I certainly got what I paid for. The sound was tinny, and it runs on batteries, not the mains, which means the batteries will wear out after a few hours of play. I purchased these speakers because I wasn't sure if the official iPod speakers were compatible with the first-generation Shuffle product or the second. The speakers are allright if you want to listen to your iPod playlist while you're out in the garage or washing the dishes, but if you're having a wild party, find out what speakers have the best sound and are compatible, and splash out on them. Oh well, I had it coming!