Jens of Sweden launches a 1GB mp3 player and makes some direct statements in its press-release on why the JOS MP-120 is better than the iPod shuffle.

“Steve Jobs claims users prefer to be served random tracks than choose among hundreds of their own tunes. We don’t agree which is why we offer a player that besides random tracks also allows users to see and choose exactly what they want to hear. Given today’s prices I’m convinced we can sell more MP-120 than iPod shuffle in Sweden, despite Apple’s advertising budget,” says Jens Nylander, CEO and founder of Jens of Sweden.

The MP-120 supports MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG Vorbis music files. The new Jens of Sweden player has a 128 x 64 blue & orange OLED screen, a built-in lithium battery with about 22 hours and USB 2.0. The MP-120 measures 86.2 x 16.7 x 28.2mm and weighs 39g.

The MP-120 sells for about $200 in Sweden (1344SEK). The 1GB iPod shuffle sells for $149.00 in the USA, but is only 1 Krona cheaper than the MP-120 in Sweden.
I personally think the newly surfaced Sony NW-E405, NW-E407 and NW-E505 are currently the most interesting iPod shuffle alternatives.
More details on the Jens of Sweden site.

The best MP3 Players are listed in our MP3 Player Shopping Guide.