Lots of storage, good sound, new features, video playback
Disadvantages:
all 2nd gen stuff wont fit, not different enough to warrant purchase
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Well I guess the people at Apple must have been stumped as to what to do this year. So to make sure they have a \"new\" product in the market they took the existing Ipod Nano, squashed it, rounded it and sent it on its merry way to the shops, just in time for the Christmas rush.
Yes, I was not in desperate need for a new Ipod. My 2nd Generation 4Gb Nano has done me well, if a little scratched on the casing from being stuck in my pocket with coins and keys. However, when I was offered a new one with twice the storage capacity, I would have been a fool to turn it down.
Looks/feel, Shorter, stockier and stubbier than its predecessor, the new Nanos have lost their sharp corners and slimline appearance for a more robust looking design. Why? Well i think the older design may have been a little fragile in certain hands, but im sure Apple wont admit to that. The Ipod is now more 'screen' than 'space' and boasts a clear and crisp LCD screen. Its much brighter than the older ipod screen and the colour definition is greatly improved. Its even bigger than the older ipod screen boasting 2 whole inches! If you want to watch full length movies on it, buy a microscope. Its not like going to the cinema!
The controls from the previous generation ipod remain with its 'Magic Wheel' touchpad design that cna be a little awkward to navigate for those that dont know what they are doing.
Functionality. Good on the whole. It adopts a new design conpared to the previous menu layout and features. It now is able to bring you album cover images which are enhanced with the better screen on the newer generation ipods. It takes some getting used to after the older style menu but to new users its simpler and easier to navigate.
Sound quality. Pretty good. Through the headphones its clear and punchy and even through the Idock it sounds good. Running the 128kbps MP3s though a good quality sound system will leave the device wanting a bit on sound quality but at the end of the day its really a replacement for a walkman or discman, not a recording studio quality sound system.
Compatibility. Loading MP3s and movies on to the Ipod still needs to be done via Itunes so you will need a PC to load the software on. You can download this from www.apple.com/ipod Again the Ipod converts the MP3s into its own format so you wont be able to download from the itunes website for uses other than your computer or Ipod.
If you have a whole host of extras for your 2nd generation ipod, throw them away. They are not compatible. They are totally different shape which means the Itrip, the Idock and the various other attachments that you have owned for the shape fitting 2nd gen, you will need to replace. The connectors are essentially the same so for items that dont need to rely on fitted parts, you should be ok.
Pricing. For a 4Gb Nano. you can pick these up in most places for around £99. This includes Argos, Toys R Us and Dabs. For double the size of storage its only £20-£30 more and retailing for £129 at the most. My advice? Pay the extra £30 as its suprising how quick you will run out of storage space with your favourite music on there.
Battery life. Good. It claims 24 hours of battery but im yet to see it last that long.
Overall. Great little Ipod but not different enough to warrant replacing the 2nd Gen onw i already have unless its free of course!
More details
Video Quality
Helpful / Easy to Follow
Durability
Good
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