Underwater audio

Hello gzh6464,

Full disclosure: I know the people who started Underwater Audio, so I am biased in that direction.

I have had one of their waterproof iPods since Aug 2012. I used to live in Oregon and used in mainly for running. I got it because between the sweat, rain and humidity, I needed something waterproof. It's small, it's easy to use and I like that I can use the iTunes library - no converting file types - just load it up!

One problem I had was that at the beginning it wasn't charging. I found out that it was because the USB port I was using on the front of my laptop was not one that charged. Once I switched to a different port, I've had no further problems. I do love looking down and seeing the player dripping wet and still playing! Although you could use this as your only mp3 player, I find that I use mine exclusively for excersizing and keep just my up tempo music on it. I also like to listen to podcasts. 

I'm trying to think what else will be useful to you to know - the waterproofing is on the inside, as you saw, so it's no bigger than a regular iPod. 

The finis is a different animal - it uses bone conductivity - and only works underwater. I haven't used one, but I've talked to several people who have. Some love that you can hear both your music and others (your ear canals are open with it) around you, like coaches, swim partners. Others don't like that same aspect (they can hear loud people, pool music, etc.) I think it entirely depends on personal preferences and the environment you'll be swimming in. 

I use the swimbuds waterproof headphones - they're made for swimmers, but I like the ear hooks that keep them on. For safety reasons, I often let the buds hand loosely from the earhooks so I can hear the ambient noises around me. Headphones are pretty personal - you might like something totally different than me. 

If you have any issues, there is a 1 year warranty and you should return it to the Underwater Audio, I know some people who returned theirs to Apple - who happily gave them a replacement iPod, but (of course) it wasn't waterproofed!

So bottom line is that if you want a waterproof music player, it works and the company stands behind their product. It's just deciding if you want or need it. Let me know if you have any other questions about it. 

i've been using the underwater audio shuffle for just over a year now. absolutely no problems. love it. makes swimming much more fun (for me). I have heard good things about the customer service at underwater audio.

bought the cheapest pair of underwater headphones i could find and no problems so far.

When I did my research for the purchase just over a year ago, the good reviews about the customer service at underwater audio pushed me in their direction. I believe this is important for underwater electronics. Though I personally have not dealt with aw audio because mine works perfectly.

Just ordered the new Sony waterproof MP3 player (up to 2 meters) so I guess I will be the guinea pig

I got a Audio Flood Shuffle about 2 weeks ago.  My impressions are:

1.  Shuffle:  Great.  Waterproof, light, good for swimming, running, etc.

2.  Headphones:  Cheap, one side died almost right away.  Cord too long.  Don't stay in.

I bought some different headphones right away after the first pair had issues.  Still trying to get used to the new ones, but they work well.  Also, the second set of phones has a short cord.  Perfect for swimming.

Love having music while swimming.  Takes my mind off the black line at the bottom of the pool.  Hope it helps with boredom.  I like that it is light and doesn't feel any different.