New iPod nano (8GB Black) Review

[ZZOOzzoo]

New iPod nano (8GB Black) Review

Packaging

As Jobs boasted in his recent keynote, the packaging has become a whole lot smaller than previous ones. It doesn't have the "wow factor" that packagings of previous generations used to have, but it's nonetheless simple, compact and clean. Not bad.

First Impression

Obviously, the first thing that came to my mind was that it was really damn thin! Of course, for those who already own the first gen nano, it is merely a small improvement over the previous generation. But I used iPod mini for past one year, and the thinness of iPod nano really impressed me, and I like how it doesn't stick out of my pants pocket. However, it's quite uncomfortable to hold something this thin, so I must say I prefer the size of iPod mini, which was not too thin and not too thick.

Overall Experience/Battery Life

Sound

Paired with high-end earbud Shure e3g, iPod nano offered very nice quality of sound, from clear treble to deep and atmospheric bass. The good sound quality is probably because of the earphone itself. -_-;; But at least iPod nano didn't distort or degrade the sound. Since I'm no audiophile I will say no more about sound quality.

Interface

The interface is just what you'd expect from iPod series: simple, elegant and just plain intuitive. The new iPod nano has "quick search" function, which I didn't find it too useful. Typing alphabets with the clickwheel isn't exactly a pleasant experience, and if you're familiar with your music library, you're probably better off browsing through your library to find the song you want.

Battery

The new nano has 24 hours of battery life, the longest Apple has ever offered yet. Battery life depends on each individual usage, but I think it's safe to say that the battery life of new iPod nano is certainly more than excellent. It wouldn't been even better if the battery was detachable and replaceable, though.

Syncing

If you already have your music collection on iTunes, updating musics on your iPod nano couldn't be easier. You just connect iPod nano to computer and viola! However, should you prefer other music players, you'll find it quite annoying that you're forced to use nothing but iTunes. There are some 3rd party softwares that enable users to use different softwares, but those aren't supported by Apple and are not guaranteed to last forever.

Conclusion

As a Mac user, I don't really have option to use anything other than iPod. I do think iRiver Clix and Sansa look impressive, and it's a pity that iPod nano doesn't support vdeos, but as a music player iPod nano is probably one of the best flash-based player you'll find on the market right now.

Pros: 24 hours of battery life/intuitive interface/small and solid form-factor

Cons: perhaps too thin(?)/confines users to use iTunes

Thanks for reading my review. :)

[dh5]

Sweet, looks nice :yes:

[instant.human]

nice review and the photos are looking good. :)

[Keito]

thank you - I'm personally planning to buy an iPod in october, but I haven't made up my mind yet whether it will be a 8gb nano or a 30gb regular one... This is starting to look better and better though!

[Garry]

Looks like it needs a black dock.

In fact, I think if Apple are going to offer peripherals in different colours, they should consider making things match. Black iMac for example? Although it would be hideous.

[digitalsoft]

i really want one, nice and new, just looking at my old scratched first gen nano... :(

[saxondale.]

I think im going to get one

[Pippin]

I heard that the new iPod nano doesn't get scratched, is that true for the screen?

[crimsonhead]

2 Questions

1. Does anyone know where I can find a spec comparison between 1st and 2nd generation nanos?

2. Does it come with black ipod earbuds yet? :huh:

[dropscience]

Wow I would love a nano if I didn't have 45GB of music.

[Bobster]

I think is looks beautiful. I'm seriously tempted to get one of these and then sell my iPod 5G because I never watch videos anymore. When I first got my 5G iPod it was like "OMG i can watch Family Guy on my iPod!!!!!!11" but now it's like "I can't be arsed to convert every single video and then get like 1 hour of viewing videos on the road".

And I loved my iPod mini because it didn't scratch and these are the same.

I don't know what to doooooo - either buy one of these babies or wait for the Zune... :unsure:

[prue3]

iPod Mini FOREVER!

I always said that if the iPod Mini had a colorful screen he would be the best iPod that ever was...

3rd Gen iPod Mini immediately!

[Quillz]

I have a 5G iPod, and even I want a nano.

[kak]

I have the same setup (8gb w/e3g) and I will say it is awesome as well. Only complaint I have is that the 1st gen nano dock will not work with the 2nd gen nano. The dock adapter will not fit the nano docks either.

[John S. Veteran]

Great review man, thanks!

[Martyn]

Great review (Y). Rated it five.

I really want one though. Anyone know any places to get them cheap in the UK?

[saxondale.]

I will be getting mine from ebay from a powerseller, only ?10 cheaper

[Slimy]

What earbuds does it come with? Are they black? Are they better than the old ones?

Great review, thanks for posting :)

[Quillz]

What earbuds does it come with? Are they black? Are they better than the old ones?

The included earbuds are white, and from what I've heard and read, the redesigned earbuds are more comfortable and isolate sound better than the old models.

[+John Teacake MVC]

I love the new curved edges (like in your last photo) much better :D

[Noveed]

nice review mate, i might snap one up for the right price :)

[mycoolkim]

i have a 2bipod nano 4gb, its awesome, not a single scratch (yet) without any covers, not even opcket wear on screen, and the casig is soo well protective just like the nano. Nice review

[Digitalx]

looks good, i believe with podzilla ipod linux you can make video run on a nano but i dunno if they support this model yet or why you would want to on such a small screen :p nice review though

[Toastyone]

ZZOOzzoo! Great review and pictures mate :D If I did not have so much music would really consider getting a nano

[ZZOOzzoo]

Thanks for kind comments, everyone! :D

2 Questions

1. Does anyone know where I can find a spec comparison between 1st and 2nd generation nanos?

2. Does it come with black ipod earbuds yet? :huh:

What earbuds does it come with? Are they black? Are they better than the old ones?

Great review, thanks for posting :)

No, the included earbud is white. The new design is somewhere in between the original earbud and in-ear earbud (also by Apple), so as drygnfyre said, it has a slightly better sound isolation and a more comfortable fit. :) Not bad for a freebie, IMO.

I have the same setup (8gb w/e3g) and I will say it is awesome as well. Only complaint I have is that the 1st gen nano dock will not work with the 2nd gen nano. The dock adapter will not fit the nano docks either.

Yeah, it's very annoying when all the accessories you've bought suddenly become obsolete. :( I didn't have such a problem though, since I already had a universal dock which I bought for iPod mini. I just hope Apple will continue its support for the universal dock for foreseeable future.

ZZOOzzoo! Great review and pictures mate :D If I did not have so much music would really consider getting a nano

Toastyone!!!!!!