G3 iMac, eMac incompatible with iPod shuffle

Apple Computer Inc.'s new iPod shuffle is incompatible with G3 iMacs and eMacs, Macworld has learned.

This has left some readers disappointed in the product, as they were not made aware of this until after they had purchased the product.

Apple representatives on the Apple Store are aware the shuffle requires a Mac running Mac OS X 10.2.8 and a USB port, but the situation as regards older G3's is harder to find.

Annotation number four of Apple's dedicated iPod shuffle page for example reports: "Some computers require either the optional iPod shuffle Dock or a USB cable extender (sold separately)," but doesn't clarify which Macs may need such an accessory.

A note on Apple's support Web site explains: "Because of its design, iPod shuffle cannot be connected to the USB ports on the side of iMac G3 and eMac computers