The shuffle-Tangent standoff

Though it is still possible to search through a track without a display, visual feedback has somehow to be substituted. On the shuffle, while the search button is held down, the unit emits 2-second snippets of the tracks to indicate to the user which part of the track he is currently on, while on the Tangent, there is only complete silence. The user can find out where exactly he is on the track only by stopping his search. The shuffle makes it easier to search in this case.

	Nice comfy button

However in the case of the FM radio on the Tangent, the player uses an automated voice prompt to verbalize the FM frequency that the user is currently tuned in to. The voice prompt also alerts the user whether the tuner is searching higher or lower on the FM spectrum and features auto station search based on the strength of the signal. We consider this an impressive workaround for the lack of a display.

As we mentioned earlier in Round 1, the design of the center button controls on the shuffle offers better tactile feedback and occupies bigger real estate as opposed to the Tangent's controls. The Tangent also gives off a creaky sound when the button is depressed while the shuffle has a satisfying click.

Even though build construction is not the Tangent's strength, the fact that it tries to work around the lack of a display with an alternative user feedback system through the voice prompts gives it the edge here.

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Super Tangent           iPod shuffle

Back to intro

Go to the bouts:
	Round 1: Getting Physical			Round 6: Accessorizing the kit
	Round 2: Unraveling the features			Round 7: Compatibility issues
	Round 3: Ease of use
	Round 4: Just performance
	Round 5: How long you play?