HJS33's Full Review: Apple iPod nano 1st Generation White (4 GB) MP3 Pl...
Background
I was lucky enough to receive my iPod Nano as a gift from my husband for Christmas. Well, technically, we went to the store and picked one out together before Christmas and then it ‘magically’ appeared all wrapped up under the tree on Christmas eve, but the sentiment was there; he just wanted me to get the one that was right for me.
Searching the Apple store was fun, but I found that looking at all the information on the website first definitely helped me with making the right choice.
In addition to the iPod Nano, I chose to get some other accessories as well. I have a tendency to be accident prone, so purchasing the extra year warranty was a no-brainer. I also picked up the lanyard headphones and a couple of other extras, some of which were not purchased from the Apple store (I have a fabulous case for my iPod Nano which was purchased at agent18.com). Overall, I love my iPod Nano and am very happy that I have one.
What Is It Exactly and What Do You Get In That Fancy Little Box
Well, for $249.00, you get a tiny little iPod Nano (1.6 x 3.5 x 0.27 inches) which will store and play music, audiobooks, podcasts and photos. You also get earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, a case for the iPod (I use ‘case’ loosely here), a quickstart guide and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows and feature guide.
I highly suggest you do not use the case you are given in the box as your permanent case. It is flimsy and does not protect your iPod well (basically, it is just a sleeve). I used the case just to transport my iPod to the store to have a problem checked out (My computer melted down, shut down before I could property disconnect the iPod Nano, and having the computer shut down before properly disconnecting my iPod messed it up, but the techie was able to fix it in a VERY short time, but that is another story). I thought the tech guy that was helping me was going to faint when he saw the sleeve. He asked me if this was my regular iPod case and before he could completely go into the talk about how the sleeve is utterly useless, I let him know that this was not the case I use on a regularly basis, that I thought I might have to leave my iPod here and I did not want to lose the case I had.
What Else Do You Need Besides The Stuff You Get In That Fancy Little Box
Well, if you plan to use your iPod, you need a computer (duh!), and there are certain PC system requirements. You need a PC with a USB 2.0. If you have less than 2.0, you might have problems when you connect your iPod to the computer (slow, etc.). I noticed that I was not getting a full charge, so I bought the wall charger, which works along with your USB 2.0 cable. I actually prefer to charge my iPod this way; it seems to be a bit quicker and the iPod gets a better charge.
You need at least Windows 2000 (service pack 4) or Windows XP Home or Professional (service pack 2 or later). I have Windows XP Professional and that works well enough for me.
Then you need something to help you add the music. I use the updated version of iTunes (apple recommends 4.9 or later). I have mine set to tell me when there are iTunes updates, so using the wrong version of iTunes has yet to be a problem for me. If you have a MAC, you have certain requirements as well, but I do not have my MAC set up to the internet, so I do not know what those are.
So What Is The Big Deal?
The iPod Nano that I have holds 4GB of music (well, technically, it is 3.7GB…what gives?!). This is enough to hold about 1,000 songs (based on 4 minutes a song…take note In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida/Iron Butterfly fans). You can play music without repeating for approximately 3 days straight (although you will have to recharge the battery at some point, because it can play for approximately 14 hours before needing to be charged). The iPod looks really sharp and is compact and lightweight. I cannot tell you how many times someone has stopped me to ask about it. Oh, and if you are a runner, it can easily simplify your long runs by playing a variety of music without the need to lug around multiple CDs. You can even buy an arm band to make it easier to run with.
Installation
I had no problems, and I did not even follow the directions they gave me, although afterward I took a look and they were very simple. I already had iTunes installed, so that made the process even easier.
Ok, What Does it Look Like
The iPod is very simple and sleek looking. It is long and thin, with a display screen on top and a click wheel below it. On the top of the iPod is a switch that you can use to lock the iPod.
Click Wheel - I did not think I would like it at first, but I like the Click Wheel, which is basically how you navigate through the different menu choices on your iPod Nano. You just run your finger around the Click Wheel to scan through the different choices and then click the center to make your choice. At first it took some time to get used to, as I was going to fast and I could not quite get the timing of the whole thing down, but now I find it easy to use. Apparently not all wheels like this are created equal. While waiting for an appointment at a Verizon Wireless location, I tested out their new chocolate phone, which has a similar type of click wheel, and it was horrible. It seemed to stick a lot and I had difficulty getting it to go where I wanted it to. I really hope that the model was just bad or something, because that wheel was very difficult to use.
The Screen – It works for me. You can set in up to look a certain way (for example, if you want the time to show on it or not, etc.) The screen is nice and colorful, and I enjoy seeing the album cover pictured on the screen as I’m listening to my favorite song.
Lock – There is a button on the top of the iPod that will save you a LOT of trouble, especially if you commute. If you switch this little button over so that you see orange, it will lock your iPod. I love this feature, as I cannot begin to count how many times I was commuting and my bag was jostled, and next thing I know, my iPod has no juice left. This is no longer a problem.
So, What are the Extras?
Calendar - This is not something I use on a regular basis. I have played with it a bit, but that is about it. It works well for what I would need it for, because I do not see myself using it for anything other than looking up a date. I hear it is Outlook friendly.
Contacts - Again, not something I am using right now, as I already have my contacts somewhere and I like my system. It may not be bad to at least store an emergency contact in here just in case something happens to you. It is possible that someone may be smart enough to check your iPod Nano for information on who to contact in an emergency. Who knows, perhaps you may want a contact number in there in case the iPod is lost and some good soul decides to return it to you, but that is your prerogative.
World Clock – I have looked at it, but that is about it; this is not something I see myself using often.
Screen Lock – Not a bad idea if you want to keep someone from looking at your stuff, especially if you are storing lots of private information in there. Just use your click wheel to choose a four digit combination, otherwise, the default is that there is no password protection. I have not felt the need to do this, as there is no personal information in mine.
Notes – Intriguing idea, but once again, not what I am using my iPod for..
Stopwatch – This is handy, especially if you are a runner/speed walker (or whatever else) and you want to keep track of your times. It is very easy to use.
Games – I play the games. I’m a big kid; what can I say? As long as you take the games for what they are, simple, no fancy graphics, etc., you will enjoy them. The music quiz one is particularly fun, but only if you have a lot of music on your iPod Nano, because it plays a part of songs you have on there and you have to pick which song it is from a list before your time runs out, and based on how quick you answer, you get points. It reminds me of those games you play when you are sitting at a bar, except you are not competing with other people, just yourself. The Solitaire is basic, as is the Brick one, but if you are stuck on a train for a long time, any game will due. I have not played the Parachute one.
Overall
I love my iPod and would quite frankly be lost without it. I use it all the time, whether I am commuting, exercising or trying to drown out some noise and relax.
Thanks to everyone for reading/rating.
Heidi (hjs33)
This is my entry in Bryan Carey's New Millennium Write Off, in recognition of his own 2000 review milestone. Congratulations Bryan and thanks for the invite!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 249 Recommended for: Athletes - Lightweight and Portable, Perfect for the Gym
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