What i am aiming at is that more capacity does not really make the iPod shuffle more valuable. On the surface, you can do more with 2GB versus 1GB, but that does not nearly make the iPod shuffle twice as useful. In fact the appeal and usefulness of the iPod shuffle is not in the area of capacity. With regard to capacity, it is simply fair that Apple builds in more capacity — as technology advances, and offers the product at the same or at a lower price, while phasing out previous models with a price drop.

That's just going with the flow. But whether it is equiped with 512 MB, 1GB, 2GB, or more, the iPod shuffle allows you to carry a handful of new Podcasts or songs with you, that you enjoy recently. That is what it is good at, and more capacity does not make it better at that. Anyhow, you grab the Shuffle, press play, and go, and there is not much more to it.

So, can you really do more with 2GB? On a bus ride? On a short trip to the grocery store? While lying in the grass in the park for 30 minutes? On a walk around the block to stretch your legs and reinvigorate? At the gym?

People have become so used to seek deals and to base their opinions and purchase decisions on comparisons of price and performance, that they forget that the value of a product also has to do with usability, matching human usage patterns, and with efficiency.

When i put these latter aspects first, i think one might understand why i would still go for a 1GB model, and why i feel that less is more. Less is more because i favor smart living over keeping up with the latest products.

Without any change in practical value, the iPod shuffle's price dropped by 30 dollars short-term (from $79 to $49) and by 10 dollars mid-term (from $79 to $69). I think this is the sane way to view Apple's recent news.

For other takes, check out one if these:
Analysts: Effect of iPod shuffle price cut is a wash
Is Apple devaluing itself with super-cheap iPod Shuffles?