Apple iPod nano 2nd Generation Silver (2 GB) MP3 Player

I received my new 2nd generation nano from the apple store the other day, and have spent a lot of time getting to know it. I like it a lot, and I think it'll be the best-selling iPod yet.

Like all iPods, it is easy to learn and easy to use, has EXCELLENT sound quality, and is a real pleasure to use.


THE NEW NANO COMPARED TO THE FIRST GENERATION NANO

This new 2nd generation nano is much improved over the 1st generation model, which came out in September 2005.

* BETTER SCREEN: The screen is noticably brighter (though not any larger). This is especially nice for viewing photos.

* BETTER BATTERY: A fully charged battery will power the nano for up to 24 hours, compared to only 12 for the 1st generation nano. (These tests are done under artificial conditions, actual battery life is shorter - but it remains true that the new nano has double the battery life of the old one.)

* BETTER CASING: The casing of the first generation nano was soft plastic, which accumulated scratches very quickly and didn't hide them well. The second generation nano has an andonized aluminum casing - the same material used to make the tough-as-nails iPod mini, which Apple discontinued when the first generation nano came out last year. This material is very scratch-resistant and durable.

* COLORS: The new nano comes in a variety of colors (though not all capacities have all color options; the high-end 8 gigabyte nano comes only in black). The first generation nano came in two colors - black and white. The pink ipod mini has been fetching a high price on eBay since it was discontinued last fall; I think that will change, now that you can get a new 4 gigabyte nano in the same pink for only $200.

* BETTER SEARCHING: The menu structure on the new nano allows for more convenient searching.

* BETTER EARPHONES: Most reviews of previous ipods complain about the earbuds. Starting now, Apple is shipping improved earbuds with all nanos and video ipods. They are not AWESOME, and you still may want to buy some nicer earphones. But they are better than the previous ones, and for most folks, they will probably be just fine.

* BIGGER CAPACITY FOR THE MONEY: At each price point, the new nano provides DOUBLE the capacity as the first generation nano. For example, the first generation nano cost $200 for 2 gigabytes of storage; the second generation is $200 for 4 gigabytes of storage.

* ACCESSORIES: The new nano has the same dock connector that all ipods have (except the ipod shuffle), so it will work with virtually all accessories with a dock connector. The placement of the dock connector and headphone jack is SLIGHTLY different from the previous ipod nano, so certain accessories designed for the first generation nano may not work with the new one. For example, a case that has an opening on the bottom for the headphone jack - the opening will be in the wrong place.

CONCLUSION

The new ipod nano is a great product at a reasonable price (compared to flash-based players on the market now). It has great battery life, a small but bright and readable color display, excellent sound quality, a very durable and scratch-resistant casing, and comes in a nice selection of colors and capacities. And like all ipods, it has a high "cool factor", it's intuitively designed and a real pleasure to use.

PLEASE STATE IF THIS REVIEW WAS HELPFUL.