Apple iPod nano 8 GB Silver (3rd Generation)

Other products by Apple

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5 x 3 inches ; 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000JO1MU4
• Item model number: MA980LL/A
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1,120 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,228 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 12, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
An anodized aluminum top and polished stainless steel back. Five eye-catching colors. A larger, brighter display with the most pixels per inch of any Apple display, ever. iPod nano stirs up visual effects from the outside in.

And it'll wow you for hours. Play up to 5 hours of video or up to 24 hours of audio on a single charge. All that staying power and a wafer-thin, 6.5-mm profile makes iPod nano one small big attraction.

Cover Flow
If a picture says a thousand words, think of what all the album art in your collection might say. With Cover Flow on iPod nano, you can flip through your music to find the album you want to hear. Use the Click Wheel to browse music by album cover, then select an album to flip it over and see the track list.

In addition to listening to music you can now enjoy TV shows, movies, video podcasts, and more. View iPod nano dimensions.

The iPod nano comes in a host of exciting new colors.

Play up to 5 hours of video or up to 24 hours of audio on one charge. View larger.

Music
Use the Click Wheel to adjust volume, navigate songs, browse in Cover Flow, or explore the Music menu by playlist, artist, album, song, genre, composer, and more. Want to mix things up? Click Shuffle Songs. iPod nano makes your music look as good as it sounds, thanks to its bright color display.

Movies
Buy movies from the iTunes Store and you can sync them to your iPod nano to watch anywhere, anytime. Up to 5 hours of video playback means you can watch two movies back to back. And for your viewing pleasure, the 320-by-240-pixel display--with a whopping 204 pixels per inch--is 65 percent brighter than before.

TV Shows
There's always something good on iPod nano. Browse thousands of episodes of your favorite TV shows on the iTunes Store, buy them for just $1.99 each, then sync them to your iPod nano. Watch last night's episodes this morning, or buy a whole TV series and play a pocket-size marathon.

Podcasts
The iTunes Store features thousands of free video and audio podcasts, including indie favorites and offerings from such big names as ABC News, Comedy Central, ESPN, PBS, NPR, and many more. Browse and subscribe to podcasts, then sync them to your iPod nano. You can even play video podcasts on TV using an optional Apple component or composite AV cable.

Audiobooks
The digital shelves of the iTunes Store are stocked with thousands of audiobooks--including exclusives like the entire Harry Potter series--so you can catch up on your reading wherever iPod nano takes you. iPod nano even recognizes where you left off reading and bookmarks your place.

Games
Put hours of fun at your fingertips. iPod nano comes with three games--Vortex, iQuiz, and Klondike--and you can download more from the iTunes Store for $4.99 each. All iPod games are designed specifically for the iPod interface. And all of them look great on the 2-inch color display.

Photos
iPod nano holds up to 7,000 photos you can sync from your Mac or PC via iTunes. Use the Click Wheel to scroll through photo thumbnails. To see a photo full screen, click the center button. You can even view your photo slideshows--complete with music and transitions--on a TV using an optional Apple component or composite AV cable.

Extras
Calendars, contacts, and a screen lock appear in the Extras menu, along with a few more handy items. Take the world clock, for example. Spin the Click Wheel to choose different clocks for cities all over the world. For workouts, use the built-in stopwatch to log your best times.


Product Description
It's the small iPod with one very big idea: Video. Now the world's most popular music player lets you enjoy TV shows, movies, video podcasts, and more. The larger, brighter display means amazing picture quality. In five eye-catching colors, iPod nano is stunning all around.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

640 of 673 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The 4 GB Apple iPod Nano - An Improved Entry Level Media Player! Check it Out!, September 16, 2007

By	Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)

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

Apple's new nano is designed to improve upon past models and add some functionality. The improved video, smaller thinner body and updated firmware are enough to make it stand out. The slightly lower price tag is also sure to help sell more units.

I think most buyers will opt to get the 8GB, considering it is only $50 more than the 4GB and actually makes the video function more usable. Apple 8 GB iPod nano AAC/MP3 Player Blue (3rd Generation) Regardless, the new nano is an improvement in any size.

Pros
+ Small size - so thin!!!!
+ Nice design - shorter, fatter form factor for more reliability
+ Brushed aluminum front seems more durable than plastic composite of 2nd generation nano
+ Many color options - Silver, blue, green, black, etc.
+ Brighter screen with better contrast than previous generation
+ Great video option is a nice to have for sample TV shows, clips, etc
+ Works with most traditional iPod accessories (except old A/V cable)
+ Priced to sell! Lowest price Apple video capable player
+ Lower price tag than 2nd Generation nano
+ Unlike iPod classic, all flash memory means less failures and breakage
+ Flash memory also awesome for running / working out
+ Slightly better sound quality than 2nd generation
+ Apple reputation is highly deserved

Cons
- 4 GB capacity is very limited for a video player and will require constant reloading via iTunes
- New 2GB Shuffle option provides a workout alternative at about 1/3 the price
- New design not ideal for very big hands due to smaller click wheel
- Universal dock now required for video out (no more A/V cable)
- Slightly shorter battery life than other iPods
- No expandability or SD card slot like Sansa View or Creative Zen
- iTunes software with limited native formats (MP3, AAC)
- Coverflow still buggy / slow
- Features built-in to competing players, like FM radio & voice recording, much be bought as add-ons,
- Competing players now available at 16GB flash at similar body size

The Looks

Some people prefered the gen2 nano's longer body and larger click wheel. The longer nano was prone to bend (and sometimes break) when people put them in their pocket and sat down or moved around. The smaller click-wheel can be awkward, particularly for those with large hands. But it's a worthy trade-off for the smaller size and better durability.


Another change motivated by durability is the metal face. The old clear composite face was a magnet for smudges and scratches. The new brushed metal face holds up nicer. Be warned though; it can chip and scratch, so get a cover.

The Sound

Sound quality is not significantly improved from previous models. The slight improvements touted in Apple's marketing are exaggerated. However, let's be fair to Apple here. MP3 and even CD audio have inherent sound quality limitations.

MP3 is a compression technology that does experience quality loss, however minimal. With a lower bitrate your MP3 files will lose more and more of the sound integrity from the original recording. Combine that with the fact many people rip from sources that are not digitally mastered, and you would get inferior sound quality with any device.

Almost no MP3 players are actually designed for audiophiles / musicians / sound engineers; i.e., the people who could tell the difference between good sound and great sound. Fortunately, some of these devices are starting to come onto the market.

Features and Software

Few new features are noteworthy with this device. Changes in the components and software make the screen brighter and allow you to do more things, including watch videos and play games. Some complain there isn't enough memory for video. You can still get enough on here to watch one movie or fit some TV shows with your music. It's a nice extra even if these nanos don't have tremendous memory.

The flash memory in this device could have been a faster speed. However, the main advantages of the flash player are still here: less risk of hardware failure associated with a hard disk drive player (better for running or working out).

The device does seem to have a shorter battery life than advertised. Perhaps because of the smaller body size Apple placed a smaller batter inside. As long as you sync and charge at night, it's ok. You are still likely to get a day's worth of use from a full charge.

Apple's software is still a weakness with very limited direct control over your device library and few native file options. All formats can be converted using iTunes or another software. You can convert pretty much any file to the MP3, MP4, or AAC formats you need for iTunes. This will mean that those of us with other players will have to have 2 versions of our libraries on our computers, eating up hard-drive space. That's because there's no drag and drop adding into the player, you have to add it to iTunes first and then sync.

However, most users have limited needs and will not notice if they are using MP3s. Apple hits the minimum compatibility needs of most of the market.

Coverflow is little more than a gimmick. It's still buggy and covers tend to blank out if you scroll quickly. Cover art has been downloaded with previous software versions and most other video players, so the ability to scroll covers is not really a breakthrough.

Competitors Pros and Cons

Apple's devices are obviously more expensive than other players on a per gigabyte $ cost. In addition, the iPod still has fewer built-in features than most competitive devices. It doesn't have a built-in FM radio tuner, voice recorder, Bluetooth, WMA support, and an SD card expansion slot. Both the Creative Zen Creative Zen 4 GB MP3 Player (Black) and the Sansa View SanDisk Sansa View 8 GB MP3 Player have micro SD slots, FM tuners and voice recording components built in. Both are better priced. The Sansa View comes in a 16GB size for the same price as the 8GB nano.

Still the iPod Nano beats both those players on size as the Creative Zen is much thicker and the Sansa View is taller. Also keep in mind that the Creative Zen has been somewhat buggy, and the View doesn't have as long a track record only being released in November 2007.

The new Sony players have finally abandoned their own bad software, and now provide some good competition to the iPod nano. In typical Sony fashion, they are priced just as high as the nano. But they do have quality components and better sound quality. Sony NWZA816BLK 4GB Walkman Video MP3 Player (Black)

The new 2 GB iPod Shuffle, released in February 2008, probably provides the biggest competition if you don't care about video and your only use is working out. Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB Silver (2nd Generation) For 1/3 the price, you get a player with half the capacity that's designed for longer battery life and more active use.

Conclusion

In the end, what the iPod nano does, it does very well. Apple really wins with sleek design and a wealth of accessories. This unit is no different. Not all docks and accessories work with the 3rd generation, but many do. And for that large number of users already using iTunes, moving your music over to the nano is a snap.

Overall this device is an improvement. Apple's entry level video player will continue to be popular due to great features, acceptable pricing and the Apple brand.

Enjoy!!!

329 of 354 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The 8 GB iPod Nano - The Best Small Music And Video Player, September 16, 2007

By	Mark "Technology, Music and Movies" (East Coast) - See all my reviews (#1 REVIEWER)

Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (3rd Generation)

This review is for the 8GB iPod Nano. All the reviews for the third generation Nanos have been combined by Amazon. While this unit is very similar to the 4GB iPod Nano Apple 4 GB iPod Nano (3rd Gen) there are enough differences that they each deserve a closer look.

Choosing Among iPods

Overall, I would choose the 8 GB iPod Nano over the 4 GB nano and the 8 GB iPod Touch. This unit is priced right, and at only $50 more than the 4 GB unit it's a no brainer. Those who want to step up should look to the 16 GB Apple iPod Touch 16 GB or 32 GB iPod Touch Apple iPod touch 32 GB. I have been lucky enough to live with all these players, so I hope this helps you decide.

Hopefully Apple will soon make a 16 GB or even a 32 GB Nano available. Only the iPod Touch currently sports those capacities. Till they offer larger sizes the 8GB is the biggest option. The screen is small, but the regular buttons and click wheel allow easier volume and track changes and better use on the go than the iPod Touch.

Some may choose to pay an extra $100 more than this to step up to the 8 GB iPod Touch Apple iPod touch 8 GB with Software Upgrade. The extra features of the Touch are awesome. The high overhead of the Touch software gives you 6 to 6.5 GB of useable space out of those 8 GB. That is just not enough to justify the higher price.

Comparing to Competing Players - Features and Concerns

The iPod Nano still has less features than most competitive devices. It doesn't have a built-in FM radio tuner, voice recorder, bluetooth, WMA support, or an expansion slot. More and more users demand those features. Both the thicker Creative Zen Creative Zen 8 GB (Black) and the taller Sansa ViewSanDisk Sansa View 8 GB MP3 Player include most of those features. They both also now come in 16GB and 32GB capacities.

The Creative Zen does have slightly better sound and file version support. But its native software is even worse and the company has acquired a reputation for high failure rates. Conversely, the Sansa View is perhaps the best value but the video screen and sound quality is less attractive than either two. Perhaps the new Sansa Fuze may have more improvements, but we'll have to wait and see SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB MP3 Player (Silver).

Of course the growing Zune population gets wireless sharing and syncing Zune 8 GB Digital Media Player Black (2nd Generation). But Zune's screen is also less attractive for video and the device has other issues. So I would still choose the Nano over the Zune.

Perhaps the best new competitor is the 800 series Sony MP3 player Sony NWZA818BLK 8GB Walkman Video MP3 Player (Black). For years, Sony devices suffered from proprietary audio formats and both annoying and unethical software limitations. Sony has finally given in to MP3 format, though I'm sure they will try to sneak in DRM at every turn. Surprisingly, even though Apple is the clear market leader Sony's has almost overpriced their units. While expensive, they do have the durable metal body like Nanos. And in terms of sound quality, I would say they are just as good if not slightly better. I just don't consumers should pay them a premium.

The Sound

Sound quality has been slightly improved. Apple has a much better reputation and lower failure rates than music players marketed on high fidelity sound. Quality components and jacks still matters. But there is still no player on the market today that can truly claim hi-fi sound.

Some technical limits make it very difficult to get lossless sound out of any device regardless of source file. Lower bitrates make your MP3 files lose more and more sound integrity, and even CDs have quality limits, which are even lower if they are not digitally mastered.

The Looks

Apple shortened the body and added a brushed metal face for durability. There was a previous Nano version with a rounded metal face. Then they tried the clear composite plastic face that so easily scratched and smudged. The back still has the shiny aluminum surface used on most iPods that is known for attracting fingerprints. The brushed metal face holds up better, but you still need a cover.

The screen is smallish, though I would argue still adequate. But the thin body alone allows this player to overcome having less features than many competing players. Apple does lose points for the smaller click-wheel being awkward for those with big hands.

Features

The ability to watch videos and play games is huge. With the 8 GB capacity you can still get enough on here for a flight. That's the main advantage over the 4GB model. Watching videos will cut battery life to about 5 hours though.

Apple's software gives you limited direct control over your music and few file options. For people like me with multiple players, it's harder to manage your music library with multiple copies. iTunes is good enough for most users. You can easily convert and import your files, but it's an annoying extra step.

Cover-flow still underperforms on the Nano versus the iPod Touch. To me it's not a deal-breaker with the nano's real buttons. You still have the advantages of a flash-based player.

Conclusion

Apple's nice price, sleek design and a wealth of accessories overcome any missing features or annoying software limits. Unless you can afford a 16 or 32 GB iPod Touch or demand some of the missing features offered by the competition, go with this iPod Nano 8 GB and don't look back.

Enjoy!

99 of 108 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, just be careful with Coverflow, September 7, 2007

By	James L. Jensen V - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

So last night I picked up my first Ipod, got a Black 8 GB Nano. Glad I waited for the new "fat" version. A few months back I bought my sister a Nano as a gift so comparing the "slim" Nano to the "fat" video Nano I like the one better, the extra width helps me hold onto the player better.
My one caution is this: with the new coverflow feature you need to be very careful how you organize your music, spent a fair amount of time last night getting that sorted out. If any of the tag information on any song(s) is off from the rest of the album it will create multiple albums in coverflow, also not having any album art for any music becomes annoying in coverflow. So my advice is; make sure you're meticulous on how you organize in iTunes. I did notice a few times that the coverflow artwork did take a second to load the image as I was scrolling, but this seems to go away after a few times.
The "split" screen from the menu that randomly shows some of your album art is very cool, since the half screen can't show a whole album cover it pans across the album art randomly, the cover that is show is random as well.
Very cool.
Last item, some people will rant about how the 8 GB Nano is on $50 bucks less than the 80 GB Classic. Remember its hard drive vs. flash memory, as I tend to be active and move around a lot and plan to use the Nano while at the gym I wanted the stability of flash memory. to me comparing the two is like comparing a dump truck to a sports car, you may want one or the other at a given time so it's really up to decide what is important, capacity or portability?