subject: Apple Ipod Nano 3g 8gb [print this page] If you thought the older model was compact due to its slimness, wait till you lay eyes on the new one. It's shrunk to nearly half the length of the previous Nano while getting a couple of millimetres wider, and also getting a better, bigger screen in the bargain. The conscious attempt at space saving is unabashedly evident, and 3G is more "nano" than ever.
It's a very well built device, although the smudge and scratch prone rear will have you using a case whenever you take it around. The iPod 3G nano supports video playback, and with this move, Apple has raised the bar for compact PMPs - no other model in this class has comparable features. Why no FM? Simple... Why listen to radio stations when you can listen to your favourite numbers with four (and eight) gigabytes of storage space?
Audio quality is class - leading and the Nano is within a hair's breadth of the quality of the iPod Touch, which for us was the best sounding PMP, period. Second place is not a bad place to be, especially when both are flying the same colors. The iPod Nano approaches the same kind of deep, pounding yet lively bass that the Touch has, there's no hint of flab or colouring of any sort, and in tracks like Hotel California, the drum score in the beginning will cause you to close your eyes and sigh with satisfaction. It gets better with the mid - range, as guitar harmonics have that very live feel, there's no over-emphasis on the tones like some players - if there's a sound in the recording, you'll hear it the yay it was produced - accurate to a fault. With a fully revealed top-end, the iPod Nano will satisfy lovers of high frequency instruments like saxophones and violins. We got the chance to audition a couple of Yanni DVDs - we daresay the maestro himself would be pleased. The other little utilities like a calendar, alarm, contacts and stopwatch are all present as are three engaging little games, with more stuff downloadable from iTunes store.
The iPod Nano positions itself in a league just below the iPod Touch in price, but serves a very different audience. We don't see anyone (for example) working out with the Touch in their pocket. In fact, a user who could afford to would buy both PMPs - so different they are from each other. What they share in common is brilliance of design, usability and performance. If you are looking for something that's compact and powerful while retaining stellar performance - and that too under Rs. 10,000 - you'd be draft to even consider anything else.
