Apple iPod Nano (third generation, 4GB, silver)
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September 11, 2007 09:15
4.0/5
I just bought this at the Apple store in San Francisco on 9/10. After reading many reviews, in which they said basically the same thing, I opted to buy the 8gb red Nano.
I know going in that the new Nano does not have a FM radio, voice recorder, or video output so it's hard to complain that the Nano sucks because it doesn't have it. Unlike the other brands, Creative Zen, IRiver, etc., sure they have those extras but they don't have the size or the ease of navigation that the Nano has. I bought this because I wanted a good, small, light, and easy to use MP3 player that can hold a bunch load of songs. I also have many photos loaded. I haven't any videos yet. I do wish it had the video output then it would be awesome
Since I only had this for one day, I haven't had a lot of time using it so once I use it more, I'll do an update to my comments.
Right now, using Shure 4EC as my headphones, the Nano is plenty loud and clear. I have to keep the volume to about 1/5 or else it will be too loud. Bass is fine and heavy but I'm sure if you use cheap headphones, you may not experience the bass. As CNET and others said, you need a good quality headphones to fully enjoy the capability of the audio output.
Sure, CNET and others said that the audio quality is average but how many of us are truly able to distinguish the lower and higher frequencies and can tell the difference. I can't and with the sounds being so clear with my E4C, the audio is great for me.
The pictures are so sharp and crisp and I can't wait to try the video and see how that is. I do wish the Nano repel fingerprints as both the body unit and screen easily pick them up. I also worry about scratching the screen but I normally keep the Nano in my pocket or in a carrying case. I also wish that the hold button is larger. It's so small on the bottom of the unit. I also wish there was a remote control where I can increase/decrease the volume, skip songs etc and not have to take the unit out of my pocket, release the hold, and then make the adjustment.
For the brief time I have this, I like it better than the IRiver. The IRiver does have the FM radio as well as voice recording, and the ability to record songs that played on the FM radio. However, in the 4 years that I had it, I never really used those features so not having them in the Nano is not big deal. I'm sure if the Nano does have it, it will definitely be larger and heavier than it is now, and I'm sure many people would complain that the Nano would be too big. LOL. I guess you can't please everyone. There will never be a perfect MP3 player that has everything everyone wants.
Like I said, I will do an update once I use this more and will see if my opinion changes. -
September 10, 2007 11:56
4.5/5
Can't expect more from a third generation model. Great size, Great resolution, I use it on my commute to work which is about an hour by train, bus, and ferry. It lasts a bit longer than what they say it will, I got about 2.5 hours of video, and about 9 hours of music play, and still had more than a 1/4 of its juice still in the battery.
Coverflow is a bit slow, but other than that there are no problems. -
September 14, 2007 10:38
Excellent
2.0/5
Apple is loosing focus with what consumers want in this perticular model. First of all, why would I pay $199 for 8 gigs when I can get 60 for $249? Oh wait, I need a smaller size right? Well, that USED to be the case, but the new nano is too wide, and difficult to hold in your hand. They are loosing focus on the IPOD, it is an AUDIO player, and does not need to be a video. Save the video for the new iphone looking ipod, and leave the classic ipods alone! I've tried watching videos on this, and I just get a headache, plus how many videos can you really hold on a 4 gig player? -
March 20, 2008 09:00
3.5/5
What can I say? I love Apple. They're a great company with great ideas. After my beloved green second-gen nano suffered a tragic death (it was murdered by my evil washing machine), it was hard for me to get used to its replacement. However, with its bright screen and tasty video playback, I learned to accept Greeny's death, and began my relationship with Fatty. Let's just hope it lasts longer than my relationship with Greeny... -
February 17, 2008 07:46
4.5/5
My first Apple product and I'm thinking this may be the start of a trend. Apple is simply a master of delivering products that make for a happy consumer, starting with its packaging, down to the ease-of-use factor and so very little directions to read. With this in mind, I'm now thinking iMac and Macbook Pro when it comes to my next computer purchases.
I had reservations about iTunes software not getting along with Windows, particularly Vista on my notebook, but iTunes has worked flawlessly on both my XP desktop and Vista notebook. In fact, iTunes is now my music player of choice. Simply great.
It's difficult to go wrong buying a product from Apple, as long as you keep in mind you pay extra for their quality products. That being said, you will simply love the iPod Nano. -
January 1, 2008 01:45
5.0/5
this is the best mp3 player i have ever seen. Before Igot it i was using a creative zen v. it was horrible compared to this ipod. the zen v accualy broke after a little while. the thumb thing got pushed in. battery life on the ipod is exxeelllent. 24 hours on audio,5 hours of video, and only about 3.5 hours of games. my old zen v only lasted about seven hours on a single charge and all it did was play music. the ipod's scren is reely nice all the pixels are pushed reely close together so it looks reely smooth. games kinda eat up the battery though, but its not all that bad because most people didnt buy it just for games. I would recomend this ipod to ANYONE!!!!! -
September 23, 2007 01:34
4.0/5
Okay, I know what half of you are thinking, "What is he talking about with the DVD decrypting, that isn't Apple's fault!" Well, I don't know too much about DVD decryting, but I have a feeling Apple can do SOMETHING about it.
First, though, lets talk about some of the pros and cons.
Pros: This new iPod nano with video has unbelievable video quality. Although it is a small screen to watch full length videos on, the video quality makes up for it big time. It is very clear and the screen is very bright. After owning the second generation nano, I would have to say the brightness is an improvement.
Also, this is very easy to sync with iTunes. Like the iPods of the past, you just have to plug it in and hit sync. This is why I won't spend much time on this. Of ourse, you can also manually manage music.
Finally, I really like the new user interface (UI). I know most people say how it is all for looks, but it is really cool. You have the split-screen display with the cover previews and cover flow added in. As always with Apple, it is really easy to navigate the menus.
By the way, the sound quality is good. It is by no means in the elite category of other mP3 players, but it sure doesn't take away from the overall quality of the product.
Cons: First, the new, "beautiful", glosyy backside that is on the fifth generation iPod. I hate it, it smudges way too easily. I've had it two and a half days and it is already covered in smudges. It doesn't take away from the score of the product, but it is worth mentioning.
Next, the constant freezing of the screen. if you aren't familiar with this, it is like when your computer screen just stops and the mouse doesn't move, etc. It is just like that. Although it is very easy to fix (sliding the hold switch on and off and holding the center and menu buttons for a few seconds usually does it) it is constant. It happened the fist nigh I had it and it is frustrating. Apple has to find a cure for this.
And, for those of you who skipped to this, the need to decrypt DVDs to get them on the iPod. I am aware this isn't entirely Apple's fault, as the movie companies are the ones who do it, but I have an idea on how they can fix it.
Let me know if I am wrong, but couldn't Apple have a way to prove we actually own a DVD, and if we do, we can download it from iTunes for free? That way, we don't have to but the same things twice. I know there are programs that allow you to decrypt but aren't they illegal and expensive?
And, to the movie companies, I highly suggest you allow us to copy them to iTunes so we can use them, the digital revolution is taking over, so if you don't, we might stop buying DVDs.
Basically, if Apple can fix this problem, then this is an eight, if they can't, it is a nine.
Overall, though, this is a great product and I highly reccomend it to anyone looking for a high quality, low-cost mP3. I give it a 8. -
September 11, 2007 05:25
4.5/5
I was thinking about getting a nano and then when the new one came out and did my research online thought the pictures were hideous and started looking at the competition. But wait...after actually going into the apple store and seeing it in real life, the pics don't do this beauty justice. It is still very small and waif-like (cracker thin) compared to generation 2. I would highly recommend. Apple makes a solid product. Alot of the competition feels very cheap. -
September 11, 2007 04:41
4.5/5
dont be haters of the new nano i think the new design is phat (lol get it fat - phat) owell i laugh at my own jokes often -
September 10, 2007 05:30
4.5/5
I've had every ipod every made and rank this one at or near the top (for what it is). Perfect for someone with under a 2,000 song library. Although it plays video's (which look great btw), it was not meant to replace a video ipod or an iphone for playing video's. Great new UI. Battery life is awesome. So far, no negative's noted.
