The new 8GB iPod Nano: Lean, Mean and Wicked
The new 8 GB iPod Nano is an improvement on the older
version.
Lean, Mean and Wicked -- the new iPod 8GB Nano fits the bill to the T. To begin, it comes in a great new packaging to boost the external flaunt value. The screen is 40% brighter as compared to the 1st generation 4GB iPod. Battery life's pretty good with over 20 hours of music.
And the sound is getting better with every new iteration.
But the USB 2.0 transfer rate is still rathr slow, compared to the first generation iPod.
The new iPod 8GB Nano is lean and thin now. With dimensions of 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.26 inches., its even thinner then the 1st Generation. It has gone on diet and lost some weight too - earlier it weighed around 1.5 ounces, and now its 1.4 ounces. This baby looks gorgeous, better designed than the original iPod Nano. As most of the dimensions are the same, accessories and cases of the 1st Generation Nano work fine with this too.
The black anodized aluminum reminds you of the iPod Mini. The top unit bears the hold switch, and the top and bottom are made up of polycarbonate. The patented Clickwheel is still there and remains the only other movable part on the Nano. Thank God, Apple made no changes to the Clickwheel; as it continuous to be receptive and responsive.
The dock connector port and the headphone port are still where you expect them. Apple claims that the screen of this Nano is 40 % brighter than its predecessor's. It comes with a 1.5 inch LCD color screen, though the resolution and color range are still the same.
This iPod comes with a sturdy looking aluminum casing, which is scratch resistant. The 1st Generation Nano lacked this feature. The Nanos continue to look stylish as ever, plus come with a lot more flaunt value and fun factor with color choices.
Our gripe, even though the Nano has 8GB of total memory, only 7.4Gb is available for the users. The operating system and other important software eat up the space that amounts to 600 MB. Not fair, when you consider that the 1st Generation (Nano's OS and software) occupied just 300 MB.
Just a year back, Apple came out with the 1st Generation Nano and now this new offering. Apple are getting into a habit of making people use their products year after year because they are overly simple and elegant. Not to mention the incredible sound they produce. the earbuds are still average, though.
The Nano still handles seamless integration with iTunes. It is easily one of their biggest strengths. Other MP3 player rivals don't even come close to this feature.
The ease of purchasing music through iTunes is unparalleled, as is syncing your PC and your Nano using iTunes.
But to be fair, the competition has started to catch up with the iPod, both in terms of price and size. Rivals offer more standard features then the iPod Nano, like (an) the FM Tuner, recording features and small-time video playback. The Nano on the other hand is aimed at the audiophiles and photo display capabilities.
The playback is truly seamless now - meaning the next song starts immediately when the last songs ends. Users would not have any problems using the Nano while exercising and jogging; the unit does not skip under hard jostling. The Nano is capable of playing a wide range of files like AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF. You guessed it, no new music formats added here. It still comes with a 22 preset equilizier and the basic features are accessible via Nano's controls. The picture quality is as good as they come. You can view the following files on your 8GB Nano: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only) and PNG formats. The new surprise package is the new improved battery life. Users will get over 20 hours of playback and just over 5 hours of playback for photos with background music. It takes about 3 hours to charge the battery totally.
The Nano comes with the usual utilities like the World Clock, an Alarm Clock and four games. Plus you have the the option to set the iPod to 21 languages. Non-English speaking people would love this.
With a cost of $249, the 8GB is a good deal. The price is in the same bracket against rival Sandisk Sansa. There are $149 2GB version (silver case) and $199 4GB versions (blue, green, or pink case). The 8GB version is black only.
Our conclusion: Apple still rules the roost in the Mp3 players market. And it would take some company to with innovative designs and ideas to dethrone them.
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