Model:  Ipod Nano 2GB Black

Manufacturer:  Apple

Reviewed By:  Miguel

Review Date:  09/28/05

  Let me start by honestly saying that I happen to be one of the few who isn't  a fan of the Ipod.  I strongly support other manufactures, who have been having a hard time simply keeping up with Apple.  Yes, there are indeed other alternatives, such as the excellent Rio Karma, that do offer some serious competition with a majority of the other Ipods.  However, based on what I have read and seen since the initial release of the new Ipod Nano, other manufacturers now have a serious problem on their hands.  In fact, I have not seen a product sell in such high numbers in quite a while.  The sheer volume at which this new player sells is an obvious sign as to just how well-designed it really is.  Today, we are pleased to bring you a thorough review of the new Ipod Nano, which also features a variety of third-party products already available for this device, one of which you'll have a chance to win. 

Packaging & Contents

Like the player itself, the packaging is quite small and well thought out.  Included along with the player is a USB sync/charge cable, earbuds, dock adapter, installation CD and a couple of apple icon stickers.  There are also some rounded "hook-and-loop fasteners, which I'm still quite clueless what they are really for.

**click to enlarge**

I've been personally using earbud style headphones for many years and continue to do so.  Unfortunately though, the earbuds included with the Ipod Nano look, feel and sound cheap.  This was expected though and is why sound quality tests were done with high quality earbuds such as the (japan only) Sharp HP-MD33-S shown above. 

Design

There are two models available, white and black.  The black is apparently in such high demand, that at the time of this review, it has been sold out, both locally and online.  Even Apple has had a hard time keeping up with demand, and their is currently a 3 week waiting period on the black 4GB model.  This is the first time Apple does release a black Ipod, with the exception of the limited edition U2 model.  The front features a 1.5" color LCD display with backlight.  Under it, you'll find a touch sensitive control wheel with center button.  The control wheel also features menu and playback buttons.  The back of the the player sports a mirror-like finish that is quite a fingerprint magnet.

**click to enlarge**

If it were any thinner, it wouldn't exists.  That's the best way I can describe just how thin the Ipod Nano really is.  In fact, pictures don't do it justice.  You have to play with one hands-on in order to appreciate its overall design.  How they managed to fit so much into it is simply remarkable.  For those, like me, who are curious enough to know what's actually inside, there are many articles already posted on the web, most of which have completely stripped down the Nano to not only show how well it is built, but to also determine whether there are any mods or hacks that can be made.

Unlike their other players, the headphone jack is awkwardly located on the bottom of the player.  You'll find the USB dock connector here as well.  Now, despite the location, the dock connector is standard, meaning it will support a majority of accessories currently on the market.  This includes accessories that are not primarily designed for this model.  The top features a lock or "hold" switch which will lock all buttons on the click wheel.  For those who do order from Apple directly, free engraving is included.

Specifications

Next: Install & Bundled Software