The tiny size and streamlined design of the new iPod shuffle has allowed Apple’s retail team to design an acrylic stand that is more streamlined and informative, and which is less obtrusive for visitors who want to try out the device. Previous shuffles, and even iPod minis, featured connections on both the top and bottom to dock and connect to earphones. The dual connections meant that iPod minis had to dock with an odd metal stand, and forced visitors to carefully re-dock both devices before moving on. The new design is completely dock-free, with all connections coming from the top. The acrylic block doubles as an information center for the shuffles. See photos after the break.
The new shuffle allows a different display stand that uses the new acrylic design and smaller alarm wires. The shuffle simply sits on a cut-out in the acrylic block, making it quick and easy to pick up, and then to put back when the visitor is done. Notice the very thin alarm wire leading back to the alarm device under the table.
The new iPod shuffle arrangement provides a neat and tidy look. Information about the shuffle is immediately available in front of the device.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I think they are getting a little too acrylic happy.
Clashes with the greener Apple meme.
Acrylic is retro for Apple. They were using acrylic back in the days of the bean counters, and now bringing it back? I guess not many other materials they could use.
-Brian
I really wish they would find a different way to place the headphones. They way they are just thrown on the tables looks really unorganized to me.
Apple has did everything else come up with a new method.
By the way anyone work at Apple know how often the headphones, and everything else we come in direct contact with is cleaned?
If the white wire that leads down under the table is just for security, I wonder how they are charging the iPod?
Answer to BamBam’s question
I worked 3 years (until January 2009) and can tell you that the head phones like the iPod headphones may only see a cleaning when they are replaced with new ones. If they do get cleaned it’s because of a mindful Specialist or Manager.
I can say in the 3 years I was there they rarely told anyone to clean the headphones.
Answer to Pete Sake’s question:
Each night all ipods are connected to a power overnight and are removed before the store opens the next morning.
Answer to BamBam’s question:
I have worked for Apple for about 2 years and in out particular store, we take visuals and cleanliness very seriously. Every computer screen gets cleaned nightly, iPods daily, and keyboards and mice at least once a week. When it comes to the headphones…I’d say maybe once a week during visuals night…but it’s not a priority. I personally would never put a communal/public headphone in my ear anyways!
I’m bit sad that all these slabs of acrylic are lying on the table tops now. This is a neat solution but the unit and the graphic treatment don’t do much for the product. :-(
Does anyone know where you can buy these stands, or anything else similar that will stand a shuffle upright for display?
These stands are custom-made for Apple by an acrylic company named Shasty out of New York. Unfortunately you can’t ask for the same stand based on Apple’s mold/design, but you can design one…for a (presumably) large fee.