Conclusion:
Did I say... "I love this Nano?" Well if I didn't let me say right now... "I love this Nano!". It is the best designed MP3 player I have ever seen or used. Unfortunately, while they made it look all slick and shiny, it has to lose some points because it's so easily scratched. I would like to see Apple come out with a more "hardened" version that is meant to take the abuse that a flashed based MP3 player should expect to take.
However, the biggest problem with this, or any iPod, is the software. I personally loathe it, and the two guys I work with whom each have iPods also do not care for it. If Apple had only used the same design engineers on iTunes that they used on the iPod they would have an awesome complete package. Also, because they have chosen to have a closed system, that only allows you to use the iTunes store to purchase your online digital music for use on your iPod, they are choosing the borg approach to digital music and have not only lost credibility in my eyes, but also brought on the wrath of the EU. Good luck on that one guys, even the original borg at Microsoft haven't found such a pliable government as they have found here in the US.
While I would just love to give this a 5 star must have rating, I simply can not. And, OH does it pain me not to! As I really, really like the Nano! Heck, even one of the guys I work with after playing with my Nano gave his 30GB Video iPod to his wife, and bought the 4GB Nano. But, with the easy that it is scratched, the complete lock into iTunes, and the real lack of pizzazz of iTunes, I am grudgingly forced to be a good reviewer and only give it 3 1/2 stars. Taking off 1 star for the iTunes software coupled with the inability to purchase music from another source than iTunes store. Having a flash based MP3 player that is so easily scratched loses another 1/2 a star. Don't let this stop you from buying one of course, because if you set your expectations right and know what your getting into, I think you too will absolutely love this little MP3 player. So, if anyone is wondering, as for now you will pry this shiny black gadget out of my cold dead hands before you can have it! Of course, we'll have to wait and see what Apple, or another MP3 vendor, has in store for us. I can't wait to find out!
Geeks.com currently has the 2GB iPod Nano for $189 (US), which makes it quite competitively priced when compared to other online retailers.
That brings us down to a final score of 3.5 out of stars, and the exclusive award of "Love It!"
Final Rating (3.5 out of 5 stars):  
Pros:
» Easy to use interface.
» Great battery life.
» Small compact design, without suffering from usability issues.
» Can hold over 500 songs, which is about 36 hours of music.
» Gets you into the "in" gadget crowd (if that's important to you).
Cons:
» Easily scratched.
» Must use iTunes to interface with.
» Must purchase online software only from Apple's iTunes store.
» Gets you into the "in" gadget crowd (if that's not something you want).
Special thanks to Geeks.com for providing the Apple iPod Nano 2GB MP3 Player to Bigbruin.com for review!
Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.
|
|
