Apple iPod Nano user reviews (third generation, 8GB, black)

Pros Video and Video Pod Cast Support, bright screen

Cons awkward size, tries to be all things and does none well

Summary I was amazed when I saw the new iPod Nano. I thought how could Apple go so wrong? Then the reviews came, touting it as the best player ever and I figured I needed to rethink it. So I did, and returned to my first impression.

The new Nano takes away all of the coolness and sleekness of the Nano 2nd Gen design, and replaces it with a "do it all" (well, except for recording and FM which for some reason Apple seems to refuse to put, despite it being standard on everything else).

With a reduced screen size over the "Classic" iPod, and of course less storage capacity, the Nano is really ill-suited for video use. The split screen "feature" removes any advantage that might have been possible with changing the menus to make use of the larger screen and instead relegates it to half screen and the old look (with the same quirks remaining).

Cover Flow is a novelty that I don't get why the reviewers gush over. Sure it is a cute toy and helps mask slow menus by entertaining you with animation. And on a desktop (in iTunes) it is not detrimental, but on a battery powered DAP it is either a waste of precious time and power, or completely ignored if you are the set it and forget it type (ie those that use it at the gym or for running).

Also the new wider size makes it much less attractive than the 2nd gen for those who exercise and like to have it strapped to their arms, but not wide enough for a screen that it worthwhile for those that want video.

Sound is sound and virtually all these devices sound relatively similar, so the only way to really evaluate sound is through a decent set up ear buds (which you will need to own, or purchase separately, as the trademark white one that come with the player is junk).

So is it a too small video iPod or a too wide exercises music device? It tries to be both, but ends up not being exactly right for either.

Pros Beautiful Screen, Ultra-thin, Great Sound, Stunning Video Playback

Cons This thing looks amazing but it is a bit too wide, makes it very boxy.

Summary We just purchased the 8gig in green this weekend. I'd like to start by saying this thing looks amazing, really the color is beautiful, it is very thin, the polished stainless back is gorgeous, it is nice rounded corners, well you get the picture!

The first impression when you look at it is it is very boxy, which unfortunately takes away from its ultra-thin form factor. In many ways it is smaller than the previous Nano but because of its shape it looks much bigger.

When you take it out of the box the first thing we noticed was it is surprisingly heavy and solid feeling. This is probably due to the stainless steel back and all metal face. It feels much more solid though, which is a good thing.

Playing videos on this Nano is amazing. The picture is incredibly sharp and bright. Much sharper and brighter than the video iPod.

CNET said the sound quality was not as good. I'm not sure why because I thought it was a significant improvement. Maybe it is just me.

All in all, terrific product. As I said before a bit too boxy but with the larger screen this may have been unavoidable.

Pros Large Screen, Beautiful Screen, New Interface, New Small From Factor

Cons New Small Form Factor, Cover Flow, Click Wheel

Summary The iPod Nano third generation is a great product, but that's not to say it does not have "nano" sized issues. Before I write this know that I am very smitten with the new iPod Nano and it is a great product for any one who wants a small mp3 player. My three cons are from the small form factor because it is nice that it is small and thin, but a con because its width. The thing is just a tad too wide. If it was just the width of the screen it would be perfect but since its not, the width gets chalked up as a con. The Cover Flow is another issue I have. Since it is so small the processing is not that good and when you want to breeze through your album art, it lags quite a bit. Another beef I have with the cover flow is that when I try to port my own album arts to the iPod some of them show up as just black squares where the art would normally be.(If you know how to fix this could you please reply with an answer.) The Click Wheel is another minor issue because it is much thinner than the previous iPods and even if you have small fingers they still do not completely fill the click wheel space. With these small issues aside I find that the new iPod Nano is a big improvement over the last who generations and a must buy for any MP3 enthusiast. A+

Pros Small and light though fat, easy to use like all iPods

Cons Awkard fat shape, only 8G, no significant new features apart from video

Summary I love my iPods and was so looking forward to a new release of iPod nano hoping for at least 10G preferrably 16G of storage plus longer battery life. But no, Apple bought out video and coverflow. If I want video I would go for the larger iPod Classic and coverflow I find is a novelty I can take or leave. For this the nano has given up its previous attractive svelte form.
Sorry for this gripe - its to vent my disappointment.