1.

Apple 4 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Silver (3rd Generation) 70 Reviews 5 star: (36) 4 star: (19) 3 star: (2) 2 star: (4) 1 star: (9) See all 70 customer reviews... discussions In Stock List Price: $149.00 Price: $137.99 You Save: $11.01 (7%) 26 used & new from $120.99

function registerNamespace(ns) { var parts = ns.split("."); var root = window; for(var i = 0; i < parts.length; i++) { if(!root[parts[i]]) { root[parts[i]] = new Object(); } root = root[parts[i]]; } } registerNamespace('Associates.Util'); Associates.Util.getElementsByTagAndClass = function(tag, class_name, parent_element) { if(!parent_element){ parent_element = document; } var tags = parent_element.getElementsByTagName(tag); var class_tags = new Array(); var class_regex = new RegExp("\\b" + class_name + "\\b"); for (var i = 0; i < tags.length; i++) { if(tags[i].className.match(class_regex)) { class_tags.push(tags[i]); } } return class_tags; } Associates.Util.findAncestor = function(child, test) { var test_func; if(typeof test == 'object') { test_func = function(obj){ return obj == test }; } else { test_func = test; } while(child && !test_func(child)) { child = child.parentNode; } return child; } function AttachEventListener(object, event, handler, useCapture) { if( !useCapture ) { useCapture = false; } if( object.addEventListener ) { object.addEventListener(event, handler, useCapture); } else { object.attachEvent('on' + event, handler); } } registerNamespace('Assoc.DOMEvent'); Assoc.DOMEvent.AddHandler = function(object, event, handler, context) { var event_handler; if(context) event_handler = function(event){ handler.call(context, event) }; else event_handler = handler; AttachEventListener(object, event, event_handler); } function GetEventTarget(event) { return (event.target)? event.target : event.srcElement; } //borrowed from quirksmode. Stops event bubbling. function StopEventPropagation(event) { if(!event) { event = window.event; } //MSIE event.cancelBubble = true; //w3c if(event.stopPropagation) { event.stopPropagation(); } } function StopEventDefault(event) { if(!event) { event = window.event; } //MSIE event.returnValue = false; //w3c if(event.preventDefault) { event.preventDefault() }; } //does both StopEventPropogation and StopEventDefault function StopEvent(event) { StopEventDefault(event); StopEventPropagation(event); } function mouseOverFromElement(event) { return (event.relatedTarget)? event.relatedTarget : event.fromTarget; } function mouseOutToElement(event) { return (event.relatedTarget)? event.relatedTarget : event.toTarget; } var wImages; var link = document.getElementById('imageViewerLink'); function openImageViewer(event) { if (wImages == null || wImages.closed) { wImages = window.open(link.href, 'ImageView', 'width=625,height=700,scrollbars,resizable'); } else { wImages.location = link.href; } wImages.focus(); return false; } AttachEventListener(link, 'click', openImageViewer);

---

Editorial Reviews

Apple's new nano is designed to improve upon past models and add some functionality. The improved video, smaller thinner body and updated firmware are enough to make it stand out. The slightly lower price tag is also sure to help sell more units.

I think most buyers will opt to get the 8GB, considering it is only $50 more than the 4GB and actually makes the video function more usable. Regardless, the new nano is an improvement in any size.

The Looks

Some people will prefer the older nano's longer body with the larger click wheel. Apple shortened the body to limit breaks due to the former generation flexing in people's pockets and bags. The longer nano was prone to bend (and sometimes break) when people put them in their pocket and sat down.

Another change motivated by durability is the metal face. The old clear composite face was a magnet for smudges and scratches. The new metal face holds up nicer. Be warned though; it can chip and scratch, so get a cover.

This unit is also thinner, so even in a cover it will still be thinner than most other players. BIG ++++!

Apple does lose some points for the smaller click-wheel being awkward. It's a trade-off.

The Sound

Sound quality is not significantly improved from previous models. The slight improvements touted in Apple's marketing are exagerated. However, let's be fair to Apple here. Most MP3 players have only moderate fidelity sound.

Almost no MP3 players are actually designed for audiophiles / musicians / sound engineers; i.e., the people who could tell the difference between good sound and great sound. The sound is ok; just don't expect it to sound like a Bose wave radio.

Remember also that MP3 is a compression technology that does experience quality loss. Particularly, with a lower bitrate your MP3 files will lose more and more of the sound integrity from the original recording. Combine that with the fact many people rip from CDs that are not digitally mastered, and you would get inferior sound quality with any device.

Features

Other than the changes in the body design, not many new features are noteworthy with this device.

There are some changes in the components and software that do make the screen brighter and allow you to do more things, including watch videos and play more games. Some complain there isn't enough memory for video. It's a nice extra even if these nanos don't have tremendous memory.

The flash memory in this device could have been a higher speed. However, the main advantages of the flash player are still here: less risk of hardware failure associated with a hard disk drive player (better for running or working out).

The device does seem to have a slighly shorter battery life than advertised. Perhaps there is a trade-off with the shorter form factor. Users are still likely to get a full day's use from a charge.

Apple's software is still a weakness with very limited direct control over your device library and few file options. Most users have limited needs and will not notice. Apple hits the minimum compatibility needs of most of the market.

Coverflow is little more than a gimmick. It's still buggy. Covers tend to blank out if you scroll quickly. Cover art has been downloaded with previous software versions and with other players. The ability to scroll covers is not really a breakthough.

Keep in mind that the iPod actually still has less features than most competitive devices. It doesn't have a radio tuner, voice recorder, bluetooth, WMA support, etc. But what it does it does well.

Overall this device is an improvement. Apple really wins with sleek design and a wealth of accessories. This unit is no different. While it is not perfect, none of the competition is good enough to de-throne it any time soon.

This is my first iPod. So I can't compare it to previous versions like some reviewers so successfully have done. But it has a crisp, bright video playback that I find especially kind to my eyes. It also sports a very thin all-metal body.

One thing I really appreciate is the excellent battery life. So many players, and other electronics, don't offer good battery life. This unit also has built-in games and an advanced user interface. I don't use the games much. But it's sort of nice to have them.

I find the body a bit wide for my liking. I also think the scroll wheel is slightly smaller than I'd like. I was also a bit disappointed with the audio. When I played it in the car, I noticed some static and distortion. I didn't have that with my former player.

I use mine mostly for mp3s. I like the fact that it holds a ton of them so I'm not constantly having to reload like I did with my Creative Zen.

I also find that the price is reasonable. All in all, I think it's a good device and, if it fits your needs, you should consider buying it. I personally think it may be better suited to those who use it more for video than audio, however. On the other hand, most people may not even notice that the audio is not quite up to par.

I would have given five stars if the audio was a bit better.

edit @ 14 Dec 2007 09:20:26 by pittayut ( shopkeeper )

edit @ 14 Dec 2007 09:27:20 by pittayut ( shopkeeper )

edit @ 14 Dec 2007 09:59:16 by pittayut ( shopkeeper )