iPod Nano 4’th Generation Review
Although facing steep competition, the iPod still remains the top sought after mp3 player available. We’re still not sure what makes people want to but it so much. Maybe it’s because it’s hip, sexy and one of the best digital music stores available.
Either way the fourth generation to the popular Nano series is an irresistible choice.
DESIGN
It would appear that Apple has a lot of designers on salary who have nothing to do as the iPod and the Nano have been getting yearly updates not only in features but more so style. The third generation systems were like little squares while the new systems have taken on the rectangular shape that they originally started with.
The headphone jakes make its appearance at the bottom of the device while the whole design has been slimmed down to an incredible 0.25 inches at its thickest point and 1.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches tall. There is also a 1 inch scroll wheel and a 2 inch glass LCD screen that has returned from the previous generation. Other than that most of the design cues are more in line with the first generation Nano series.
FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE
The features of the new Nano’s have been updated to include a few extra features as well as those from last years model including the calendar, games, alarms, stopwatch, contacts, blocks and notes.
Some new features include “Genius” which allows you to make a playlist centering on the characteristics of a single song. If you have enough songs in your player this feature is pretty neat and fun to use.
The phone includes an accelerometer which allows you to do certain tasks on the phone by shaking it. For instance shaking the phone vigorously will activate the shuffle function. Regular jitters by walking and running won’t activate this feature though. The accelerometer also allows you to activate cover flow when the device is turned on its side as well as rotate the video viewing angle which is especially good for those who are left handed. Certain games can also be controlled by this feature.
The performance on the device is good but could be better. Apple does not seem interested in allowing optimum sound control and so EQ controllers are missing from the device.
Battery performance is good and we were able to get 23.5 hours of continuous audio playback as well as 6 hours of video playback. These are some good numbers but when compared with last year’s model they are a little weak.
CONCLUSION
There is a great possibility that you already own an iPod or other MP3 player or planning on getting it for a friend. Before you go out and buy one consider the iTunes factor. The fourth generation Nano requires iTunes 8 which is feature rich and system demanding.
Secondly if you have last years model there is almost no reason to upgrade to this version unless you need more space. But if you’re still holding onto your first generation Nano’s (or second generations) it’s about time you move on. And what better way to do that than with the fourth generation model.
