On a whim, a few months back, I bought an iPod nano. I had been promising myself for months that I would. And I wasn't disappointed.
The nano is the member of the iPod family which lets you in on the 'game' without having to drop serious cash, costing around 139 UKP for the 2Gb model. And for that, you get a very sweet little machine. Basically, an MP3 player that's the length of a credit card, four fifths of the width, and the depth of a small packet of matches. It has a colour screen about the size of two postage stamps, and a touch-sensitive click wheel. On the bottom of the device, there are ports for both headphones and a USB data cable. On the top there is a hold button.
The interface is comparable to all of the previous iPods, which is to say that it's spectacularly easy. In fact, for a small electronic device, it has possibly the most easy to use interface available (which makes the fact that Selfridges are charging people sixty five pounds an hour to teach them to use their iPods just slightly ridiculous).
It comes with four games built in: Brick, Music Quiz, Parachute and Solitaire. Other features include contacts, calendars, notes, a stopwatch. The backlight is strong, and the typography clear - I've had no difficulty in reading track names or accompanying material, in spite of the small size of the screen.
The storage inside is flash memory. This accounts for the small size. It also means that the unit is virtually noiseless in operation, and that there are few mechanical things to go wrong. The downside of this is that it's quite likely that the flash memory will wear out quicker than the hard drive.
Getting music on to the nano is simple. You plug in, set up, and your tunes sync on automatically. If you only want a subset of songs on your nano, set up a playlist called something like "iPod Music" and get iTunes to just sync that. You can then drag on the music you want to listen to.
Podcasts are especially good on here, as you can see the images which are delivered in the RSS in pretty decent quality. I primarily use my nano to listen to podcasts, and it does it's job perfectly. Most MP3 players are designed not to cope with things longer than a few minutes, but the iPod supports bookmarkable files and even syncs the point at which you pause back to iTunes, so that you can continue listening on your computer. This is very useful if you've experienced the alternative - carrying scraps of paper around so that you can write down where you got to in the show.
The contacts functionality is also very useful, and has served to get me out of a few scrapes when my mobile wasn't working. The calendar doesn't show all-day events, which is quite annoying, but otherwise is a useful sync with iCal.
Should you buy a nano? Yes, on one condition - you get yourself a case or cover as soon as you can. I would recommend the covers made by The Invisible Shield (Google for them - they're a Utah-based company who make super-strongplastic covers for all sorts of electronic devices). Since getting my cover, I've dropped my nano a couple of times in ways which, without the cover, would have scratched it up enormously. It is extremely prone to scratching.
Despite this, Apple make the only MP3 players which I've found which do everything I need. It doesn't have an inconvenient drag-and-drop interface (computers are supposed to automate, right, not force you to do the filing!). It supports podcasting better than any other player. And, if you install Linux, you can do some rather neat things with it. Buy one, get a cover, and you won't be disappointed.
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nano 2Productdetails:fast transmission of data (music, photos, videos) from mobile phone to PC / Mac (backup)Ringtones, MP3, logo, simply download screensavers and transfer from PC / Macintosh to mobile phonecompatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0super easy contacts and synchronize phonebook entriesto update your phone softwarefantastic images on the phone can be quickly stored on your PC and editedSoftware for data (or synchronize) is usually your device to CDusually by manufacturer Web site or download available as freewareCE - tested virginhigh-quality materialscorresponds to the highest safety standards1A foreign manufacturers qualityContent of one package:USB Data cable for Apple iPod nano 2 (black)
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Generation portable music player. This battery uses the latest Lithium-Polymer technology to give an outstanding 550mAh power capacity.Suitable for iPod Nano 2nd Generation 6G and 8GReplaces part numbers616-0282616-0283616-0270Please note that unlike other iPod models this battery does not simply plug in inside the iPod and the connections need to be soldered. This is a simple operation for anyone with basic soldering skills but it is not recommended for a complete novice.Voltage: 3.7vCapacity: 550mAh
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Car Charger for Apple iPod nano 2. generation (white)match (compatible) for follow ... more
types:Apple iPod nano 2. generationProductdetails:CE - tested virgincar charger 12/24Vfor use in car / truckconnection at cigarette lighterintelligent charging electronicoverload protectionconservation chargeestablished millionfold in practicefor original and third-party batteries developedcorresponds to the highest safety standardsTOP quality foreign manufacturersContent of one package:Car Charger Apple iPod nano 2. generation (white)
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Car Charger for Apple iPod nano 2. generation (black)match (compatible) for follow ... more
types:Apple iPod nano 2. generationProductdetails:CE - tested virgincar charger 12/24Vfor use in car / truckconnection at cigarette lighterintelligent charging electronicoverload protectionconservation chargeestablished millionfold in practicefor original and third-party batteries developedcorresponds to the highest safety standardsTOP quality foreign manufacturersContent of one package:Car Charger Apple iPod nano 2. generation (black)
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# Keep your iPod nano safe in style. This Tube fits iPod nano like a glove and offer full ... more
Click Wheel control from the outside. # Just slip iPod nano in from the bottom or through the screen window to add a splash of flavor and deliver instant protection from scratches and bumps # You can still access the Click Wheel and hold switch, and you can even create a flashy fashion statement by wearing it around your neck with the iPod nano lanyard headphones.
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The choice for you who want to have your device within easy reach, attached onto a ProClip ... more
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Postage & Packaging:£4.99 Availability:Usually dispatched within 6-10 business days...
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Advantages: very tiny, ample sound quality Disadvantages: possibly a little too small, iTunes required for use, no AC adapter
sting_of_the_scorpion 19.01.2007 (19.01.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Apple iPod nano 2 GB
Advantages: Stores pictures and music, easy to access music, many extras Disadvantages: Price - Very Expensive, Original Headphones are prone to breaking
maccoll7 17.06.2008 (17.06.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Apple iPod nano 2 GB
Jan 17th, 2006
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (95%):
