CNET Editor's rating: 8.3 out of 10
Reviewed by
Jasmine France
Review date: 09/13/06
The good: The second-generation Apple iPod Nano takes on a new scratch-resistant aluminum body, which is available in a variety of bright and shiny colors; it's still superslender but more durable, thanks to a seamless construction. It supports photos (with thumbnail grid) and album art and has great sound quality.
The bad: The iPod Nano still doesn't play video, not that you'd want to watch it on the small screen, and there's no built-in FM tuner or recording capability; not all color options are available for all memory sizes.
The bottom line: The second-generation Apple iPod Nano is like the successful offspring of an iPod Mini and a first-generation iPod Nano. It's small, stylish, user-friendly, and competitively priced--a great player all around and suitable for a variety of users.
Just about a year after Steve Jobs first wowed the tech press (and much of the general public) with the ultrathin sleekness of the first iPod Nano, Apple has unleashed Nano number two into the world. Aside from a drastically different, iPod Mini-like casing and much-improved battery life, the new Nano isn't much altered from its predecessor. Apple has done away with the 1GB version in favor of a $249 8GB model and adjusted the pricing on the 2GB and 4GB capacities down to $149 and $199, respectively. With prices like these, SanDisk--maker of the video-playing, 8GB e280 ($250)--had better watch its back.
The 2G Nano gets cozy with its predecessor, along with a couple of competitors: the Creative Zen V Plus and the iRiver Clix.
The second-generation (2G) Nano shuns simple white and steps out in a metallic color parade, with shiny silver available in the 2GB and 4GB flavors; bright pink, green, and blue offered in 4GB; and somber black taking the 8GB version. The body casing itself is rather like a minified Mini shell: it's seamless anodized aluminum, which means the 2G Nano is not only less scratch-prone than its predecessor, but also more durable in general. As with the old Nano, the 2G features the much praised iPod Clickwheel, which serves as the player's only controls (other than the hold switch on the top). Above the Clickwheel is the rather small (1.5-inch) color display, which is 40 percent brighter than that of its predecessor, and the bottom edge of the player houses the headphone jack and proprietary dock connector. A larger screen would have been a welcome improvement, but the benefit is the uniformity of screen size and overall dimensions (the 2G is just a hair thinner and taller than the previous Nano: 3.56 by 1.6 by 0.26 inches): all the made-for-Nano accessories should work fine with the new model.
The new Nano plays nice with Altec Lansing's inMotion iM500 speakers.
As with other iPods, the 2G Nano is a snap to navigate, though the Clickwheel may take a little getting used to for first-time users, especially those used to other MP3 player controls. The Main Menu includes selections for Music, Photos, Extras, Settings, and Shuffle Songs--this last is particularly handy. Music is conveniently sorted by Playlists, Artists, Albums, and so on. And if you can't remember who a particular song or album falls under, you can use the new Search function (found in the Music submenu).
The Nano's packaging is admirably small, cutting down on both materials used in making it and the waste from its disposal. Props to Apple for thinking about the environment!
The 2G Nano is light on extras, though its small, excellently designed packaging includes all that you might need for basic use: a dock adapter, a USB cable for syncing/charging, a pair of white earbuds, and a quick-start guide. You'll have to download iTunes from the Web, since Apple doesn't include a disc in the box--a forgivable omission, considering that it cuts down on use of materials for packaging.
If you want to listen to FM radio on the Nano, you'll need to pick up Apple's $49 Radio Remote (or similar accessory). Similarly, recording features require a separate accessory, such as Belkin's TuneTalk. It'd be a nice surprise if Apple would include such features in an iPod, but at least it's nice that you have the option to add them. Features the Nano does have built in are photo viewing (with a neat 3x3 thumbnail preview grid) and album art support. Video playback is conspicuously absent, as many Nano competitors have it (the Creative Zen V Plus, iRiver Clix, and SanDisk Sansa e200 series, to name a few). But we're not sure we'd want to watch video on the tiny screen anyway. The 2G Nano is capable of gapless playback (finally!), but that must be designated in iTunes 7.
The latest version of iTunes is a nice improvement over version 6, and you can read more about it in the CNET review. As far as the 2G Nano is concerned, iTunes continues to make iPod's usability excellent. As long as the software is installed, all you need to do is connect the Nano to your computer, and you're ready to roll. You can then choose whether you want automatic or manual syncing, the latter of which is necessary if you intend to sync with more than one library. Naturally, the Nano is compatible with protected AAC files purchased from the iTunes Music Store; it also plays MP3, AAC lossless, AIFF, WAV, and Audible files.
We're pleased to note that Apple had a stab at the original Nano's rather paltry 12-hour battery life, doubling that rating to a respectable 24 hours. Turns out Apple was right on the money: CNET Labs coaxed 24.5 hours out of the player. As far as sound quality is concerned, we couldn't notice a difference between the old Nano and the 2G: it still sounds excellent across nearly all genres of music. Bass response could be tighter, and we didn't think the included earbuds sounded that great, but they're certainly passable (the design seems a bit more ergonomic than earlier ones). We had some mixed results with gapless playback--albums transferred from a Windows machine still had hiccups, while those from a Mac were seamless--but this is likely an iTunes issue, rather than a Nano one. Navigation was superspeedy, thanks to a fast processor, and photos loaded quickly.
The 2G Nano doesn't really bring anything new to the table in the fast-advancing world of MP3 players, but the improvements over the original are certainly welcome. This player is sure to be a top choice among a wide range of users, and it's a stellar option for first-timers. Just make sure you're aware that the same $249 for an 8GB Nano will get you a larger but video-capable 30GB iPod.
Intro:
The Apple iPod Nano is a 2 GB, flash player.Compared to other flash MP3 players on the market, it is expensive at around $145.
Noteworthy Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Weaker Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Suitability:
A flash MP3 player, suited for bringing quite a few songs with you.Comes with equalizer presets to easily tailor your listening experience.According to the manufacturer this player will last approximately 24 hour(s) between charges; your run-time will vary based on use and power management configuration.Comes with a 1 year warranty, which is standard in the industry.
Value:
Overall, this MP3 player's features are in line with its price.
Suggestions:
If you don't totally love the headphones that came with your MP3 player, you might find aftermarket headphones that better suit your style.
5 out of 10 - Average Nice Looking Player But Lacks Features
I had purchased this player on the I-Pod reputation alone and was disappointed to say the least. The I-Tunes program ...
I had purchased this player on the I-Pod reputation alone and was disappointed to say the least. The I-Tunes program is stifling and doesn't allow you to do much, if you have an mp3 collection you MUST run them through I-Tunes to put them on the player(no drag and drop here). I also have seen that others report that the units scratch easily (I was careful with mine), the unit did seem fragile to me.
For the price I paid for this unit I did not get much bang for my buck. Where is the FM Tuner? Where is the voice recorder? I am perplexed as to why Apple choose not to include an expansion slot on the Nano.
After about a week of use I decided this wasn't the player for me. I ended up buying the Sansa 250R which had everthing that I-Pod lacked ie...fm tuner, voice recorder, music channels, etc. This player was $50 cheaper, enabling me to pick some extra accessories, I am a happy customer! Overall the I-Pod is nice it just lacks features and lack of choice as far as how import tracks to the player.
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by rkinne01 (see profile) -
June 30, 2007
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Very slim and sleek. Excellent sound quality.
I think that this nano is excellent! It has all you need to fulfill your music needs. The only thing ...
I think that this nano is excellent! It has all you need to fulfill your music needs. The only thing that people go on about is the fact it does not have FM radio. Who cares? it is an MP3 player not a radio. Although do not let this put you off buying it. I like the way how it cannot get scratched or marked as easy. The alluminium body is very durable and could probably take a good hit before causing serious problems. The sound quality is great but the look of the headphones takes soom getting used to as they don't look like all the other iPod ones. The verdict: Buy it if you don't mind using software to transfer music to the iPod and like the look of it. Also I reccomend you get a case/sock for it as this will protect the body Official sock price is around £19 - $25 and unofficial ones are about £5 - $10.
Thank you
Updated iPod headphones have let me down big time as the left one blew and left me without a fully working pair of headphones. If you wish to have excellent, loud sound with a good bass level, I would reccomed you purchase the JVC Gumy headphones or better rated ones than the ipod 2nd gen headphones. JVC Gumy headphones - £7.99 - $15.00
10 out of 10 - Perfect my first ipod
I bought this iPod after i switched to Mac, compare to my old iRiver H10.. this iPod is WAY EASIER ...
I bought this iPod after i switched to Mac, compare to my old iRiver H10.. this iPod is WAY EASIER to use. Great sound quality, very clear. I love this thing!!
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by huanbei (see profile) -
September 23, 2006
5 out of 10 - Average Good until the battery crash
It's a good choice until the battery dies... I liked the sound and the interface, but my batterie dies ...
It's a good choice until the battery dies... I liked the sound and the interface, but my batterie dies after only 1 year...
9 out of 10 - Spectacular This is one awesome music player!
When i got this iPod over a year ago, I got everything I wanted and more. It plays music seamlessly ...
When i got this iPod over a year ago, I got everything I wanted and more. It plays music seamlessly with a lot of playback options. I am a little sad because of the lack of video, though. The screen is able, just the software is missing. At least the new nano took care of that.
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by nickrandocps (see profile) -
March 23, 2008
6 out of 10 - Good Good, but sound quality could be improved.
I received this as a partial Christmas gift last year, and I thought it was a really cool device with ...
I received this as a partial Christmas gift last year, and I thought it was a really cool device with perfect sound. Although it was a cool device, I found that the equalizer caused a bit of distortion when I was listening to music. Maybe an iPod is not optimized for the music that I listen to, I listen to mostly Heavy Metal, and an iPod is probably only optimized for Rock, Pop, Techno and Rap music. I found that none of the EQ settings were proved satisfactory to my liking, they either produced too much distortion, or were lacking bass response. I found that the sound enhancement processor was integrated into the iPod's main CPU and therefore the EQ settings were probably artificial, I would also like to see a User EQ as well, My Samsung T9 Features a user EQ and a surround sound function. Music sounds really clear with deep bass response and clear Treble, thanks to a separate Digital Signal Processor. Also, I found that after I synced my iPod sometimes the device used to lock up on me when I first start the music, and getting it to turn off was a throw off as well. However, I did like the Gapless Playback, the Cool Design, the Speed of the processor and the Click Wheel. The GUI was OK but I would like to see custom color themes, and wallpaper support, a feature in which my T9 has. Other than that I found it was an OK device.
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by SPOOK666 (see profile) -
November 22, 2007
7 out of 10 - Very good The Runner's DAP
This gen of Nano is the best there is for a Runner or Exercisers DAP to strap to an arm ...
This gen of Nano is the best there is for a Runner or Exercisers DAP to strap to an arm and listen to in the gym or while running. It is small, sleek and stylish.
Unfortunately it is also tedious to look at and I don't personally find the click wheel, especially in this smaller size such a great feature. It is quite easy to miss a menu option several times going back and forth with the click wheel before you are able to settle on and click your actual selection. But for Set it and forget it listening of your favorite playlists it is a far better choice than the virtually useless shuffle.
It is also tied (as all iPods are) to iTunes which is unfortunate, but a given with all Apple DAPs so there is just no getting away from that, but in spite of that, if you want something tiny to listen to, this is the best there is... for now.
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by JayMonster (see profile) -
October 26, 2007
5 out of 10 - Average yes the ipod nano looks cool, but look closer and youll see the ugly truth.
i could go on about the cool non music related features that make the nano so freakin cool, but when ...
i could go on about the cool non music related features that make the nano so freakin cool, but when you take a look at why you bought it, for the music, you notice that it doesn't pay enough attention to what your listening too, i find it much easier to write down my schedule than to hassle with computer munching itunes, and having to run to my computer whenever i need to update it. The actual music which again isn't paid attention to enough by the ipod sounds good when you got it on the pc, and it keeps its quality within itself, but when its on the ipod and your actually listening to it, the phones it comes with sound extremely poppy and terrible. I don't understand why everybody actually uses those majorly overpriced pieces of junk. Even with really good earbuds, the ipod still doesn't cut it with the potential bass quality of the phones. of all the many eq options, there is no 5 band parametric and the many it gives you, all sound generally the same but alter just a little each time you switch. and it still doesn't sound good. really when it all boils down, id much prefer a less pricey, clunky player with good sound quality instead of one in which your paying an extra 50 bucks for the name and looks good but sounds terrible.
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by nintendude7cubed (see profile) -
September 2, 2007
10 out of 10 - Perfect Surpassed my expectations
I just got my Ipod Nano earlier today and so far I'm just blown away. I know someone with ...
I just got my Ipod Nano earlier today and so far I'm just blown away. I know someone with the same Ipod whos had nothing but problems but I think Windows Vista does something to Ipods. My Ipod sounds amazing on the included headphones and even when I hook it up to my souround sound system it sounds great. It charged faster then the 3 hour charge time and transfering songs and pictures to it was unbeleiveably fast and easy. Using the ipod was super easy too and this is my first one. It has games (the music quiz is my fav) I like the photo support, the screen is just beautiful, it feels really tough compaired to the first nano and it just looks beautiful. I love my Ipod, and even if I am a Apple fanboy I still expected great things from this little guy and they were met. I highly recomend the nano to anyone for a first Ipod or an update on thier older one or even just an alternative to thier other Ipod or MP3 player.
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by x.killeddestiny.x (see profile) -
August 18, 2007
7 out of 10 - Very good Great gadget. Unreliable.
The 2nd generation Nano is stylish and has great features, The display is a tinge small, but still clear. The ...
The 2nd generation Nano is stylish and has great features, The display is a tinge small, but still clear. The biggest problem is its unreliability. It stops working about every 3 days, and wont work until it connects to a computer again. Quite a nuisance. Overall, I like it, but wouldn't recommend it.
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by kurtthewurt (see profile) -
August 4, 2007
Repeat all,
One track repeat,
Random play / shuffle
Digital player supported bit rate
16 - 320
Digital player ID3 tags support
Yes
External hard drive function
Yes
Digital player additional features
Variable bit-rate compatible
Carrying Case
Case type
None
Battery
Rechargeable Battery
Rechargeable
Battery Enclosure Type
Integrated
Technology
Lithium ion
Recharge Time
3 hour(s)
Battery
Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
Mfr estimated battery life
24 hour(s)
Battery Life Details
Slideshows with music 5 hour(s),
Digital playback 24 hour(s)
Audio System
Sound output mode
Stereo
Additional features
Built-in games,
USB 2.0 compatibility,
Calendar,
Volume limiter,
Upgradeable firmware,
Date display
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
Cable(s) included
USB cable - External
System Requirements
Min Operating system
Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later,
Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later,
Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later,
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later
Connections
Connector type
1 x Docking station,
1 x Headphones Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Built-in Display
Audio system built-in display
LCD
Diagonal size
1.5 in
Resolution
176 x 132
Backlight display
Yes
Display illumination color
Blue-white
Display menu language
Hungarian,
Norwegian,
Spanish,
Chinese (simplified),
Greek,
French,
German,
Polish,
Finnish,
Italian,
Swedish,
Danish,
Czech,
Dutch,
Korean,
English,
Portuguese,
Chinese (traditional),
Turkish,
Russian,
Japanese
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