I'm pretty sure this is the second generation shuffle. the first gen was longer and more like a nano, and the third gen (current one) is the same style as the first. On another note, just to let you all know, and to help out a current listia member, the purple color this one is was not made very long. I have one, it was a limited run color by apple, and only made for a short time span. It was available in major market retail stores, but there were not a lot of them made. this violet purple color is considered a collectable color : ) well, by those who collect it, lol. also this model was probably made aproximately late 07-08, so it's not that old either. I have this same one, and it works great.
Thanks Cindy! I don't know a much about ipod. I do believe I bought this in 07. I was going to get one of those H2O cases to swim with it but never did. I ended up just wiring a sound system out at the pool. I listened to a few audiobooks on this and thats about it.
another great feature of this particular shuffle is that you can have it play the songs in the playlist you have put on it in the order it is in on your itunes, or shuffle them up! It's a really great ipod, especially for kids, or anyone who is not a tech genius : )