Apple iPod Nano (second generation 2007, 4GB, silver)

Pros: * small and compact, very easy to navigate, plenty loud

Cons: * easy to get finger print smudges all over the unit

Summary: 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.