CNET editors' review
CNET Editors' ChoiceSep 05-
CNET editors' rating:
stars
Excellent
Detailed editors' rating
- Reviewed on: 09/13/2005
- Updated on: 02/07/2006
- Released on: 09/07/2005
We have to admit that the Nano is a bit pricey, so we recommend spending the extra $50 to $100 to double or quadruple your capacity. Consumers, after all, have witnessed a rise in price per gigabyte as compared to the $249 6GB iPod Mini and the Zen Micros of the world. But again, flash is the key word; it doesn't skip a beat and is much less susceptible to damage, and without it, the iPod Nano could never be so thin. A skinnier device would be impractical in terms of both usability and fragility. Not only does the iPod Nano's existence as the most luxurious flash-based MP3 player in the world lower flash-based MP3 player prices, but it signals the slow demise of the relatively new microdrive market. We'll see 6GB and 10GB flash-based models someday, though maybe not soon enough for those who simply cannot consider a player with less than 10GB to store their existing or growing music collections.
The iPod Nano's overall design mimics its stouter brother, with the same reflective stainless steel backside, as well as a smaller 1.5-inch color screen and 1.25-inch Click Wheel, compared to the iPod's 2 inches and 1.75 inches, respectively. A solitary hold switch is located on top, while a standard dock connector port and a headphone jack are located underneath. The dock connector opens up an enormous world of accessories, though some may not be ideal; for instance, the iPod Nano works with Altec Lansing's iM7 boombox, albeit awkwardly. The headphone jack has an unusual but necessary placement near the lower-right corner, as one wouldn't physically fit up top. Though it may seem to get in the way, the headphone cable can have a stabilizing effect when you hold the device. It's more natural to slide the iPod Nano into a jeans pocket as well, and of course, the placement makes sense when considering the optional lanyard that transforms the iPod Nano into a wearable device. However, because the jack lacks a four-pin smart connector, the iPod Nano can't be used with certain accessories, including wired remote controls.
Unlike the bigger iPod, the iPod Nano has a thin layer of glossy acrylic on its face, much like the original iPod and the company's line of iBooks; thus, it's very susceptible to scratches and, for the black version, fingerprints. Scratches have a charming effect for some devices, but they take away from the Nano's luster. In fact, many users have complained about how easily the Nano scratches and how the blemishes--including tiny scratches and smudges typical of the iPod family--interfere with viewing text and graphics on the LCD. While scratches are typical for all iPods, the Nano's softer polycarbonate is especially fragile, so you'll need to get a case or a tattoolike skin; alternately, you shouldn't carry it in a pocket full of keys or change. Blemishes are also more noticeable on the black Nano, though both models' screens are the same, of course.
The iPod Nano has no moving internal parts, so it's an ideal fitness companion. It's definitely not as rugged as the LCD-less iPod Shuffle, but thanks to the sturdy steel backside, it can hold its own in terms of durability. However, the device could be bent in half under certain circumstances.
It's certainly easier to operate a full-size iPod, but we have no major complaints about the iPod Nano's interface. Holding it is no problem, though some people will be bothered by the reduced range of motion in operating the smaller Click Wheel. The 16-bit, 172x132-pixel color display is little, but it's bright and colorful and can be used without the backlight in good illumination. It's certainly not an ideal photo viewer, but being able to listen to music while browsing photos is a treat. Because the display is framed by such an attractively thin device, it seems to look better--whether it's the bevel effect or the appreciation of the overall iPod Nano design, we're not sure, but it's one of the most beautiful devices we've ever seen.
In terms of the software interface, the iPod Nano's has mostly the same look and feel. A customizable main menu with Music, Photos, Extras, Settings, Shuffle Songs, and Now Playing fields are standard. New menu additions include a stopwatch and screen lock. Though the iPod GUI is famous for being user-friendly, it's garnered complaints, including dependency on the Now Playing screen for volume and other player controls, no quick access to Equalizer settings, or the minor hassle of just turning off the unit. Still, with a bunch of handy interface items such as audiobooks and podcasts, a color screen, and an awesome Click Wheel, the iPod Nano continues the iPod tradition of ease of use.
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