffle is a great idea they are very durable and will survive in your child's environment!!

Not that she uses it every day, but eh, my 3 year old, yes, 3 year old, enjoys listening to mine quite often. The thing is darn durable, and even she hasn't been able to damage it yet. 8-) I would think for a 9 year old it would be the perfect device! Heck, if I was 9, I would love it!

Hey Guys,

The most durable iPod Case ever...
...now for the iPod Shuffle
http://www.otterbox.com/product.cfm?product=212&code=NA

*nathan

Leigh - Ann,

The shuffle is great for kids! I am 16 (Pretty much a big kid) and my shuffle (In the sports case) has survived:

• Being thrown at a wall (Durability test)
• The bottom of a pile-on (Never stopped playing)
• Being left in the rain for a couple of hours
• Numerous skate parks

Although your son may not be doing all this to his shuffle, I thought you might like to know what mine has survived. I normaly take extra care over my possetions and constantly worry about them - often giving them to others for safe keeping. But I like not having to do that with the shuffle - I can continue doing whatever I want.

Having said all this I should probably also say that I broke the locking sliders on the sports case. (It had a thin crack all the way across one of the sliders and didn't hold the case shut) But it wasn't anything that a bit of superglue couldn't fix! Now the clips are stronger than ever.

<hr>
I hope your son enjoys the shuffle. Durable - Easy to use - And the best support community from apple.

-Sam

My 6yo uses mine sometimes, she'll put the lanyard on and wear it while she walks around in our yard.

The ottercase (which I just ordered) looks to be one of the best bets. Without a case of some sort I wouldn't throw it at walls, sit on it or submerse it into water. Come to think of it, I wouldn't do that intentionally anyway.

I have no case for my shuffle, and it has survived being dropped on the concrete garage floor among other things. I would be very annoyed if it had not survived, because it clearly already has a tough plastic exterior. I don't care if it gets scratched and dented.

One of the reasons I bought the shuffle was because it was relatively cheap, and to keep that true I have tried to minimize the number of dollars spent on accessories. A case for the tough little shuffle seems like a redundant expense...but that's just me.

I don't care if it gets scratched and dented.

To me thats like saying:
''hey, i dont care if i get aids or a tumor''

OJ, people treat their iPods in many ways.

*nathan