- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 85 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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2.5 stars
"Apple = That Sexy Girlfriend/Boyfriend"
Pros: Video now included with great quality, okay sound quality, solid UI as expected from Apple
Cons: Width, cover preview on menus, battery life so-so, iTunes, Apple being Apple, still no FM tuner
Summary: In my humble opinion, with the exception of the video addition, the third generation Nano is a downgrade from the second generation. The video quality is superb for such a tiny screen, and the user interface is great- something we have come to expect from Apple's iPod line. Unfortunately, as indicated by the title of this review, Apple continues to act as that sexy girlfriend or boyfriend that you just can't dump.
Okay I've gotten through the pros because I need time for the cons, and the pros don't need a huge explanation anyway. First of all, I hate the extra width. I prefer the narrower model. Why? To me the Nano is for a person who works out, but also wants to use it for laying around the house. The shuffle doesn't satisfy those needs, and the Classic is too big. Unfortunately, this is too wide and cumbersome to go for a run with without an armband. Yes, it is extremely thin, but that does not make up for the width.
Second, iTunes. Hey Apple, if you are going to tie us down to an application, at least make it usable. Yes, it is fairly easy to navigate, but it doesn't matter. It takes forever to boot on Windows and it hordes more space than an elephant in a motel room. Also, and although I relaize the record companies supposedly force them to do it, Apple needs to make iTunes purchases DRM free.
Thridly, Apple is just being Apple with this product. Yes, it is extremely sexy. Yes, it performs fairly well. Yes, Applephobes are going to love it. But, when it comes down to the nitty gritty, it just doesn't match up, even with its predecessor. I mean can you imagine how up in arms the Applephobes would be if Microsoft put in a huge bar that takes up half the screen on Windows which previews the files, etc inside? Sure, it doesn't get in the way of navigating (unless you have way too much crap on your desktop), but it just looks stupid and serves no purpose!
Also, I would like (love) it if Apple provided a full firmware update for each generation iPod Nano. So on this generation you should be able to download the firmware from the fourth generation. Even if Apple has to modify the firmware a bit to fit this iPod rather that the fourth generation, boo hoo to them. They should do it in the name of customer service. I shouldn't have to buy a new iPod now that the fourth gen is out when the only real updates (other than the look) are in the firmware!
I'm not trying to trash the iPod Nano third gen. I actually kinda sorta like it. But, I would expect more from a world leader in technology, especially for a third generation model (and if you include the Mini, the fifth generation). Even if the iPod is the world leader, and will likely always be, Apple should still take care of its customers, and I suspect they don't really care. I mean they STILL haven't included an FM tuner (and I suspect they never will).
Overall, this is an OK product when you consider everything, including Apple's long tenure in the industry.
Where to buy
Apple iPod Nano (second generation 2007, 4GB, silver):
$219.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$219.99 | Yes |
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