Apple iPod nano 4GB (2nd Generation)

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Anthony Fiti
Kurtis
N/A
Sep. 19, 2006

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First Impressions

The packaging for the iPod nano 2nd Generation is quite elegant. Other than the fact that it took me a minute or two to figure out how to remove the nano from its plastic holder (you have to bend the plastic towards the nano to release it), it's quite nice. During Apple's recent Keynote, Steve Jobs said that the new packaging is 52% smaller than previous nano packing, so Apple can ship more for cheaper, as well as have less of an impact on the environment.

Included in the package is the USB adapter (which also charges the unit), the new white Apple ear buds, an insert for an iPod dock (so you can use the nano in a dock sized to fit a larger iPod) and instructions. What isn't included is a copy of the iTunes software on a CD. You have to go online and down that from iTunes.com. That's OK though, because if you are reading this article, you have internet access. So go and download iTunes. Besides, the CD packaged with the iPod didn't usually have the most up to date software on it anyways. Though it would be neat if they actually put iTunes on the iPod and then you installed it from the device itself.

Also not included is any sleeve or any protective casing for the iPod nano. The first generation (after the first few shipments and Apple realized they had a scratching issue) came with a protective sleeve. No such thing here. So make sure to get something to protect this if you're going to be sticking it in your pocket or purse next to your keys. Though I will say the unit isn't nearly as prone to smudges as the first generation nano and from my experience thus far it doesn't seem like it will scratch easily.

Speaking of smudges, I'd like to reiterate how hard it is to smudge the new nano. On the first generation nano, the front of the player was a glossy plastic and the back of the player was a glossy metallic finish. Both sides were extremely prone to smudges and fingerprints. With the second generation nano, the materials have changed on the front and back (now anodized aluminum), and it doesn't smudge or leave behind fingerprints, which makes it look a lot nicer once it's actually in use.

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Page 1: Introduction
Page 2: First Impressions
Page 3: Taking a Closer Look
Page 4: Testing
Page 5: Conclusion

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16 User Comments

1 - Posted by tony3010 on September 19, 2006 - 11:56 pm

Very informative article. Thanks for all the pictures (especially the ones showing the new and old earphones side by side... I was wondering what they looked like!).

2 - Posted by Nathan on September 20, 2006 - 7:25 am

"The placement of the hold switch, 30-pin connector and headphone jack have not changed between the first and second generation iPod nano."

Sort of incorrect, depending how you read the above. The 30-pin connector HAS CHANGED in location (placement). It has been moved to the outside of the unit ... making some accessories for the 1st gen not usable for the 2nd gen. And the placement of the headphone jack has also changed.

Just look at this picture to see the difference:

http://images.appleinsider.com/ipod-second-gen-sho...

3 - Posted by Nathan on September 20, 2006 - 7:36 am

Another comment (my last, I promise).

I see another improvement. The earbuds are improved in the area of sound quality. Personally, they sound A LOT better than the earbuds that came with the first gen nano.

Some further reading in this area:

http://www.maccast.com/2006/09/19/sleek-yet-still-...

4 - Posted by handrail on September 20, 2006 - 8:03 am

yep, great review anthony. i was sad to see that you didn't have any pictures of yourself dancing in the dark with the nano though.

5 - Posted by edoug on September 20, 2006 - 9:23 am

Another key improvment in my opinion is the button in the center of the scroll wheel. It is not convex to the touch and provides a much clearer press and keeps you better aligned on the wheel when you're not working than the old, basically flat, button did.

6 - Posted by edoug on September 20, 2006 - 9:25 am

excuse me...i meant NOW as opposed to NOT:
Another key improvment in my opinion is the button in the center of the scroll wheel. It is NOW convex to the touch and provides a much clearer press and keeps you better aligned on the wheel when you're not working than the old, basically flat, button did.

7 - Posted by Nick on September 20, 2006 - 11:48 am

Please brad, dont encourage the ipod dancing thing. It doesn't really apply to the nano being flash, but imagine the marketing stupidity behind those commercials showing people swinging their HARD DRIVE based ipods around. Anyone who finds themselves with a dead drive should call in and say, i was just dancing with it like in the commercials!!!

8 - Posted by handrail on September 22, 2006 - 1:39 pm

maybe i want all the iPod drives to crash....you ever think of that, nick? evil pods.

look how they've invaded TTL! three articles in a row of iPod related reviews...

they all say i'm crazy...you'll all see! wait for the sign. then all prisoners will be released. you will perish in flame!!!

9 - Posted by Kurtis on September 22, 2006 - 1:44 pm

don't anger them brad. they may see it fit to silence you.

10 - Posted by handrail on September 22, 2006 - 2:01 pm

they've gotten to you too, kurtis!!!

11 - Posted by BCSchnei on September 22, 2006 - 3:26 pm

The review mentions that the new Nano is a slightly different size. Has anyone tried to put it in an aftermarket protective case?

-- Ben

12 - Posted by Kurtis on September 22, 2006 - 3:34 pm

it's almost exactly the same size. just a hair difference. shouldn't be a problem but i didn't have any cases to verify.

13 - Posted by blackjet on September 26, 2006 - 9:12 am

they look pretty sweet, good article!

Will they ever put a radio in the dam thing? That is one reason y I still haven’t bought an i pod, that and I’m broke.....

14 - Posted by Michelle10607 on December 26, 2006 - 7:16 pm

The new one does fit into the case that I had. It was a little snug but it was ok. It does not however fit into the speaker & charger thing that I had for my old one because of the headphone jack movement. That made me a little angry.

15 - Posted by herbus on August 1, 2007 - 5:50 pm

should i buy and ipod nano now... or will they just get updated???

16 - Posted by Kurtis on August 2, 2007 - 12:49 am

There should be a new iPod or iPhone coming out this fall. I'm guessing it will be a slimmed down version of the iPhone with just iPod capabilities, maybe some OS X stuff too. But it could just be another, cheaper, iPhone.

If you'll be severely disappointed if there is a new model released in a few months, I'd wait just to be safe, otherwise I'm sure you'll be happy with the iPod nano current version, it's a great little player.

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