Apple iPod Nano 16GB
The basics
The Apple iPod Nano 16GB is the fourth generation with its new slender, lightweight and long features. It is different from last year's model which was two-screened and broad, although it remained to have 2 inch screen. It measures 90.7mm tall and 6.2mm thin. It comes in 9 different colours, the same with its 8GB counterpart.
The good
Ditching the ‘fat’ shape of the last iPod was a bold move for Apple, but one that’s paid handsome dividends and delivered this: the thinnest (6.2mm), most powerful iPod nano to date. It’s not just a facelift either. Inside it’s fresh, with improved software and a bunch of new features. Apple’s added an accelerometer so the screen will auto-rotate. Plus, the new nano will even let you shuffle songs by giving it a little shake, which works surprisingly well. There’s new Genius technology too, which builds playlists based on how music will sound together, all at the touch of the centre button. It works pretty well, spitting out a megamix in just a couple of seconds. But it’s the new, longer screen that really shines - its expanded real estate means more can be packed in at once. It’s a pleasure to use, sharp and crisp. The curved glass covering makes this feel like the most luxurious nano to date, despite it also being the cheapest.
The bad
Yes, it’s the thinnest iPod ever made, but only thanks to Apple’s crafty tapering at the edges. It’s also much taller than its predecessor, and unless you really, really struggle to make mixtape-style playlists, the new Genius features won’t add too much that you’ll really miss.
The bottom line
With its improved software, and even sleeker new styling, the new iPod nano is the ultimate mini MP3 and movie player.
User comments (3)
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Jez23 August 2009
I had a 2nd gen nano that was great. Battery lasted forever and worked a treat with my Bose Soundock speaker system. But the screen failed after 18 months (a common problem, apparently) and I replaced it with the new 4th gen version. The screen is great and the software 'bling' sounds good in reviews, but ultimately it doesn't play music any better. However, the corners of the slimline case are razor sharp and will eat trouser pockets in no time. Battery life is much shorter than my old one and to add insult to injury, the latest model will not charge from previous accessories like the Soundock (although it plays music through it ok). So, it spends most of its life in a drawer with a flat battery. Conclusion: with this model Apple has introduced features I didn't need and designed out things that made the 2nd gen the best compact mp3 player available. Would I buy another? No, I'd look elsewhere next time.
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