Second Generation Apple iPod Nano review
| Design |
| What can we say those people at Apple don’t mess around when they’re playing with designs. The 2G Nano is packaged in what will probably be the smallest Nano around – we don’t think it could possibly get any smaller. The length or width haven’t changed still standing at 8.9cm high and 4.1cm wide, but the second generation Nano has had two whole millimetres shaved off its depth making the 2nd Gen Nano much thinner – but adding to illusion of being even slimmer is the more curved edges. The slight reduction in depth has also made the 2G Nano lighter only weighing 40g now as apposed to the first generation Nano which weighted 43g. The aluminium cover has been added to make the 2G Nano more scratch resistant but what makes the new iPod Nano a treat for users are the different. Unlike the old Nano the 2G Nano comes in five stylish colours which also signify the hard drive size. What you get is: Silver 2G Nano in 2GB, Pink 2G Nano in 4GB, Blue 2G Nano in 4GB, Green 2G Nano in 4GB, Silver 2G Nano in 4GB, Black 2G Nano in 4GB, Black 2G Nano in 8GB. Yes the black second gen Nano comes with an expanded 8GB hard drive. The screen size has remained the same 1.5 inch diagonally and the wheel is also still the same iPod Nano clickwheel. |
| Setup/Installation |
| The 2G iPod Nano is simple to set up. Like the first-generation iPod Nano, you simply plug it into your computer and start downloading music from iTunes 7 or the software provided by Apple. |
| Features |
| The main additional features to the latest iPod Nano is the 40 per cent brighter screen. While the old Nano had a yellow tinge to its images the 2G Nano provides much brighter, clearer pictures. After lots of complaints about the case being scratched the new iPod Nano has been given an apparently scratch-resistant aluminium case (but that’s not the case if you read further). The main menu includes: Music, Photos, Extras, Settings and Shuffle Songs. The music is divided into Playlist, Artists, Albums etc just like the old one but what's really good is the all new Search function on this fab second generation Nano. Like of old, the 2G Nano is compatible with AAC files, MP3, AAC lossless, AIFF, WAV and Audible files. And to make sure you can make the most of these new features battery life has been boasted up to 24 hours rather than the miserly 12 hours originally. |
| Performance |
| Like the other iPods all you need to do to transfer music across to your new iPod Nano is plug it straight in to your computer and you’re ready to rock n roll, either opting for the automatic syncing or manual. Viewing the album art and photos on the remastered Ipod Nano is good thanks to the brighter screen but the small size of screen doesn’t make this a pleasurable experience which is probably why there’s no video playback facility added. There’s no difference in sound quality between the old and new Nano. However that scratch-resistant aluminum casing, isn’t resistant to scratching and when we shoved it into our pocket and did the treadmill test it came out with more scars than a Guantanamo Bay inmate. We found this second generation iPod Nano was slightly faster at navigating and loading up photos talks to the faster processor Apple have slipped in. The seamless playback feature on the 2G iPod Nano is brilliant as it means you don’t have to wait around for the next track and the search function now really zips through your playlist. |
| What's In The Box? |
| Remastered iPod Nano, a dock adapter, a USB cable for syncing/charging, a pair of white earbuds, and a quick-start guide. |
| Overall Opinion |
| The 2G Nano has very little difference from the older model other than the obvious. And in a fast-advancing world of MP3 players we suppose Apple had to do something to keep a hold of their market. We loved the variety of colour and the CHEAP price makes this a good buy for someone who hasn’t already got an iPod. And like all Apple iPod products there’s lots of accessories you can buy like a radio attachment should you want one. We wouldn’t necessarily go and swap our old one for the new 2G iPod Nano but we're sure it's still going to be a big seller this Christmas. |
By Babita Wakelin
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Pros + Funky colour scheme + Good sound + Seamless playback brilliant + Quick search function + Decent price |
Cons - Still scratches |
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Appearance 8/10
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Songs Capacity 8/10
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Build Quality 8/10
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Ease Of Use 8/10
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Value For Money 9/10
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Overall Rating 
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By Babita Wakelin
27/9/2006 at 10:40:45am
27/9/2006 at 10:40:45am
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