iPod nano review roundup

You probably already have a pretty good idea by now whether or not you're going to break down and spring for an iPod nano, but on the off-chance that you haven't made up your mind yet we figured we'd throw together a roundup of reviews. Most are, well, rather gushing, but if you dig around you'll find a few valid criticisms, like that Apple was forced to put the headphone jack at the bottom of the player to make room for the display up top.

Read - PC Magazine
Read - Walt Mossberg
Read - iLounge
Read - Playlist
Read - Overclockers Australia
Read - Ars Technica
Read - Tech Sapience
Read - TUAW
Read - iPod Garage
Read - Everything USB
Read - MacMerc
Read - MAKE
Read - San Jose Mercury News
Read - CNET
Read - PC World
Read - iPodObserver

[Cashmore @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Well, the real question is: Is the iPod Nano *Too* Thin?

http://mashable.com/2005/09/12/is-the-ipod-nano-too-thin/

[mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

It's grrrrreat. The only thing I would change is placing the hold button on the upper right-hand edge.

[ty @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

The issue for me is the poor battery life and the non-user-replaceable battery. I dont want to pry this thing open or send it back to Apple when the battery craps out.

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

my take: http://www.trikenit.com/?p=74

[Dale @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I actually wish the headphone jack was on the bottom of them all . . when I use my 60gb, the cord falls down over the front or back as it is now, so if it was on the bottom, the cord stays out of your way during normal use.

[lach @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I want to see my photos on my TV screen.

[JAG @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I orderd mine the day it was available with free engraving, I got it today at 9:50am!! All the way from China to Miami with my name on it, that is fantastic, kudos to Apple for the quick shipping. Now to the topic, I am very impressed for the fisrt time in a looong time, specially in this age that nothing seems to amaze us anymore. The size and the quality is excellent, you can only belive it when you hold it (that phrase you can also use if you date Pamela Anderson but a la inverse). Anyway it is graet product, go and get one yourself, in black the sound is better.

[Josh T. @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Actually with the headphone jack located on the bottom, there are great improvements in the usability of the product. Think how many times your iPod is "upside-down" and you have to flip it around in your hand, on your desk, in your car, etc.

To me it makes total sense from an industrial design standpoint to put the jack on the bottom. Knowing Apple this was intended . . . or at least was a happy result of reingineering the interior of the device.

[Ethan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I rather like the idea of putting the headphone port on bottom, so it points toward you while you hold the device. Also, when you put the ipod in your (pants) pocket, it will end up upside down to allow the headphone port to stick out; when you take it out, it's already "upright" in your field of view. (Imagine doing this yourself with a fake ipod in your pocket and you'll get what I mean)

#2: The hold button wouldn't work on the side because it would be much more prone to being changed when the ipod went in/out of your pocket.

[DaviDK @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

There is a video asweel http://revision3.com/systm

[imacomputa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Endgadget,Thanks for the roundup. Can anyone identify which reviews are actually critical of the nano I'm tired of reading overly biased "Mossberg" style reviews. Not that I'm searching for reasons to dislike the nano, but some objectivity would be nice. Also how long until they release a 6 gig version? -I'm the guy who just bought a 6 gig mini and on the fence about paying more for less storage.

[Simon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I agree with the headphone jack at the bottom being better. I wonder why it's such a big deal to the reviewers. Because its unconventional, its automatically bad? Please Engadget, tell us why exactly you dont like the bottom headphone jack. I suspect you dont even know why; its just a kneeejerk reaction isnt it?

As it was posted above, one of the few things I wished I could change about my old iPod was putting the jack at the bottom. Makes sense as explained in #8 and #10. I am holding out because I always do. Nothing against early adopters, but its silly to buy the first one when you know in about 6 months they will release another one for the same price with more storage and features.

[Smiley @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I won't go out and buy the iPod nano just yet either. Especially when they're supposed to be coming out with other colors. I'm actually pretty content with my iPod mini. I've only had it since June, so there'd be no sense in replacing it now when mine is perfectly fine.

I like the stop watch feature on the nano though. This would come in handy at the gym!! The color screen is definitely a nice touch, but I'm still undecided on the earbud jack placement. I guess I'd have to hold one and test it out.

[Peter Rojas @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I said that it was a criticism made in the reviews, not one we were making ourselves, but that said, I think it's less useful if you'd like to keep your player nicely settled in the bottom of a pocket -- and yes, I prefer to have it right-side up in my pocket. Just a personal preference, obviously different people have different needs/desires/preferences, but accusing us of not knowing why we have this preference or that this is just a "kneejerk reaction" is pretty lame on your part.

[Eugene @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Good, good. *rubs hands togther with an evil grin*
All of those reviews are quite positive, 4.5 out of 5... going to sell like hotcakes.

My Apple stock on which I already made 50% profit is going to go up. haha.

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I actually like the headphone jack on the bottom. It certainly isnt a down side. May even be a positive because of how it is oriented in you pocket and how it then come out in your hand.

There is little to critsize and the thigs to critisize (no firewire, doesnt work with photo connector and wont display photos on tv) are all obvious and understandable compromises that I am willing to give up as was apple in designing it.

I cant wait for mine to arrive

[Morwan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

My problem with the headphone jack being at the bottom is that I'll need a RCA -> stereo jack to charge it and listen to it at the same time. Granted, I could blow the extra cash and get one of the docking/speaker systems, but I already have a sound system that sounds better than any of the ones out there. :P

I'm curious as to how accessories will deal with that problem, too, wouldn't things like the iTrip intefere with your ability to plug it into your car adapter? I'm sure that someone will resolve that issue in the next few weeks though.

I think the nano's pretty cool, even if the battery life sucks. T_T

[imacomputa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

the problem with the headphone jack is that it doesnt have the remote control port. So if you want to plug in a peripheral into the headphone and remote port (like wireless remote control or itrip)you are screwed.
also, the jack on the bottom kind of sucks for those rare times you want it in a docking cradle and use the headphone jack at the same time.

[Tupper @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/nano.ars

This is quite an amusing review... finally an iPod killer.

;)

[imacomputa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

the problem with the headphone jack is that it doesnt have the remote control port. So if you want to plug in a peripheral into the headphone and remote port (like wireless remote control or itrip)you are screwed.
also, the jack on the bottom kind of sucks for those rare times you want it in a docking cradle and use the headphone jack at the same time.

[Whisky @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I took a look at it at the apple store this weekend. As soon as i walked in i said "nano" and guy pulled a black one out of his pocket.

It's so small and almost got it but the 4 gig limit keeps me thinking about getting the 20 gig or not. Right now i think i'm going to wait and see what happens.

[Andy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

sure... the itrip will connect on the bottom using the dock connector.

who wanto use the old big itrip on this beauty anyway??

[John @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Simon,
It's called a personal preference. When I have an ipod in my pocket, for whatever reason, it irks me if its not right side up. Im sure ill get over it, but it still counts as a negative in my book.

[imacomputa @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

@ 21 ANDY, i dont care what the ipod looks like when i want to hear music in a crappy rent car on a business trip in north carolina

[Staci @ Dec 22nd 2005 8:52PM]

awww so I don't have my ipod yet but I peeked for an xmas present and I am getting chills of excitement already! I cannot wait to hold this slim, elegant, beautiful piece of art...I don't care about which way the headphones fit and neither should you! APPLE IS GENIUS!

[Jessica @ Dec 24th 2005 8:48PM]

I don't understand why a lot of people think the iPod Nano is too delicate to handle. I think it's the perfect weight and size. I expected it to be smaller and lighter but I'm very pleased with what it is.

I also don't understand why nobody likes the headphone jack on the bottom of the iPod. I find it extremely useful. You don't have to turn the iPod all the way around when it's upside down in your pocket. When it's on the lanyard, all you have to do is pick it up and look at it. No wires getting in your way or getting twisted around. It's perfect. I've yet to find a scratch on my white nano. The case that comes with it is actually very good at keeping it safe. The earphones that came with the iPod... well, I can't say that I've had a better pair. (And these actually STAY in my ears!!)



Pros:

Perfect weight/size

GREAT sound

Click wheel

Color Screen

+ basically everything

[Li'l Clo @ Dec 28th 2005 2:40PM]

Recieved my iPod nano for xmas this year and it has been a little star! No scratches as of yet so it just shows if you're careful, it will last! My advice is... Grab your coat, go to the nearest electricals or technology shop, get out your wallet and buy the iPod nano! Go on... I SAID GO!!!!!!