While certainly not important news, I found it amusing that apparently some manufacturers are still pumping out iPod Shuffle clones (for perspective, the Shuffle was released in Jan. '05). Even stranger, a big name chain like Walmart is picking them up and selling them through their online shop.

Take the Buslink Musica "Hi-Speed" MP3 player, for example, which somehow hasn't had the pleasure of being introduced on our site. Let's see how it stacks up against other Shuffle clones.

1) Circular Shuffle-like controller: Check
2) Controller is in a slightly different location, to spice things up: Check
3) 2 toggle switches instead of one: Check
4) Less battery life (9 hours rated) than the "original": Check
5) Company name plastered somewhere on the front: Check
6) Ugly as sin: Check

Sure looks like the Musica fits the bill. On the plus side, they're cheap enough ($ 69 for the 1 GB version, $ 99 for the 2 GB model) if you're into the no-display thing.

LINK