I bought my silver 4th GenerationiPod Nano as soon as they were released. Like many others, I was completely enticed by the new 'Nanochromatic' adverts and instantly fell in love with the new design and the built-in accelerometer, enabling the screen to rotate into widescreen whenever the Nano was tipped on its side.
I have to admit that I much preferred the 'long and thin' design of the 2nd Generation Nano's, as opposed to the 'short and fat' design of the 3rd Generation. It made them more difficult to hold with one hand whilst operating the click-wheel, which in turn made it easier to drop the 3G Nano's. So as soon as I knew what the new design of the 4G Nano's would be like, I was determined to get one as soon as they were released.
And I wasn't disappointed. But then I wasn't really blown away either! I'll explain…
An iPod
is now an essential part of my life, and it's become habit that I will always upgrade to the latest design. However, despite what I said previously about not being too fond of the 3G Nano's, I was less excited when I made the switch from the 3G to the 4G Nano than I was when I switched from the 2G to the 3G Nano. And I reckon that this is because Apple made HUGE improvements when they released the 3G Nano. The screen was bigger and brighter with a much better resolution. The operating system had undergone a massive change, and they were generally more stable than the 1G and 2G Nano's. I was totally blown away with my 3G Nano because it was so technically-advanced compared to the 2G. That didn't really happen when I got my 4G Nano…
Apple basically made over the design of the 4G Nano. They didn't do much else with the insides. The operating system is basically the same as the 3G, only the album art display that used to take up the right-hand side of the screen in the 3G Nano has now been moved to the bottom due to the redesign. But it still works just the same - and it works well, don't get me wrong!
Obviously, the one big change was the addition of an accelerometer. That did get me excited…but that's sort of worn off now! I have to admit to never using this function, unless I'm playing the game Maze, which is included in the Nano to demonstrate and make full use of this new feature. And in Maze, it's brilliant. Accompanied by a thumping background music, the game is seriously fun and I'm well on my way to Level 20 now! But be warned - frequent use of the accelerometer feature seriously wears the battery down! So if you're on a long journey and want to make your battery last, limit your use of this game - or any other use of the accelerometer! Aside from Maze, I do not use it at all. I never tilt my Nano for the CoverFlow function. It's easier and quicker to navigate through my albums using the click-wheel.
What I do love is the new shape - much easier to hold and operate with one hand, slimmer, and best of all is the lack of the shiny stainless steel back seen in the 1G and 3G Nano. They get absolutely covered with scratches and marks, unless you kept it permanently protected. I made the mistake of not protecting my 3G Nano…until it began to look so tatty that I actually bought a case so I could no longer see the poor state it was in! The new matte steel casing - with the colour wrapping all the way around the Nano - is a much better idea, and I've no idea why or how the shiny stainless steel crept its way back in on the 3G Nano. However, not wanting to get any marks on my nice new toy, I promptly bought a silicone case and screen protector! I'm not taking any chances!
I haven't really discovered any disadvantages of the new Nano. Apple always tend to get it right…note to Bill Gates there. But I will point out that - and this may just be exclusive to my Nano - the click-wheel doesn't seem quite as sensitive as the 3G Nano. And every now and then it can become unresponsive for a few seconds. I've had to press the centre button to provoke a response, and then it wakes up. But it's happened so rarely that it's obviously just a glitch and in no way a massive inconvenience! But it was worth a mention…
In conclusion, I'm very satisfied with my new Nano. I opted for the silver version, having previously had a black 3G Nano. I'm well aware that the 4G Nano has been launched in a wealth of snazzy new colours, but I'm more of a classic, reserved person. Call me boring if you wish! I just had a feeling that if I went for a bright colour, depending on my mood at the time of purchase, that I may eventually regret my decision. I'm the same with mobile phones and laptops. Can't go wrong with black and silver! But the new colours are a welcome addition to the collection - especially purple and yellow, which seem to be massively popular - and are obviously going to appeal to those of a slightly wilder disposition!
Apple have done it again and released a great piece of kit with the 4G Nano. But don't expect fireworks if you already have a 3G Nano. For general everyday use, you really don't notice much at all in terms of improvements. But you'll probably have lots of fun with the new Maze game. And don't forget that you can download new games via the iTunes store…but I've yet to find another that uses the accelerometer.
One massive advantage that's worth a mention is the price - Apple drastically reduced the prices of its new range to compensate for lack of sales following the launch of the iPhone and Touch. An iPod Nano is now extremely affordable, and bound to be a popular choice for kids' Christmas presents, especially in the current economic climate.
So Apple have achieved what they intended to achieve in all respects with this one. But I'm already eagerly-anticipating the release of the 5G Nano...
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8GB flash drive Holds up to 2,000 songs in 128-Kbps AAC format Holds up to 7,000 ... more
iPod-viewable photos Holds up to 8 hours of video 2-inch (diagonal) liquid crystal display with blue-white LED backlight 320-by-240-pixel resolution at 204 pixels per inch
Postage & Packaging: £4.39 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Loogs great, easy to use, good battery life. Disadvantages: Not all of the new functions work and sometimes get in the way of listeing to music.
Advantages: Great product, nice audio playback. Beautiful screen Disadvantages: Short battery life when playing games. A couple of very small annoyances.
Oct 30th, 2008
very helpful by (82%):
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