Apple iPod nano 8 GB

I was one of the lucky iPod users to have an original iPod Nano 4Gb as purchased for me by my wife. It was even engraved on the back with a private message ;o)
She has a habit of buying presents that leave me speechless and this time was no exception. I used it for everything, indoors and out, even swimming (with an otterbox and H20 headphones). The only downside was the battery. It really didn't last long at all and I was always recharging it. Well, I was always 'forgetting' to recharge it and then when I needed it, it would fade. My fault really.

Over time, the battery wasn't lasting as long and it had a rubbish fault of not being able to turn off. I was having to do a master reset every couple of days. With that in mind, I decided to head to Tesco and buy a new one (£104 at the time).

I was left speechless once again, this time by the iPod itself. What a change from the 1st Gen to 4th Gen! Suddenly, I had bright colours on a high-resolution 2-inch screen, a mini built-in speaker, a camera, accelerometer and some quite fun little games. Not only that but I also had an extra 4Gb as I'd bought the 8Gb. On top of that, it could play videos!

Putting it through its paces early on, I took it out for a long run.

Controls

While strapped to my right arm I am able to access the menu and choose tracks on the move with ease. The volume adjusts simply through the armband window although I occasionally slip and press the centre button which then plays a recorded message telling me which song is playing...I know what song it is, I put it there and it says on the screen! Nevertheless, this isn't a nuisance really and I wait a few seconds before being able to either change tracks of volume once more.

When not strapped to my arm for running, the unit is exceptionally easy to use with the use of the slide wheel on the front. It uses a 'linear' menu system that can swiftly be navigated using clockwise / anti-clockwise rotations. If you happen to get lost you can get back to the front page with a pausing hold on the menu button. Simple.

Sound

The sound quality is excellent but this is obviously more to do with the compression of the music file, where it is purchased from and the quality of the earphones. Nonetheless, even through cheap mini speakers the sound is good and I'm sure the iPod has something to do with that.

Camera / Photos

There is a small camera on the back but I've not used it with the exception of testing it out. In a day of camera phones that are of a far higher quality, I don't see the need for a camera and I can only assume this was a throw-in for the US market where camera phones took off much later than they did here. The quality of the camera is not great, there are few settings and no flash. I would never consider reaching for the iPod instead of my phone or proper camera.

I do, however, have a lot of photos on mine for when I am travelling and want to see pics of my wife and daughter. The screen is excellent for this use and accepts JPEGs readily.

Speaker

The built-in speaker is a nice touch. The quality is not great by any standard but it does allow you to quickly check out the tracks you have downloaded or for use when listening to audiobooks in a quiet room where the quality is not essential. You would expect the battery to be drained using this but I've not seen that. In fact, it brings me nicely on to the battery.

Battery

The battery is of a very high standard. Apple have somehow squeezed a lot of juice in to it. I use it almost every day for at least an hour and find I don't have to recharge it for approx 10 days.....that's close to 10hrs continuous play which I think is pretty good.

Screen

This is the problem area, in my opinion. It is made of a toughened plastic but is very easy to scratch, especially if you have keys, lint in your pocket. I would always recommend a case for it. Nowadays, however, all devices seem to need a screen protector and so I do not see this as out of the ordinary.

Video

I've left video to the last because I think this is the biggest disappointment for me.
Unless you download specific movie files from iStore, it is tough to find files for the iPod. Well, it is and it isn't. It depends on how legal you want to be. For the purposes of testing, I ripped Black Hawk Down using DVD Fab 8.0 software, specifically in iPod format and set up for the 2inch screen. While the picture quality and the sound quality were very good with nor blurring or jerkiness, the screen is simply too small. Within ten mins I was suffering from eye strain and was beginning to develop a headache after 15. I carry movies around with me a lot, usually on my PSP, laptop and Desire HD. I was excited at the prospect of the iPod but this is not a feature that I have used since. To be honest, I think it is meant more for music videos than for feature films and perhaps I have expected a wee bit too much. None the less, I haven't used the movie feature since and probably won't again.

Misc

There is the typical lock/unlock switch at the top of the unit which I do find useful. I wish other electronics manufacturers would include such a thing.

The unit is very ergonomical and it feels nice in your hand. This might seem like a trivial thing but actually, I find it pretty important. Apple have always sought to make attractive devices that look like you could wear them as an accessory (clearly not a Mac as that might look a bit rubbish and would be terrible in the rain).

The iTunes software is still the best out there, in my opinion. It is intuitive, easy to use and the tracks are priced very reasonably. With the new system of not DRM-locking them, they are even better and can be used on other devices too.

The phenomenal range of accessories for the iPod just goes to highlight its popularity overall. From waterproof cases to colourful covers, armbands and complete stereo-speaker systems, this is more than just a small device that just plays music, it is a life accessory for many people.

Overall, I am very impressed with the unit. The video lets it down but perhaps because I expected too much (although most advertising pictures show images of feature films such as Batman Begins). The sound is excellent and for a 'beautiful product' it is robust enough to cope with being bounced around on cross-country runs. I recommend it to those who can afford it although there are 'almost' equally good products on the market.