In this age of portable music, the iPod has downloaded itself into the general public consciousnessï ¿ 1/2 where it won’t be leaving any time quickly. Not that we mind. Despite a large pool of credible rivals, such as Sony and Dell, who produce their own slick mp3 devices, the iPod is still the most popular and best-selling of the bunch. Just think of buying an mp3 gamer, and I bet your knee-jerk reaction will a minimum of be to think about, if not choose, the iPod.
When Apple Computers’ CEO Steve Jobs unveiled the iPod Nano in San Francisco’s Moscone Center, it immediately ended up being understood as the tiniest member of the display-bearing iPod family line and follower to the iPod mini (the upgraded version of which was released a simple 7 months prior to the Nano). Compatible with both Mac and Windows-based computer systems, the iPod Nano is available in 2 colors, white and black. You likewise have your option of a 2GB version ($ 199) or a 4GB variation ($ 249), which is a bit high given the fact that the iPod mini held the same rate tag for the 4GB and 6GB models, respectively. The iPod Nano’s storage drive is flashed-based, which suggests no moving parts inside (reduced wear-and-tear and damage capacity), greater sturdiness, and no sound skips while running, cycling, or stumbling home after delighted hour. Given the increasing capacities and abilities of flash drives, I wouldn’t be amazed if some day Apple begins executing this innovation into more of its major products. But that’s for another short article.
The first thing one is most likely to discover is that the Nano, as its name implies, is small. You need to actually hold one to see just how remarkably little this gadget is, and my very first idea was that the little pocket of my jeans may now lastly serve a greater purpose. The Nano steps 3.5″ long, 1.6″ wide (smaller area than a credit card), and just.27″ thick (thinner than a AAA battery). Smooth and serene, the Nano is identified by the simple elegance familiar to Apple fans. Yes, it definitely is a gorgeous-looking little machine due in no little part to the shiny, thin layer of acrylic applied to its surface. But the drawback to the finish is its vulnerability to scratching and/or finger prints (especially on the black version of the Nano). Weighing in at just 1.5 ounces you might conceivably move the Nano throughout a flat surface area by sneezing on it, though I do not recommended this for health reasons.
The highlights: Like all other iPods, the Nano is primarily developed to play digitized music such as mp3 files. And like its relatives, the Nano stands out when doing what it does best. According to my research, the Nano utilizes the same sound chip as the Mini, and as mentioned previously, general quality is outstanding. The included earbuds do a good job providing the noise, though I would choose higher-end earphones to make the most of the audio experience. Fiddling with the included equalizer settings likewise seems to make noticeable sound changes, so unpredictable sound lovers may have something to smile at here.
Owners of previous iPods shouldn’t have an issue navigating the interface, as choosing songs, play-lists, and so on utilizing the touch-sensitive click-wheel is still as easy to use as ever (however I hate leaving those darn fingerprints!). Setting up and linking to iTunes on both Mac and Windows devices was smooth and straightforward as well. According to info available at Apple’s site, the 2GB iPod Nano holds 500 tunes while the 4GB version stores about 1,000, presuming that the average tune is 4 minutes long and compressed at 128 kbps using AAC encoding. And like the larger iPods, the Nano acknowledges songs encoded in the following formats: mp3, AAC (and secured AAC format from the iTunes Music Store), AIFF, and WAV.
Unlike the iPod mini, nevertheless, the Nano sports a color display in addition to the same image abilities as the state-of-the-art iPod Photo. This might have been a “just since we can” idea prepared up by the engineers over in Cupertino, as I got some weird appearances while sharing my newest photos on a screen that’s hardly the size of a postage stamp. But I confess’s a fun feature to be included on such a little gadget. Total with the typical company choices, you are able to create slideshows (with music and transition results) and classify your pictures any method you want. The Nano acknowledges images in the following formats: JPEG, GIF, PSD (Mac just), TIFF, BMP, and PNG. I’ll take this time to note that the camera adapter for the iPod Image, utilized for moving pictures directly from a digital still cam to the iPod Image, will not work with the iPod Nano. Also, other present third celebration gadgets such as voice recorders and FM transmitters are not currently suitable with the Nano.
There are likewise includes that exist specifically on the iPod Nano, such as the World Clock function, which enables you to see the regional time throughout the world. As soon as you select a region (or major global city), a clock will appear on the screen. The clock graphic will darken or lighten depending upon what time of day it is at the other area, which comes in handy for regular tourists. Feel like trick calling your buddies in Egypt at 3AM regional time? The iPod Nano can help! (Naturally, I do not condone this sort of habits- utilize this feature to make sure you do not mistakenly call your good friends in Egypt at 3AM).
Other Nano-exclusive functions include a screen lock and stop-watch. The screen lock permits you to produce a 4-digit mix to prevent others from going through your music and images. This would look like an effective method of hindering potential thieves (or meddlesome exes), however considering that I currently have so many passwords and codes in my life to keep in mind I can do without it. Besides, such a pricey gadget like the Nano ought to be kept in a safe place anyhow. The stopwatch feature is pretty cool, and permits you to tape-record your best lap times or to keep track of how long tech support puts you on hold.
Battery life: The iPod Nano declares 14 hours of music playback, though battery consumption increases when utilizing the picture slideshow functions with music playing in the background. Charging via the consisted of USB 2.0 cable, which links to the dock adapter on its underside, it takes the Nano about an hour and a half to reach 80% capacity, and 3 hours to accomplish a full charge. At present, the iPod Nano is not firewire capable. In my research I’ve also found out that the Nano’s battery appears to be completely soldered into the system, which leads me to question the feasibility (or perhaps possibility) of future battery replacement. Information concerning this will be updated as it is found.
Consisted of items:
– USB 2.0 cable television (in reverse compatible with USB 1.1). This links through the dock
adapter underneath the Nano. KEEP IN MIND: Do not confuse the dock port with the
dock itself. The iPod Nano dock is an accessory that costs an extra $29. Over USB 2.0,
the Nano transfers music at about 5 mb per second.
– iTunes software application (Mac & PC).
– Earbud headpones: They’re white, (even for the black iPod Nano).
PROS:.
Terrific sound quality, simple to use, wonderfully trendy, very lightweight, portable, and resilient. Great color display, helpful extras such as image viewing and global clocks. Flash memory design avoids skipping, incorporates quickly with iTunes. Mac and Windows suitable.
CONS:.
High price for fairly little drive area (compared to other iPod models), lack of advanced iPod features/support, no present firewire ability, surface area smudges and scratches quickly if not safeguarded.
OVERALL:.
Despite the relatively significant cost for its storage capability, the brand-new iPod Nano by Apple is definitely a cool gadget for many gotta-have-it gadget-philes and for those who simply want a reputable, user friendly high quality mp3 gamer. If you wish to play your favorite songs while relaxing or running, the Nano and its couple of additional functions will make you happy. Those who are huge on more complicated functions may be dissatisfied with today lack of functions available (no support for FM transmitter, cam adapter, firewire, and so on). However its ease-of-use, user-friendly user interface, style, and quality make this an extremely tough gadget to resist.
4 stars out of 5.
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