iPod nano- Raising the bar in MP3 players

Apple has been accredited with many remarkable products over the last couple of years. The iPod, iMac, and Mac OS X. However, in creating its latest iPod nano, Apple has really outdone themselves, creating a new gold standard in MP3 players. I received this iPod nano as a Christmas gift last year, 2006. Before then, I had used a 1st generation iPod shuffle for my limited music library. I really liked the Shuffle's interface, design, and concept, which made me very appreciative to receive the Nano a year later. So, let's break down this MP3 player.

First, it's design. I applaud Apple for its skilled and simplistic designs on almost all of its products; this Nano is no exception by any means. The sleek and smudge-free anodized aluminum capture the "essence of Mac" (www.apple.com) in one single entity. I feel as though this nano combines the best of both worlds: the thinness from the 1st generation of nano, but the architecture and form of the iPod mini. This combination creates a stunning and extraordinarily versatile product. When I say versatile, I mean that it is built to last. The new anodized aluminum approach is ingenious, as it provides for better protection when dropped, and it is pretty hard to scratch it up. Apple replaced its plastic front/mirror back 1st generation iPod with a much better product, way to go Apple! Although the plastic caps on the top and bottom may be seen as cheap, they are a sensible way to finish off the structure of the Nano. As always, the Click Wheel remains a constant in this iPod line, giving it the Apple "look" that so many recognize. This Click Wheel also has an added advantage: it's really easy to use. With five buttons: forward, backward, menu, play/pause, and center/enter, the Click Wheel is a great option for those looking for an easy, straightforward MP3 player. For example, to play Music, a user can simply press the "Center" button on Music, click the center button on playlists, albums, songs, etc. Finally, just find a song by scrolling and selecting it with either the Play/Pause button or the Center button again. It's as easy as scrolling and clicking. This same ease-of-use applies to almost all other functions on the Nano, all you have to do is use the Click Wheel. As for the performance of this product, I find that this Nano does very well in speed, smoothness, and response. Spinning the wheel quickly causes lists to go by at a more rapid speed, dramatically reducing the time it takes to review an entire Library. The new "Search" function also performs at a fast speed; this function is basically Spotlight for the iPod, allowing the user to simply scroll-spell the name of a song, artist, or album in order to find specific music.

As for the Nano's portability, there isn't much better that you could ask for. This is an ultra-light, super small, and pretty rugged piece of equipment, not to mention that it also has skip-free playback. Simply choose a playlist, press play, and pack your iPod into a pocket, armband, or backpack; it's really that easy. As for its playing time, you can get up to 24 hours of constant music with a full charge. Charging for 2 hours will give you and 80% charge, while charging for about 4 hours will give you a full charge. This player wants to go wherever you do, and it has the portability to do so.

Some may argue that the Nano is no better than any other MP3 player, that one buys it just for the Apple logo. This is not true. This player continues to give me solid and unquestioned performance without any hassles. Not every company can state such quality about their product. Switching between screens on the Nano is generally smooth and unobtrusive, although there is a small hiccup once in awhile. While 2GB may not be enough for some, it easily holds my music, and has room for up to 500 songs. The sound quality is superb, but better sound can be attained with more professional headphones. Depending on what quality of music is on your computer, such as 128 kbps, 160 kbps mp3/AAC, you will achieve varying levels of quality, however, the iPod nano can support many different music formats, qualities, and does an excellent job at playing them. This iPod also has a built-in equalizer that can be set to a variety of presents. Importing music to your iPod is also such a simple process; I've dealt with other brands of MP3 players that are really hard to figure out when it comes to exporting music to the player. All you have to do is build a playlist with iTunes, connect, and the iPod will automatically sync....how great is that?

Apple stated that the 2nd generation nano has a 40% brighter screen than its predecessor. This definitely makes a difference, as album art and photos are brightly light. I do, however, wish that the Nano could play video like the full-sized iPods despite the small screen; that is one of my few disappointments. The screen has great clarity and does not scratch as easily as the 1st generation. Similarly, the body of the 2nd generation nano is much less scratch prone, and virtually smudge-less. All in all, this is a fantastic choice for those looking to buy a reliable, solid, and attractive MP3 player at a modest price.