For Christmas this year, I got a black 3rd generation iPod Nano, so I thought I’d write up a quick review after playing with it for a couple weeks. Coming from a 2nd generation iPod Mini, this is quite a big step up for me. I’m only going to concentrate on the features I consider to be major improvements, because I don’t think anyone wants to read about all the little things. So let’s get started!
Size
When those first photos of the new Nano were leaked, many people (myself included) weren’t very impressed. It seemed too bulky, and was nicknamed the ‘fatty’. What the pictures didn’t show was the scale, and the depth. The new Nano is very thin, and fits perfectly into the palm of your hand. You really need to go and hold one for yourself before passing judgement on it, because pictures do not do it justice.
Video
The biggest improvement to the iPod Nano has been the addition of video playback support. This addition to the Nano makes video support standard across the iPod line, with the exception of the iPod Shuffle, which as no display at all.
Since the iPod Nano sports the same resolution as the iPod Classic, but in a smaller screen, it has the highest pixel density of all the iPods. This makes for an extremely crisp and vivid picture. In my opinion, the high pixel density more than compensates for the small screen size. I had absolutely no problem watching a full length feature film on the Nano, and it didn’t bother my eyes at all, but of course, YMMV.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not at all suggesting that you would want to use the Nano as your main source of video, but for the bus rides to school, or short flights, it’s perfect.
Interface
Another improvement to the Nano is the user interface. The ‘list’ part of the interface (where you choose the artist, song, etc.) now occupies only half the screen, in a vertical column, while album art, movie screenshots, etc. are displayed on the other half, depending on what section your hovering on. For instance, if you highlight ‘Music’, the right half of the display will show randomly selected album covers.
Also, the new Nano now has Cover Flow. Granted, Cover Flow on the Nano is not as smooth as on an iPod Touch or iPhone, but it is still useful for flipping through your albums in search of something to listen to.
Games
While the iPod is primarily a media player, the ability to play games can be a lifesaver when you’re waiting for a bus to come. Since the iPod now has a high quality display, it also has the ability to play very nice looking games. It comes with three games built in, iPod Quiz, Klondike (Solitaire), and Vortex (Brick). Vortex has been the most fun for me, and is a HUGE improvement over Brick. Of course, you can also download additional games from iTunes, but the stock games should keep you entertained for a while.
Well that’s it folks. I know it was short, but that’s what I was goin’ for. If you have anything to add, or disagree with anything I’ve written, feel free to let me know in the comments.
