Apple iPod nano 3rd Generation Silver (4 GB) MP3 Player

The 3rd generation Nano, Available in capacities of 4, and 8GB (priced at $149 & $199 respectively) these have a scratch-resistant aluminum front, steel back (i recommend a cover to protect the back), rounded edges, and various colors, though the colors are only available in the 8GB models. You can get a 4GB Nano, though it only comes in Silver.

The 3rd Generation Nano has completely redesigned the Nano, and it feels like it is different on the sides when you hold it comparatively to the older generations. This design also makes it feel a lot thinner than it was, which is hard to believe, though it is only millimeters thinner. The screen has changed too, having a 2-inch viewing area, which makes it very easy to use, browse and watch. This new Nano now has a longer battery life. Apple claims that it will last 30 hours, but I was able to get just over 32 hours of playtime – which is nice… real nice.

The 3rd generation Nano comes with similar features as the previous version such as Volume Limit, Stopwatch, Screen Lock, and support for the Nike + iPod Sport Kit, but now has a wide variety of features, previously not found in the previous generations.

The new music search functions, the brighter screen (65% brighter than the 2nd generation), improved sound quality, coverflow, and added games give the new iPod added flare. The biggest difference in the 3rd generation of the iPod Nano is the new body style and the video capability additions.

The body style has changed from the “stick of gum” shape, to the internet given nickname “fatty”. The wider iPod allows for a larger, 2.0 inch screen that allows for a larger viewing area for games, albums, but more importantly - video. Yes, the new Nano allows a “little video for everyone”.

The video quality is sharp and crisp, and allows the user to watch TV shows with little strain, however, watching movies can strain the viewer (due to the length). This flash based memory player, and its storage size (4/8GB) allow for thinness, but if you put a couple of full length movies on your player, your space will fill up quickly. This is the one downside I have with this – hopefully there will be larger space selections in the future.


Also, the bottom of this unit has changed slightly. The headphone jack, the hold switch and the sync port are at the bottom, with the sync port directly in the middle. This allows for ease of use to transfer data.

s a fan small MP3 players, and of the past Nano line-ups, I love this design. I really do. I think the aluminum casing is the way to go, it is too bad it is not all the way around the unit. Should you replace your old 8GB Nano (2nd Generation) with the new one? If you really want video, coverflow, and games, I would say yes. Regardless if you upgrade, or decided to wait it out, I highly recommended this device to Apple lovers and new MP3 enthusiasts alike.

Pros:
-Brighter, crisper viewing screen
-Better sound
-Video capable
-Aluminum scratch-resistant casing on front
-Concave select button
-Amazing battery-life: 30 hours plus (5 with video)!
-Search features, cover flow, album art
-New colors to choose from
-Games for download via iTunes (3 are on the unit already)

Cons
-Still no built in FM tuner
-Limited space when it comes to video
-Sync port, hold switch, and headphone jack all on the same side"