Apple iPod nano 4 GB White (1st generation) OLD MODEL by Apple Computer
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Digital camera reviews of Apple iPod nano 4 GB White (1st generation) OLD MODEL
Digital camera Review: Excellent
Summary: 5 Stars
This item came very fast in the mail and with everything that the description said it had. I was very impressed with the delivery service once again with Amazon.comDigital camera Review: Excellent addition to the iPod lineup, some caveats
Summary: 4 Stars
Replacing the iPod mini in the middle of Apple's iPod line, the nano fills the spot nicely, bringing a lot of nice features and a few compromises.
The nano uses flash memory chips for storing the music and data, unlike the 1" hard drive found in the mini and 1.8" drive in the full-size iPods. The benefits of the flash memory are multifold - battery life is very good, there's no skipping, and no chance of damage to moving parts from shock. An added benefit is that songs load up instantly, unlike on hard drive based iPods where there would be a slight delay as the hard drive spun up if the song requested wasn't in the memory buffer.
The nano also takes cues from its bigger brothers, with a very bright color screen with higher resolution than the mini's (176x132 vs. 138x110), photo viewing capability, and the signature white and silver body. It also has a few exclusive features, including a nifty Stopwatch, a Screen Lock feature styled after a combination lock, and an enhanced Clock. Unfortunately like the mini, you can't install Mac OS X on it and use it as a boot disk.
In usage, the nano works like a charm, though the bottom-mounted headphone jack takes a little getting used to after four years of it being on top. Battery life ranges from 12-15 hours in mixed usage, with it coming in on the low side if I listen to high-bitrate files (probably has to read from more memory). The screen is wonderful when the backlight is on, but visibility outside isn't as good as the old monochrome screens.
Despite its positives, the nano has some things that aren't so great. The headphone jack is located on the bottom and has no additional connector like on past non-Shuffle iPods, so the remote control no longer has a place to plug in. This also means that accessories that use the remote port like FM transmitters will not work. It goes without saying the accessory manufacturers will produce a ton of goodies for the nano by virtue of it being an iPod, so the concern is mainly for iPod owners with existing accessories or things on the market currently that won't work with the nano.
In going with a clear plastic/stainless steel design like the big iPods, the nano is more scratch and dent prone, unlike the mini, which was a tank with its rugged aluminum casing. I've already scuffed the back of the nano after only five days of usage, while my 18-month old mini looks virtually new. The nano also features a miniaturized version of the excellent Click Wheel, which can be a little tough to work for those with big fingers. It doesn't depress as far and the center portion is flush with the unit, which makes selecting things a bit tough occasionally.
Of note is that the nano cannot connect to your computer over FireWire, though it will charge. USB is the only way to sync, and users with the older USB spec will be waiting a while to fill up the nano. Even with photo viewing abilities, the nano cannot output it to a TV like big color iPods, so the implementation is halfway since the screen is too small for any extended viewing. On this initial firmware revision (1.0), navigating back and forth through menus can get a little laggy at times, with the menus not coming on smoothly if you press the buttons too fast.
After countless iPods Apple still has not included an easily-replaceable battery, so when it eventually dies you'll either have to send it back to Apple or attempt to crack the nano open. The lithium-polymer battery Apple uses will last anywhere from 18 months to 3 years depending on how often it's recharged and how it's used. Running your iPod until it's completely dead (total discharge) is bad for the battery, and will cut down on its lifespan.
Apple's been bringing the price of iPods down steadily, but has been accomplishing this partly by cutting down on accessories packed in the box. My 3G iPod came with a wealth of goodies, but the nano only comes with the omnipresent white earbuds, a CD, USB cable, and a piece of plastic to enable the nano to fit into future docking accessories. The buds look neat, but the sound quality leaves much to be desired. Picking up a quality pair of headphones will do wonders for your auditory experience.
I've owned every iPod since the original 5GB unit all the way back in 2001. For its greater capacity and use as a backup drive I'm keeping my 60GB iPod photo around, but for daily use the nano is where it's at. It deftly combines the advantages of the flash-based Shuffle with the perks of the full-sized iPods and adds its own unique tricks to the bag. Packing 4GB of flash memory with all of its advantages at a decent price is no small feat, and the smallness of the the design has to be held to be believed. Not many reservations, and definitely recommended.
Digital camera Review: Excellent but may not be for you
Summary: 4 Stars
Just because this is the latest iPod in the market today and its seems that everybody has one and its beautifull and so great, be aware that this may not be for you. I reccomend anyone to use it before they buy it. This only comes in 2GB to 4GB max. (1GB is the latest model) + the nano scratched awfully easily and leaves fingerprints that are almost impossible to clean off. I recommend you to buy a cover for it. Also, if you get one of these be aware that you must be EXTRA carefull with it, as it can very easily brake. + you cannot watch any type of video/movie/motion on it, only pictures within a 1.5inch screen. However, the screen has beutifull colors.
I already reviewed this item previously so this is only a reminder. Read my full review if you want.
Little description of what you may want:
iPod Shuffle: tiny. Stores up to 512mb or 1Gb. No LCD. perfect for sportspeople who dont have time/want to choose songs in order. Everytime you play it it shuffles automatically.
iPod Video: massive storage capability, 30 or 60bg. pricey, however. can view videos/photos. nice
there are more iPods in the market but these are of significance. Please choose appropriately before your purchase or you'll be dissapointed. these things donf come cheap.
Digital camera Review: Extremely fragile.
Summary: 1 Stars
First off, let me just say that the nano was my fourth iPod; I have a second-generation 40GB iPod, as well as two minis (1st gen 4GB and 2nd gen 6GB), and was happy with all three until the batteries died. A side note--don't ever store your iPod in a third-party speaker set that also charges. Mine lasted not quite a year and now the battery dies after 20 minutes of play time.
Here is the problem with the nano. It looks cool, is lightweight, and for all intents and purposes, promises to be a great piece of technology. But it is just way too easy to break. My other iPods had taken some abuse over the years, but never showed any signs of considerable wear (except for a scratched screen on the 40GB). I managed to break the Nano two days after purchase on its first use, without any significant trauma to the casing. (I dropped it while sitting on the couch, and it fell two feet.) The screen cracked and the display is ruined, at a cost of over $100 to replace. Even after giving a polite explanation, producing a receipt, and enduring condescension from the manager ("Sometimes things break"), Apple wouldn't take it back.
I really can't recommend this product. There are better iPods out there, namely the Minis, which are more tightly crafted and likely to withstand the pressures of everyday use. Don't waste your money on the nano. It is flimsy and poorly constructed, and you're better off looking elsewhere until they improve their product.
Digital camera Review: Fantabulous!!!!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I got the nano immediatley when it came out. It is spectacular.
Pros:
- the click wheel, even though it is so thin, you still recieve feedback
-the color display is very vivid and clear
-sound goes very loud, if you put the volume all the way up, you may bust the speakers (it goes much louder than the mini)
-when you put photos on it, they come out very clear
-easy to keep organized
-lots of memory
-lots of accessories
-free version of iTunes
-guide booklet
-free headphones
-hold switch
-very small, fits in coin pocket in jeans
-calendar
-contacts
-stopwatch
-alarm clock
-audiobooks
-podcasts
-games
-displays album art
-superior sound quality
-can get engraved for free (apple.com)
Cons:
-gets scratched very easily, I reccommend buying a case online (not from apple), mine has not gotten a scratch on it yet because of my cover, and I dropped it under a crosstrainer and pedaled over it (on accident)
-runs out of battery life VERY easily, not very good for road trips, runs out in about 8 hours
-speakers get busted VERY easily
-can get lost easily
-??? No more complaints