Chewing gum-size iPod not edible

"Do not eat iPod Shuffle."

This curious and seemingly obvious piece of advice regarding Apple's new budget music player comes courtesy of Apple itself, which includes the warning amid the small type on the main product page for its new flash memory-based gadget.

A Google news search on "+flash +eat +player" confirmed that audio player chewing did not turn into a sudden fad while we were away for the holidays, which leaves us scratching our heads over the purpose of the Apple warning.

Best we can figure is that they're worried about the size comparison most frequently used for the new gadget. To be clear: The iPod Shuffle is about the size of a pack of chewing gum. It has no other gumlike qualities. It will not freshen your breath, annoy your parents with loud snapping and popping, or muck up a stranger's shoe if you drop it.