new iPod nano a mistake?

[ProwlingTiger]

So, I don't know about many of yall, but a 3cm X 3 cm touchscreen just isn't appealing to me. And I have average sized hands.

If it has to be that smal, it would make more sense, in my mind, to make this the new shuffle.

I'd love to know why Apple keeps messing with a good product line. The current gen Nano is a great design. Imperfections? Maybe, but just update it then.

If any of the current iPod form factors should be axed, I would think it would be a classic ... (prepares to be flamed). Honestly, the Touch is the main iPod now.

If this new form factor is legit, it would seem stupid to keep the Shuffle in the lineup, given this new form factor.

Sorry, I just had to vent a bit about this rumored product change. The current nano has a great screen, good form, and a video camera. Ditching all that seems to be a step backwards.

[wywern209]

it is only rumored to be a Nano. for all we know, there might be a new ipod in the lineup tomorrow.

[Princess Cake]

I hope it's not the nano... I like the current design, they could maybe add a couple new features and make the hdd bigger.

If this turns out to be the new nano I'm heading out immediately to pick up a 5th gen.

[amazingdm]

So, I don't know about many of yall, but a 3cm X 3 cm touchscreen just isn't appealing to me. And I have average sized hands.

If it has to be that smal, it would make more sense, in my mind, to make this the new shuffle.

I'd love to know why Apple keeps messing with a good product line. The current gen Nano is a great design. Imperfections? Maybe, but just update it then.

If any of the current iPod form factors should be axed, I would think it would be a classic ... (prepares to be flamed). Honestly, the Touch is the main iPod now.

If this new form factor is legit, it would seem stupid to keep the Shuffle in the lineup, given this new form factor.

Sorry, I just had to vent a bit about this rumored product change. The current nano has a great screen, good form, and a video camera. Ditching all that seems to be a step backwards.

But no one said it would be the nano. No one official. Only retards assumed it was the nano which was stupid to me. It's either a shuffle replacement or new product (or both). The shuffle line has been sucking.
It'd make an awesome watch.

[smiddlehurst]

Two things:

1) Apple has to keep updating their product lines because they need to keep selling 'em! Sorry but the consumer market is notoriously easy to bore and that forces rapid product itterations. Heck, in truth Apple is probably one of the slower companies to update in that space, just look how quickly companies like Samsung update their mobile phones, TV's, Blu-Ray players etc.

2) We don't know what the final iPod lineup is going to be. It could end up as Shuffle (with screen), Classic, iPod Touch nano and iPod Touch for all we know at this point. Wait and see what Apple roll out in a few hours time. If they DID change it this radically it'll be because they know from their sales figures that interest in the current form factor is dying off and change is required.

[ProwlingTiger]

I realize it is not official yet. Hence the reason I say "rumored product change" in the original post :cool:

[Mars478]

Guys.... DuuuUUUUuuuuh. It's for the iPad MINI. :D

[Peterson8765]

If Apple puts that tiny touchscreen on the new nano, I will be disappointed.

[Ibjr]

If Apple puts that tiny touchscreen on the new nano, I will be disappointed.

Ya it looks like a mistake. I will wait till i use it at an apple store.

[pukifloyd]

what happened to this nano in thepicture ?:eek:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/ipod-liveblog-2010-0197-rm-eng.jpg

[dr. shdw]

I think the new Nano is good for runners since you can just Nike+ it and go. No more lugging around a Nano.

[MaxMike]

No more video camera or video playback? The latter is a deal breaker for me. I'll stick with my 5th gen :cool:

[Peterson8765]

I think Apple made a huge mistake with the nano, it looks just like the shuffle, just a screen. The screen is smaller, it cant play video, it doesn't have a microphone, accelerometer, or a video camera. And it has a small touchscreen which many people wont like.

[rorschach]

what happened to this nano in thepicture ?:eek:
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/09/ipod-liveblog-2010-0197-rm-eng.jpg

That would actually be a very nice form factor if you add in the touch interface. Big enough to watch videos too.

[smiddlehurst]

I think Apple made a huge mistake with the nano, it looks just like the shuffle, just a screen. The screen is smaller, it cant play video, it doesn't have a microphone, accelerometer, or a video camera. And it has a small touchscreen which many people wont like.

Umm, did you not notice the 8Gb iPod Touch for just $80 more than the 8Gb Nano? If you want all of those features buy the Touch, it'll slaughter anything you'd have gotten in the Nano in terms of usability and performance, especially on the video side, while giving you vastly more for the money (apps, web browser, e-mail, portable games console etc etc).

The nano is, IMO, a very clever move from Apple. It's a massively cool bit of kit and is focused purely on those who want a music player which is small enough to find a lot of use in situations where the old nano wouldn't be used. For example, I'm seriously considering getting one as a dedicated in-car audio solution. Fasten to dash with something easy like velcro, audio cable to CD player's AUX socket, job done. Instant and very simple control panel which shows the song info and will play for a day straight without needing an annoying power cable. As a device to take out and about with you where portability is key I really can't think of much that beats it.

And that's the thing, Apple know damn well that both the shuffle and nano were becoming niche products anyway. As soon as the Touch got the video camera (and, hopefully, stills as well although I don't remember that being mentioned explicitly) the Nano as a product was pretty much dead and buried unless they really dropped the price (which, yeah, that's not happening). By moving it in this direction they create something new and cool while not cannibalising any part of their lineup, a very neat trick indeed. Time will tell of course but I suspect it'll end up being another very successful product for them

[definitive]

new nano is junk that they should have never released. why would they take a step backward and remove its camera? does it even play videos anymore?

[tigress666]

I think they got it right with the new nano.

It has all the advantages of the shuffle plus the big reasons the nano had any advantage over the shuffle, a screen to easily pick songs + much larger capacity (the shuffle has so little capacity it's portability and ease of use when doing stuff like walking/riding doesn't make up for hte small capacity. It's why I have a nano instead of a shuffle).

Yes, it has no video. But, sorry, with so many people having smartphones these days, video is not going to be what sells the nano (honestly with the touch not being that much bigger than the fifth gen nano, why would you buy the nano to watch video rather than just getting a touch with a bigger screen)?

Yes, it has no clickwheel, but I am assuming it supports the headphones with remote like the fifth gen does. And anytime the clickwheel has an advantage over a touch screen (cause I agree, there are definitely some advantages to it), the remote is better than the clickwheel anyways. Now, if I'm wrong and it doesn't support the remote, I'll fully agree, bad bad move.

The bad sides I see to it is:
No accelerometer (I presume this from the fact you have to tell it to rotate the screen rather than it just doing it for you). odd thing is I don't like the accelerometer on my fifth gen (I'd like it to stay in vertical orientation even when I move it). But with the form/function of the new ipod, I think this will actually be a minus. This is the hugest down I see on the new nano.

Still same memory size. For me not too horrible cause 16 gigs is enough (for now). But still. I guess pretty amazing to have 16 gigs in something that small.

Advantages?

Size size size! This is really the only advantage the nano has over the touch these days. Now that you have the remote function that works on the touch which pretty much eliminates any real need for the clickwheel so the nano really doesn't even have that advantage anymore.

If it isn't that much smaller, there's no reason for it to exist or to just buy the touch honestly. The nano's previous size and shape (save for the 3rd gen) is a bit awkward. When you put it in a pocket you have to put it just right or it sticks into you and it doesn't fit as well (the third gen didn't have this issue which is why I am annoyed they went back to the stick shape).

And it clips easily onto things. It has all the advantages of the shuffle while retaining the *important* advantages of the nano.

I mean I have an iphone so I could just use that like a touch rather than have a nano as well. The reason I keep a nano is there are definitely times I need something small that fits into the pocket. The only reason I still like my fifth gen nano over my third is the remote function which is way better than the clickwheel. The size is a little more awkward than the third gen and honestly I'd love it to be more like the shuffle (I could deal with not having a screen even, but the storage capacity of the shuffle is just ridiculous).

[MattMK45]

So glad I bought my 4th gen when i did. The new one to be put bluntly is the fail.

[tigress666]

The nano is, IMO, a very clever move from Apple. It's a massively cool bit of kit and is focused purely on those who want a music player which is small enough to find a lot of use in situations where the old nano wouldn't be used. For example, I'm seriously considering getting one as a dedicated in-car audio solution. Fasten to dash with something easy like velcro, audio cable to CD player's AUX socket, job done. Instant and very simple control panel which shows the song info and will play for a day straight without needing an annoying power cable. As a device to take out and about with you where portability is key I really can't think of much that beats it.


Wow, some one got it.

I guess I got it cause I know exactly who they are aiming at, people like me. I mean I still keep a nano around solely cause there are times when having something much smaller than my iphone (and I have a 4 so my iphone isn't that big) is still pretty useful. If the nano is going to have a reason to exist still, it has to be very small and portable cause that's where it has a reason to get it over the touch/iphone. Otherwise, even at the size the fifth gen is, if I were going to pick between it and a touch (and I didn't have an iphone), I'd buy the touch. It's not that much bigger and it does what the nano does (but better) and more.

[ericinboston]

I was in the market for a few different iPods today for various gifts. I am not going to buy any except for 1 Touch. Apple just lost 5 other iPod purchases.

Nano? Sucks now...it has no camera...and more importantly to me, it's the size of a postage stamp?! WTF? It's a totally radical design change! How am I supposed to use that thing? All its designed to do is play some music and now Apple has effed that up. Oh, and they still refuse to go over 16GB of storage. Cya later Nano!! Apple's not coercing me to buy a $300+ Touch to fulfill my simple Nano needs.

Classic? No updates. Thanks, Apple. Couldn't even have made a single change. Thanks.


I will likely shop around and buy last generation's iPods...which means Apple ain't gettin' any direct money from me for at least another 3 years.

[Peterson8765]

The nanos screen is not even 1.7", it's 1.54 which is basically the same size as the 1G and 2G nano back in 2005 and 2006. I think Apple took a big step backwards with the nano, it cant even play videos.

[mojoe24]

How is multi-touch gonna work with something so small?

[a.jfred]

Yes, it has no clickwheel, but I am assuming it supports the headphones with remote like the fifth gen does. And anytime the clickwheel has an advantage over a touch screen (cause I agree, there are definitely some advantages to it), the remote is better than the clickwheel anyways. Now, if I'm wrong and it doesn't support the remote, I'll fully agree, bad bad move.



Unless you're driving, and can't look at the screen. That's the biggest thing I want to see: how do I switch between songs? The form factor could grow on me, but I don't have a remote to hook up in the car (my car's old enough, I use a cassette tape adapter to hook up straight to my 2G Nano)

[tigress666]

How is multi-touch gonna work with something so small?

This I think is a good question. That's one thing I'd probably be curious when they get them in the stores to see how well it works.

[GermanSuplex]

Can't say the new nano looks like an improvement. I think Apple needs to embrace buttons on some devices. When in a car or whatever, it's nice to not have to look at the screen but just be able to click a button to pause, lower/raise volume, or switch tracks.

[skiltrip]

IMO, the new nano is indeed a mistake. I must admit that I'm NOT in the market for a nano, because I'm a classic and touch owner. But, I really liked the form factor of the last gen nano. It was the perfect size. There is such a thing as too small. And I don't see the appeal in a square inch worth of touch screen space. It's too small and cramped to enjoy any content. They should have left the nano alone and just bumped up the capacity on them.

[mojoe24]

How many of you think we'll see a Nano closer to the older shape next year? They realized they made mistakes with the shuffle and fixed that and they even said that the iTV wasn't a big success.

[rgarjr]

IMO, the new nano is indeed a mistake. I must admit that I'm NOT in the market for a nano, because I'm a classic and touch owner. But, I really liked the form factor of the last gen nano. It was the perfect size. There is such a thing as too small. And I don't see the appeal in a square inch worth of touch screen space. It's too small and cramped to enjoy any content. They should have left the nano alone and just bumped up the capacity on them.

I liked the previous design a lot better as well, very sleek. New one removed nice features like video recording, video playback, nice wide curved display. No storage bump to 32GB also sucks.

[skiltrip]

I liked the previous design a lot better as well, very sleek. New one removed nice features like video recording, video playback, nice wide curved display. No storage bump to 32GB also sucks.

Seems like a really bad decision. Is Steve starting to slip? I think they are getting too obsessed with touch screen technology, and are forgetting the value of tactile buttons in certain operational scenarios. Buttons don't require you to look, touchscreens do.

[larock]

Well I like the design. The reason I have a Nano 5G is for running, and it's worked well. I like the smaller size and clip on the 6G. I wouldn't go with the Shuffle because I like having a screen. This will be perfect for me, that's why I ordered it moments after it appeared on the website. :D

[amazingdm]

Well I'll be damned. Never thought they'd be that stupid.

They correct the shuffle but make a bigger mistake..

[redknives]

It's perfect for me despite the lack of a storage bump; augmenting the features I use and making it smaller and easier to attach without a lanyard or case. People may have a more positive opinion once they get it in their hands - such a small device with a functional touchscreen.
It seems deliberate that Apple is moving more complex functions to the Touch. I always felt strange trying to watch video on my Nano and I relegated my video recording needs to a compact digicam.

[2contagious]

That would actually be a very nice form factor if you add in the touch interface. Big enough to watch videos too.

yes, they should have limited the new iPod Nano in its features and sold it as the iPod Shuffle.. and the real new iPod Nano should have looked like the picture above :(

[liamkp]

Definitely a mistake. Especially for $149+! I thought it was a shuffle, at first. But, with a new generation of nanos that means the last gens price goes down! :D

[BoingoBongo]

The new Nano is neat, but it's just not for me at this point. It really does look futuristic though. However, I still like the larger form factor and the physical buttons/click wheel (I mostly use my iPod in the car, and it's nice to be able to use the physical buttons to change songs without taking my eyes off the road).

[thedarkhorse]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

[farmermac]

Well I'll be damned. Never thought they'd be that stupid.

They correct the shuffle but make a bigger mistake..

Seriously.

Steve jobs next year "you wanted an iPod shape nano, so we brought it back"

I'm buying an old nano before they clear the stock

[Jessica Lares]

Yeah, as much as I love the whole touchscreen idea, my hand is TOO big for it. I'd wish they had made the screen at least HALF the size of the iPod Touch. Something that small is hard to control, not to mention hard to handle. Try holding that thing with one hand and using the other at the same time - DROP! You won't be able to use one hand like with the iPod Touch/iPhone.

[Warbrain]

God yes it's a horrible design. They'll be moving back to the long form factor next go around.

[tigress666]

God yes it's a horrible design. They'll be moving back to the long form factor next go around.

Gah! I hope not regardless if they scrap the touch screen idea. I hate the long format, it's really obnoxious for actually fitting anywhere. Even the 3rd gen was better even though it's not much smaller, the shape was far better for fitting in pockets or being just in general easier for carrying around.

I mean even something less rectangular, doesn't have to be square. Just not so lean and long (or conversely, not really wide either. Square just seems better cause you can keep one dimension from getting overly big if you need a certain amount of space).

[redbroccoli]

I love the new Nano.
Please keep in mind that I have no plan to use it as a music playing device at all.
I will use it as an iWatch (with wristband) until Apple comes out with one. :D
For gym, my 2nd gen shuffle do the job just fine.
For any other time, iPhone will be just fine as a music/video player.

[iZac]

Perhaps the nano clickwheel pruning is leading up to the iPod classic getting a nip/tuck and going flash based next year?

[Warbrain]

Gah! I hope not regardless if they scrap the touch screen idea. I hate the long format, it's really obnoxious for actually fitting anywhere. Even the 3rd gen was better even though it's not much smaller, the shape was far better for fitting in pockets or being just in general easier for carrying around.

I mean even something less rectangular, doesn't have to be square. Just not so lean and long (or conversely, not really wide either. Square just seems better cause you can keep one dimension from getting overly big if you need a certain amount of space).

The long design worked great for pockets and was easy to find when you reached in. The new iPod is like reaching for change in a packed pocket.

[ProwlingTiger]

Seriously.

Steve jobs next year "you wanted an iPod shape nano, so we brought it back"


Yeah, I can see it right now.

"Customers said they weren't happy with the new Nano. So what did we did? We listened. This is the current Nano. Now here's the new one. (shows pic to applause). And we've added our amazing retina display, so great that you cannot even discern individual pixels."

[iCole]

I like it. Its really Nano now. And if you want something bigger to watch video's on, you just buy an (even thinner) iPod Touch. I mean, it's not like its super interesting to watch video's on a Nano (its cool tho), but with the iPod touch you really have a big screen. I think it was a good solution. Nano for the size, iPod Touch for video, gaming, ...

[tigress666]

The long design worked great for pockets and was easy to find when you reached in. The new iPod is like reaching for change in a packed pocket.

Not in my opinion. I came from a third gen to a fifth gen and honestly, that's the one thing I miss about my third gen (and I suspect the battery was better on my third gen as well but it could be a difference in how the software percieves battery loss).

I mean pocket use (and physical buttons for not having to take it out of my pocket) is exactly why I even have a nano (because otherwise my iphone would be totally fine for my ipod needs). And I hate the long format. It pokes into my legs unless I make sure to arrange it right when I wear jeans. and it doesn't fit very well in small pockets cause it's too long (where as the third gen would fit in a small pocket cause no one dimension was really long).

Though I will admit, the long format has it fit very neatly into a indention on my motorcycle (it's like they were made for each other, it fits in perfectly) when I want a place to put it down while taking off my helmet. That's the only advantage I've seen of it being long.

[roland.g]

The new Nano is truly nano. Great evolution. So many people use them commuting and working out/running. The clip is essential to this. Also a great improvement. No armbands, etc.

The older Nano tried to make the screen bigger and incorporate video, etc. So much of what the iPod Touch really does better. As well as the Touches gaming and other App Store appeal, the older Nano was lost between trying to do to much on a smaller screen and being small and functional.

The Classic is just what it says. Keeps the clickwheel, gives those that want video watching, clickwheel, and other 'classic' iPod features there. The Touch does not eliminate the need for the Classic because for some people it is just about music and storage capacity. And the Classic takes as much music and video with them as possible. It's a 160GB, that's more than some notebook hard drives! No other iPod comes close.

The new Nano is the perfect workout, ride the train, handsfree music player and that is what Apple's biggest market is in iPods. I rode the train last week and so many people were holding Nanos in their hands listening to music. This time next year, they'll all be clipped on, keeping their hands free to hold coffee or books or whatever.

[BornAgainMac]

Why doesn't Apple include those nice special effects from last year's nano to the new iPod and iPhone or have it built-in with iOS4.x? It was a great feature that was hidden from the world.

[LLPE33]

For me it was mistake. While I'd prefer the other form factor or even the fatboy, my main desire was 32GB. Without that it's a failure for me no matter what the form factor. And no, I'm not interested in a 32GB touch, I just wanted a nano (or smaller) sized player with 32GB SSD. Maybe next year.

Remember when they were bumping memory and introing tweaks and updates in in February or March? They never do that any more.

[Savor]

This nano improved the shuffle form factor, but got stripped away with the previous gen nano features.

It is fine for what it is. A bit polarizing. I remember some people hated the 3rd gen nano when it was shorter and chubby. Just depends on what you are looking for. At least the nano is wearable now. Not only like a watch, but as a pendant.

This Sept event did leave me cold. I wasn't impressed. The 4th gen and 5th nanos, I was impressed. If they drop the price or bring back some of the features, I will consider getting one next year.

[roland.g]

Not only like a watch, but as a pendant.

The only thing the new Nano is missing is Bluetooth for wireless listening. Then it could truly be a watch. But I still believe it is an improvement. Wearable factor for what most people use Nanos for is huge.

[TallManNY]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

Accelerometer would be more of pain than it is worth. You'd probably have to keep it locked so you had the rotation you wanted and it didn't shift from one rotation when cliped to your **** to another rotation as you pull it up. Imagine you had this strapped to your arm as you run or worn as a watch, it would be shifting around non-stop as you ran. This is a nice solution and there will be other uses for multitouch.

[sun surfer]

It's too small! I don't want something that small. Now they've left a gap for people like me. The ipod is way too big, and the nano is too small.

I'm fine with touchscreen, storage space and no video or accelerometer, but I just feel like with something that small it'd be too easy to lose and too hard to find in your pocket or purse or wherever.

My favourite nano was the 3rd gen "fat" one. I loved that shape! I still have that one because I couldn't bear to get the skinny newer gens over it despite the new stuff on the them. Why couldn't they have the new one smaller and lighter than the "fat" one but still in that general shape and still full touchscreen? That'd be perfection! I'd even be fine if it were just maybe slightly larger than the newest one - like I don't know say about 1.75" wide x 2.5" tall or something, sort of like 4th or 5th gen if you just cut off the part with the wheel.

I do like the clip on, but I am fanatical about cases for my nanos so I'm not sure how a case will work and protect the body and the clip on part too.

Unfortunately, my 3rd gen ipod is getting old so I'll be getting the new nano and trying it out. I just hope next year sees a larger nano (well, smaller than all the older gens but definitely larger than this one - this is basically shuffle-sized).

[ProwlingTiger]

The new Nano is truly nano. Great evolution. So many people use them commuting and working out/running. The clip is essential to this. Also a great improvement. No armbands, etc.

The older Nano tried to make the screen bigger and incorporate video, etc. So much of what the iPod Touch really does better. As well as the Touches gaming and other App Store appeal, the older Nano was lost between trying to do to much on a smaller screen and being small and functional.


The new Nano is the perfect workout, ride the train, handsfree music player and that is what Apple's biggest market is in iPods. I rode the train last week and so many people were holding Nanos in their hands listening to music. This time next year, they'll all be clipped on, keeping their hands free to hold coffee or books or whatever.

I'm fairly certain the perfect workout iPod is actually the Shuffle. Physical controls trump the touchscreen in the gym. The Shuffle had, and still does, have a clip. The old Nano wasn't exactly lost with trying to do too much. It was incredibly functional given it's size and everything it did, it did well.

[Dino451]

Saw the new nano and immediately purchased a 5th gen refurb nano from apple. The new nano is a step backwards and looks awkward to use.

[Warbrain]

Not in my opinion. I came from a third gen to a fifth gen and honestly, that's the one thing I miss about my third gen (and I suspect the battery was better on my third gen as well but it could be a difference in how the software percieves battery loss).

I mean pocket use (and physical buttons for not having to take it out of my pocket) is exactly why I even have a nano (because otherwise my iphone would be totally fine for my ipod needs). And I hate the long format. It pokes into my legs unless I make sure to arrange it right when I wear jeans. and it doesn't fit very well in small pockets cause it's too long (where as the third gen would fit in a small pocket cause no one dimension was really long).

Though I will admit, the long format has it fit very neatly into a indention on my motorcycle (it's like they were made for each other, it fits in perfectly) when I want a place to put it down while taking off my helmet. That's the only advantage I've seen of it being long.

As long as you don't listen to your iPod while riding I see where you're coming from as I've got a 3rd Gen iPod nano as well. It's great. But this generation is much too small.

[tigress666]

As long as you don't listen to your iPod while riding I see where you're coming from as I've got a 3rd Gen iPod nano as well. It's great. But this generation is much too small.

Do you listen to music when you drive? I fail to see the difference (I have speakers in my helmet for one).

And I don't mind tiny, heh. I kinda was jealous of the clip on the shuffle but I wanted a display + a helluva a lot more storage than 2 gb.

[Warbrain]

Do you listen to music when you drive? I fail to see the difference (I have speakers in my helmet for one).

And I don't mind tiny, heh. I kinda was jealous of the clip on the shuffle but I wanted a display + a helluva a lot more storage than 2 gb.

There's a difference between speakers in a car and speakers in a helmet (I'd assume). Seems almost as bad as riding with headphones on.

[MacFan782040]

They probably did their research and found out that who really used the Nano video camera? I mean- if it had a still camera, maybe? But how often do you need to take a video?

So I don't think that was a step backwards. But, I don't get what the point of a square, 3x3 inch touchscreen is. You can't watch videos on it. You can't run apps on it. Why do you need a multitouch? For what?

No camera? Eh, I thought it was always a little silly they added it to the Nano. But the touchscreen isn't really anything great.

[tigress666]

There's a difference between speakers in a car and speakers in a helmet (I'd assume). Seems almost as bad as riding with headphones on.

Have you ridden before? Not really. I'm not surrounded by a cage that is designed to keep out noise like most cars are (I mean a car that lets in a lot of outside noise is considered a bad thing unless you are buying a sports car and then it's seen as a necessary evil of not having a luxury car). So the only noise blocking any other noise is my headphones/speakers/music. Other than that, I'm a lot more exposed to sounds outside than you are in your car with your cage blocking sounds listening to your music.

[self]

For the same price you could buy a Sansa Clip+ 8GB with a 32GB microsd card.

[Parkin Pig]

But no one said it would be the nano. No one official. Only retards assumed it was the nano which was stupid to me.


What drink would you like to wash those words down with? ;)

[SlamJam12]

Each day that goes by, the new Nano grows on me. The only way for me to determine whether it's a buy or not is to try it out on display when it hits the Apple Store. I do need to play with a small touchscreen and see if the clip on the Nano is durable and reliable. I do not want it slipping off and possibly hitting the ground breaking the screen as it hits the ground or as I step on it.

[eye]

Worst...iPod...Ever.

I'm rocking my 4th gen iPod until it dies (yes, its lasted and i use it almost daily) and then it'll be a 3rd gen nano next. Thank you eBay.

[eron]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

The reason behind manual user screen rotation is so it allows for the Nano to be clipped at various locations and have the screen rotated to suit the user. For example, you can clip it at your belt, and have it rotated upside-down so it will look right when you look down. Alternatively, you can clip it at your short sleeve, and have it rotate to the side so that you will see it upright.

The accelerometer will cost more to have and in some instances, be disabled to allow manual rotation.

[SchneiderMan]

It's not here to stay that's for sure. Next update they will scrap it.

[giventofly10]

I don't understand why Apple says that an Internet access is required for the new Nano. Is it true? Does it mean the FM radio is actually an online one? Thanks for your answer.

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/specs.html

[jpm369]

A backward step and expensive for what it is! The shuffle likewise!

I don't see the need for a touch screen on something so small...misses the point for me....still what do Apple care they will sell by the boat load because they are "current" not because they are good value....ho hum...better luck next time Mr J. :rolleyes:

[albusseverus]

The original concept of the Nano was that it had the features of a full iPod (these days known as iPod Classic), but in a smaller form factor for portability. I've been perfectly happy with my G3 Nano, but craved the wider screen and video recording of the G5. It was never meant to be a major video recorder/player, but had the functionality if required.

Which brings us to the latest incarnation... frankly, it seems to be what everyone has been asking for, a Shuffle with a screen. Clearly Apple went for price on the base model Shuffle, and what they call the Nano is really a more expensive Shuffle, for those that want a screen.

Gone is the (more or less) full iPod function meaning for the name Nano, and now Nano seems to mean 'the in between model'. The G5 (real) iPod (small 'n') nano would be an excellent buy at the moment. Light enough for exercise and capable enough to play videos, photos and games, at a pinch.

The new model is destined to fall between the cracks - way too expensive to be what it really is - the high-end Shuffle and not full-featured enough to be considered to be a 'real'-iPod-only-smaller.

Anyone who bought a Nano, clearly didn't want the bulk of the iPod Touch, and now the Nano will go from the best selling iPod to the worst selling iPod in a week! Frankly, with iPhone stealing a lot of iPod Touch sales, it's a blow to iPod sales figures that Apple cannot afford, given the 'industry talk' that iPod sales have plateaued.

[iEvolution]

You know whats funny? The nano was pretty much in its own little class, there really weren't many alternatives that were as fancy and as good looking as the nano let alone have as many side functions.

Now they've put the nano in the same class as the Sansa Clip+, as a user of the Sansa Clip it walks all over any small form MP3 Player..you can't beat it. Its very cheap [can be had for $30ish], has a screen, has radio, solid sound quality [noticeably better than the nano with Sennheiser HD485s] and space is expandible. Only drawback is it isn't neat looking and the battery life isn't great.

With no updates to the classic, a really dumb 3rd gen-shuffle like modification to the nano [worse in my opinion because at least the 3rd gen had features ADDED], and a revised iPod Shuffle with a lower max capacity option than last year I have no reason to continue to upgrade my iPods.

[larock]

I don't understand why Apple says that an Internet access is required for the new Nano. Is it true? Does it mean the FM radio is actually an online one? Thanks for your answer.

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/specs.html

I am certain this is because the nano does not ship with a CD copy of iTunes. So you will need an internet connection to download it.

[larock]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

Actually the Nano's specs say it does have an accelerometer. I like that the screen rotation can be controlled by multitouch instead of the accelerometer. It's a feature I would like on my iPad.

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/specs.html

[giventofly10]

I am certain this is because the nano does not ship with a CD copy of iTunes. So you will need an internet connection to download it.

Thanks for your answer.

But with that kind of logic, they should say that a Mac is required too...

[Etnies419]

Thanks for your answer.

But with that kind of logic, they should say that a Mac is required too...

They do. They say a Mac or PC is required.

[Caleb531]

I don't like the new Nano at all. The screen is .5" smaller (not ideal for video), and the video camera is gone (the iPod touch instead gets a lame .7MP one).

[tablo13]

When you're in a situation where you can't see the screen, enable VoiceOver, and you have to Touch the screen to hear a description of the item under your finger, then double-tap, drag, or flick to control iPod nano. I think most of the people who use nano would prefer click-wheel than touch-screen...

[iforme]

just the fact that u make it touch doesnt make it amazing its pretty much a shuffle with a screen if u would want a touch screen your beater of my the touch for 80 bucks more

[tigress666]

When you're in a situation where you can't see the screen, enable VoiceOver, and you have to I think most of the people who use nano would prefer click-wheel than touch-screen...

Actually, I prefer the remote on the headphones for any time that I don't want to look at my nano (that is one of the improvements I adored about my fifth gen over my third gen.. which is good cause fifth gen's click wheel is so small it's really annoying to use honestly).

And I prefer a touch screen for the times I do look at my mp3 player to find a certain song.

So, in my opinion, the new nano has the best of both worlds :D

[farmermac]

Dont know if the new nano is a mistake, but i was waiting for the new nano to buy one. But when it was announced as a tiny touch screen I bought a 4th gen on CL for $50. I would have bought a similar new gen nano had it been released. The new one is just too small and I have a iphone 4 for a touch screen ipod so i wanted a click wheel ipod.

[goobot]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

You do know it has a accelerometer

[macgeek18]

The new Nano is lame...I was going to get the girl the new one if it was a bigger touch screen or had better features like video.:( Showed the girl it and she was like, "who would buy that"? so it looks like I'm getting her a refurb previous gen...

[goobot]

I just got a new watch that can store pics music and is a fm radio.

[chrono1081]

I for one am really excited about it. I ordered one. (A green one). I love the form factor although I do agree it should be a shuffle.

[iEvolution]

Really it wouldn't be so bad if they lowered the price, I mean really it has less hardware and features yet still at the same price point.

It would have been nice if it had its own UI too instead of some cheap iPod Touch/Classic hybrid.

Not gonna lie, despite me not being a big fan of touch screens I would have probably purchased it if the capacity was increased.

[iforme]

Really it wouldn't be so bad if they lowered the price, I mean really it has less hardware and features yet still at the same price point.

It would have been nice if it had its own UI too instead of some cheap iPod Touch/Classic hybrid.

Not gonna lie, despite me not being a big fan of touch screens I would have probably purchased it if the capacity was increased.

y would u buy this on its the same price for a better one

[gianly1985]

@goobot

Waiting for an accessory to make it actually wearable as a watch.

Somebody HAS to do it.

http://img.skitch.com/20100905-jj9b12dhkd75w745p8fftwn69x.jpg

[aeboi]

feels like they wanted to sell it as a shuffle but it would be too expensive so they decided to use the nano name for an upgraded shuffle

totally underwhelming product

grab a nice 5th Gen while you can, the click wheel is iconic

[Alaerian]

I ordered one off Apple.com, but I actually went back and canceled my order yesterday. After much debate, I think I would be happier with the previous generation. I like having physical buttons and a larger form factor - it makes changing tracks while the iPod is in my coat pocket that much easier. Even with the smaller size and a clip, I doubt I'd ever clip it onto my coat instead of throw it in a pocket.

After scouring eBay, I managed to locate a used 16GB iPod Nano 5th gen for $99 in excellent condition. I'm excited to get it and load it up.

The new form factor will no doubt be useful to many people - I'm thinking gym rats and runners.

[goobot]

I ordered one off Apple.com, but I actually went back and canceled my order yesterday. After much debate, I think I would be happier with the previous generation. I like having physical buttons and a larger form factor - it makes changing tracks while the iPod is in my coat pocket that much easier. Even with the smaller size and a clip, I doubt I'd ever clip it onto my coat instead of throw it in a pocket.

After scouring eBay, I managed to locate a used iPod Nano 5th gen for $99 in excellent condition. I'm excited to get it and load it up.

The new form factor will no doubt be useful to many people - I'm thinking gym rats and runners.

U know apple sells the 5th gen for 99$

[goobot]

@goobot

Waiting for an accessory to make it actually wearable as a watch.

Somebody HAS to do it.

http://img.skitch.com/20100905-jj9b12dhkd75w745p8fftwn69x.jpg

It has a clip so you just need a wrist band thing.

[LoganT]

I for one really like it and don't think it's a mistake. I'm buying one, it's my first nano. Yay me.

[Alaerian]

U know apple sells the 5th gen for 99$

Apple sells the 8GB 5th gen for $99. I purchased a 16GB, which they sell for $149.

[children]

youre going to look like a real goof wearing that as a watch..

[itryanditry]

I guess only sales can tell where we go from here.
This release makes me worried that this might be the end of Apple's music reign. They don't realize how beloved the iPod/clickwheel interface is.

As much as I love my iPhone and iOS (and I do) they are completely missing the point with the new iPod nano.

As an Apple fanboy I am speechless. :|

[LoganT]

If there's one thing I know about Apple fans is that they hate change.

[lilo777]

If there's one thing I know about Apple fans is that they hate change.

You are probably right. But is not Apple the one to blame for this? After they bombard you with so many TV commercial and other PR BS telling how great the current generation is people eventually start believing in this and then BOOM Apple says that now you need to like something else ;)

[NT1440]

You are probably right. But is not Apple the one to blame for this? After they bombard you with so many TV commercial and other PR BS telling how great the current generation is people eventually start believing in this and then BOOM Apple says that now you need to like something else ;)

That's funny, every iPod commercial I've ever seen just shows the damn iPod. No words, just music and people dancing around.

You seem to take alot from commercials that isn't there...

[lilo777]

That's funny, every iPod commercial I've ever seen just shows the damn iPod. No words, just music and people dancing around.

You seem to take alot from commercials that isn't there...

It's not the words, it's the sheer volume (as in the amount of time Apple buys on TV) that people can no resist.

[gianly1985]

It has a clip so you just need a wrist band thing.

I know it has a clip but it feels more appropriate to use a well made accessory to iWatch-ize it, otherwise it will look bad, feel cold, fall off, etc

[psychPurple]

I guess only sales can tell where we go from here.
This release makes me worried that this might be the end of Apple's music reign. They don't realize how beloved the iPod/clickwheel interface is.

As much as I love my iPhone and iOS (and I do) they are completely missing the point with the new iPod nano.

As an Apple fanboy I am speechless. :|

what does it matter that there isnt a click wheel? the kid getting the iPod for christmas will still have an iPod they can show off.

it isnt that the click wheel is beloved, although im not dissing it, its just people dont want things to change. change is good, it allows new things to happen

in a year the nano will again have new features. they have effectively hit a reset button, allowing them to either branch out in a new direction or go back if they need too, and the new shuffle is proof apple isnt above listening to the masses and taking a small step back.

[Eggtastic]

yes, the new nano is a HUGE mistake. personally i need an MP3 player thats small enough to not interfere with my workouts but not so small that it is a pain in the ass to search for music. last years nano 5th generation design was so damn perfect, that i was hoping this year they would just have done away with the stupid video camera and put on 32gb of memory.

It was small enough, had a beautiful screen, and the beloved click wheel. I hate the ipod touch because touch screen is not the best way to go at the gym. Plus i have an iphone 4 but i don't want to wear it out from constant use so for me i need a music player and a phone separate.

that was my monday morning rant, have a good labor day everyone and long live the nano 5th generation.

[brentsg]

I think the new nano looks great. To me they dropped the useless features from the 5G, and added a nice touch screen. Plus, it's smaller too.

[ReallyBigFeet]

I've posted it previously and I still stand by my original assessment. The new Nano is targeted primarily at teenaged girls. Apple recognizes that their Nano series has petite sex appeal written all over it so they just took the next logical step: wearable technology that doubles as pendant-style art form. You can now "show" everyone what you are listening to as a style choice.

Just wait....they'll soon be giving these "proximity" features similar to iPhone bump-and-exchange where users can Ping one another simply because they happen to pass while wearing the Jewelrano's (TM).

[itryanditry]

what does it matter that there isnt a click wheel? the kid getting the iPod for christmas will still have an iPod they can show off.

it isnt that the click wheel is beloved, although im not dissing it, its just people dont want things to change. change is good, it allows new things to happen

in a year the nano will again have new features. they have effectively hit a reset button, allowing them to either branch out in a new direction or go back if they need too, and the new shuffle is proof apple isnt above listening to the masses and taking a small step back.

Apple does indeed take feedback from it's users seriously and applies it as often as they can. There are times when Apple withholds features and such, usually for the bigger picture. Which is fine by me.

But the iPod and iTunes products shot mobile music into primetime. This bigger plan that Apple has for Multi-touch and iOS I think may be going in the wrong direction. Maybe it has spilt over into the iPod line a little too soon.

Change is indeed good. It's only common sense that the iPod line would inherit multitouch features.

I just have a really bad feeling about this.

[nzcatfood]

The new Nano has got to be the stupidest Apple makeover ever. Obviously, the follow-up product from the nutty 4th gen Shuffle designer. LOL

[LoganT]

I really can't see why everyone hates the new nano.

[a.jfred]

The form has grown on me, but I'm still on the fence about it, and will be until I can play with it in person. The biggest issue for me will be changing tracks without looking (and no, headphones with a remote is NOT an option when the thing is hooked up in my car).

I don't really care about the video/camera capability of the Nano - it's going to be purely for music, but the "Shake to Shuffle" feature is virtually useless, when it bothers to work at all (and that's basing it's usage off my old iPhone 3G and my new iPhone 4); and also not very practical when trying to drive your car. Flick to skip? We'll see.

[tigress666]

I don't really care about the video/camera capability of the Nano - it's going to be purely for music, but the "Shake to Shuffle" feature is virtually useless, when it bothers to work at all (and that's basing it's usage off my old iPhone 3G and my new iPhone 4); and also not very practical when trying to drive your car. Flick to skip? We'll see.

I honestly hate that feature cause sometimes when I'm walking and trying to say rewind a song, something will happen and hte thing gets shaken and next thing I know it randomly changed songs and I can't go back!!!

I'd turn it off if I knew how/if it was an option (and if it isn't I kinda hope it is an option to turn it off on the new one).

And yeah, I ran into the remote not an option yesterday (when on my roommate's plane. You use the headsets to listen to your music and they're something like 600-1000 dollar headsets so you're not just going to buy a pair of headsets to get a remote for your ipod, even if they made such a thing. Though I kinda think now that I've seen some sort of thing at the apple store that would convert your headsets to have the remote...).

[MacFan23]

I can understand why people don't like it and a slightly bumped 5th gen would have made an awesome iPod. But at the end of the day, I have an iPhone, an iPod Touch and an iPad. I simply would not have bought it, no matter what the added features were. Giving it an interesting twist encouraged me to take a further look at it and decide to purchase it, giving Apple a sale. I can imagine a lot of people would have shared the same experience as me and I therefore do not think the new nano was a mistake.

[zkhrhm]

I think the lack of accelerometer is dumb, they tout it being multitouch but the only multitouch gesture is rotating the screen, which should be done automatically with an accelerometer in the first place.

Someone might have beat me to it, (I'm not going to read another 70 posts to find out), but the nano has an accelerometer. Research before posting things that aren't true, please.

[zkhrhm]

I ordered one off Apple.com, but I actually went back and canceled my order yesterday. After much debate, I think I would be happier with the previous generation. I like having physical buttons and a larger form factor - it makes changing tracks while the iPod is in my coat pocket that much easier. Even with the smaller size and a clip, I doubt I'd ever clip it onto my coat instead of throw it in a pocket.


I'm the exact opposite. I started with a nano back in 05, then got a classic, then a nano 3g (which I loved), then went with the 1st gen touch. I've been using the iPod Touch since gen 1 (I upgrade every year) but sold my 3rd gen recently since I got an iPad. I was on the market for a smaller iPod for portability. Watched the keynote to see if any of the new ones would strike my fancy and have the capacity I need. But then I thought, "hmmm but the classic has lots of space, let me get that, especially since it might go the way of the dodo." Got it Friday, and it's already in the box with return label. I cannot go back to a clickwheel after using multitouch. Multitouch is integrated into my music listening and internet browsing life. So it will be a new nano for me. It is everything I need + bonus features (pedometer, radio etc) in a small go-everywhere package. The clip is also a big winner in my book.

When your iPod is in your pocket, you can change tracks with the earphone remote. It's safer in your pocket anyhow.

[LoganT]

If you really want to control it without looking at it. Look into investing 20 dollars into this thing.

http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=496831

[Broph]

EDIT: Read more posts above and talked about exactly what I wrote.

[psychPurple]

I cannot go back to a clickwheel after using multitouch. Multitouch is integrated into my music listening and internet browsing life. So it will be a new nano for me. It is everything I need + bonus features (pedometer, radio etc) in a small go-everywhere package. The clip is also a big winner in my book.

i feel exactly like that, the iPod touch has all kinds of cool things, but not stuff that i want to use. the new nano has multitouch which is awesome, but just with the features that i will use!

[Mactagonist]

I really can't see why everyone hates the new nano.

For the same reason most companies still cant compete with Apple. They have a very narrow vision.

[GamecockMac]

You are probably right. But is not Apple the one to blame for this? After they bombard you with so many TV commercial and other PR BS telling how great the current generation is people eventually start believing in this and then BOOM Apple says that now you need to like something else ;)

It's not the words, it's the sheer volume (as in the amount of time Apple buys on TV) that people can no resist.

Yep. People are just mindless zombies that buy whatever the idiot box tells them to. That's why almost everyone in America now has Geico car insurance, because that damn gecko is just so adorably irresistible. :rolleyes:

This might be the most ridiculous troll you've pulled out of your ass so far, and that's saying something given your track record of fail.

[joeblow7777]

I honestly hate that feature cause sometimes when I'm walking and trying to say rewind a song, something will happen and hte thing gets shaken and next thing I know it randomly changed songs and I can't go back!!!

I'd turn it off if I knew how/if it was an option (and if it isn't I kinda hope it is an option to turn it off on the new one).



To turn off the shake to shuffle on the 5g nano just go to settings. Shuffle on/off is the very first option. And yes, it means shakes to shuffle. It doesn't deactivate the ability to shuffle in general.

And to add my 2 cents about the 6g, the bottom line is that they are asking people to pay the same price for something that does less. If they had enhanced the battery life, or increased the capacity, or dropped the price even $5-$10 I would say it's worthwhile. But to pay the same for something that does not play or record video, or have external speakers, even if you don't use those features is ridiculous. If it does less it should cost less. And my jaw drops when people say that the previous nano was too large and inconvenient for them.

The problem is that Apple isn't trying to make the nano a great media player in its own right anymore. They want you to own a nano AND a touch/iphone/classic. The 5g was perhaps too fine a mix of affordability, compactness, and music/video functionality. Why not cut down on that so that more customers will either buy a more profitable Touch or a nano plus something else?

I'm actually glad that the 6g is so flawed (in my opinion, anyway). I was worried that if it was really good I would regret having gotten the 5g. I will not shell out cash for a new ipod every year. My previous model was a 2g nano. My next will probably be an 8g, if they start moving in the right direction again.

[hcho3]

I think new nano is great. The screen is little too small, but I don't see a big issue here.

The problem is the price. It's basically an ipod shuffle with screen. So, why does it cost three times more than shuffle?

[tigress666]

And to add my 2 cents about the 6g, the bottom line is that they are asking people to pay the same price for something that does less. If they had enhanced the battery life, or increased the capacity, or dropped the price even $5-$10 I would say it's worthwhile.

Well, for some of us the 6th gen is an improvement (I do think they should have increased storage). It gives us a better interface (sorry, not a big fan of the clickwheel and having a remote solves the needs buttons issue), a smaller size (I like the clippable part) and got rid of features I never used except when the ipod still had the "new toy" feeling and I was still just playing around with it. Then I promptly never used those features (I have an iphone for that, a far better player).

On top of that, I think now that the ipod touch has those features, the whole point is if you want video/camera, get one of those cause it's more appropriate (and if you don't care about size, it really isn't that much bigger than the fifth gen for the much better functionality). The point is if you want a lot of functionality and size isn't as important, get a touch (it will be far better for playing video and shooting it anyways).

I do think they should have included the remote headphones with the nano since they got rid of the physical buttons (doesn't affect me, through my iphone 4 and my mom buying me a nice set, I have two headsets with remotes). And would have been nice to have bigger sizes (but for my music collection alone 16 GB is still enough). I also hope the battery is better than the fifth gen (I know they are both 24 hours but I swear my 3rd gen's battery which was also 24 hours was better than my fifth gen's is). I liked being able to use my ipod for a week without charging (my fifth gen doesn't seem to last that long).

[chris975d]

Well, for some of us the 6th gen is an improvement (I do think they should have increased storage). It gives us a better interface (sorry, not a big fan of the clickwheel and having a remote solves the needs buttons issue), a smaller size (I like the clippable part) and got rid of features I never used except when the ipod still had the "new toy" feeling and I was still just playing around with it. Then I promptly never used those features (I have an iphone for that, a far better player).

On top of that, I think now that the ipod touch has those features, the whole point is if you want video/camera, get one of those cause it's more appropriate (and if you don't care about size, it really isn't that much bigger than the fifth gen for the much better functionality). The point is if you want a lot of functionality and size isn't as important, get a touch (it will be far better for playing video and shooting it anyways).

I do think they should have included the remote headphones with the nano since they got rid of the physical buttons (doesn't affect me, through my iphone 4 and my mom buying me a nice set, I have two headsets with remotes). And would have been nice to have bigger sizes (but for my music collection alone 16 GB is still enough). I also hope the battery is better than the fifth gen (I know they are both 24 hours but I swear my 3rd gen's battery which was also 24 hours was better than my fifth gen's is). I liked being able to use my ipod for a week without charging (my fifth gen doesn't seem to last that long).

My feelings on the Nano match those of Tigress666 exactly. The Nano is now almost exactly what I've always wanted it to be..a combination of my 3rd gen Shuffle and 4th/5th gen Nano, without the silly features I never use anyway, like video recording and video playback. I hated the small clickwheel on the last two gen Nanos, as it was very difficult to have fine control over it's movement. It always seemed that when trying to select a menu item, I'd overshoot it with just the smallest of movements, and select the one above or below it, especially when running. I'd have to stop running to select what I was wanting (on the flip side of this, I've always loved the full sized Classic's clickwheel, as it seems a lot easier to control fine movement on it). Now all I have to do is touch the item I want. Plus, it has an integrated clip. Now it can be clipped onto my shirt sleeve when running/working out, and it'll be totally out of the way. I love the whole concept of this new Nano. But, that being said, and as I said on these forums the moment it was announced, I think it should have been released as an additional line in the iPod family, in between the Shuffle and Nano, or maybe as an upscale Shuffle, as possibly the Shuffle+ (Plus). I do see many people still wanting the features of the 5th gen Nano, and I really would have liked to see the now "old" Nano design continue, and eventually phase out the hard drive based Classic as flash capacity increases. I think the "old" Nano styling was the natural progression of the original iPod design, and would hate to see Apple completely discard having something resembling the original in it's lineup.

[tigress666]

I hated the small clickwheel on the last two gen Nanos, as it was very difficult to have fine control over it's movement. It always seemed that when trying to select a menu item, I'd overshoot it with just the smallest of movements, and select the one above or below it, especially when running.

Glad to see I'm not the only one who had this issue. The third gen this didn't seem to be as much of a problem.

But, that being said, and as I said on these forums the moment it was announced, I think it should have been released as an additional line in the iPod family, in between the Shuffle and Nano, or maybe as an upscale Shuffle, as possibly the Shuffle+ (Plus). I do see many people still wanting the features of the 5th gen Nano, and I really would have liked to see the now "old" Nano design continue, and eventually phase out the hard drive based Classic as flash capacity increases.

Now something along this I could agree with. Though I think it would be fine to call this one the new nano, and do something with the classic to pretty much replace it with something similar to the old Nano. The Classic really should be updated to flash memory (for reliability compared to having a portable player you have to worry about dropping!!) and have some actual new features, not just playing music. I don't see how it even sells when all it is is just storage and the price isn't much cheaper! Most people don't need that much storage and the classic seems to equal the shuffle in features minus the small size and add a display and storage (it's really paired down in features. Even the new nano as much as people bitch that it got reduced functionality has more functionality). Really not worth what they're asking.

[chris975d]

Now something along this I could agree with. Though I think it would be fine to call this one the new nano, and do something with the classic to pretty much replace it with something similar to the old Nano.


The more I think about it, the less it'd surprise me that we see something very, very similar to the just phased out Nano design reemerge in a year or two as a replacement to the Classic, when flash prices/capacities become feasible to completely do away with the current hard drive based Classic. Basically as a cheap (relatively speaking), mp3 playing only focused device. Similar to how the Nano (new design) is more focused on music playing only.

....Then again, I could also see Apple moving everything other than the Shuffle, including whatever device that eventually replaces the Classic as king of storage space, to touch only interfaces.

The Classic really should be updated to flash memory (for reliability compared to having a portable player you have to worry about dropping!!) and have some actual new features, not just playing music. I don't see how it even sells when all it is is just storage and the price isn't much cheaper! Most people don't need that much storage and the classic seems to equal the shuffle in features minus the small size and add a display and storage (it's really paired down in features. Even the new nano as much as people bitch that it got reduced functionality has more functionality). Really not worth what they're asking.

I still think there's a larger market for an iPod that's focused primarily on high capacity storage than most people on here think. Granted, it doesn't sell near the number of units that the iPod touch sells per year, but I still see at least as many Classics as I do touches, if not more. Hell, in my gym alone, out of all the iPods I see (I'd say one out of about every three people in the gym on average are using an iPod), the vast majority are Classics. I've only seen 3 of the 3rd gen Shuffles (the buttonless design), one of them being mine. And amazingly, NO Nanos of any generation. It's a habit of mine to just observe what mp3 players people are using...guess I'm weird.

[tigress666]

I still think there's a larger market for an iPod that's focused primarily on high capacity storage than most people on here think. Granted, it doesn't sell near the number of units that the iPod touch sells per year, but I still see at least as many Classics as I do touches, if not more. Hell, in my gym alone, out of all the iPods I see (I'd say one out of about every three people in the gym on average are using an iPod), the vast majority are Classics. I've only seen 3 of the 3rd gen Shuffles (the buttonless design), one of them being mine. And amazingly, NO Nanos of any generation. It's a habit of mine to just observe what mp3 players people are using...guess I'm weird.

I'm not saying reduce the storage capacity. I'm saying replace the hard drive with flash memory. Then even if they don't add features it's more worth the price to pay that much for something that really is nothing more than an mp3 player and extra hard drive.

One reason I never really got into the ipod classic was I didn't like the hard drive. When you are talking portable device, I really didn't like something that one drop could kill. I honestly never really got into wanting an ipod until they introduced the Nano with a decent capacity but flash memory. Before that I was happy just sticking with my really old fashioned portable music players (that at the time I also liked had a radio player. Now though with how big my music collection is and being able to hold it all at once in a device the radio player is totaly unnecessary).

[LoganT]

I like how people keep calling the new Nano as a shuffle with a screen. As if all of the other versions weren't just that.

[Alaerian]

I'm not saying reduce the storage capacity. I'm saying replace the hard drive with flash memory. Then even if they don't add features it's more worth the price to pay that much for something that really is nothing more than an mp3 player and extra hard drive.
I think the major issue is capacity versus cost. I'd be curious to see the cost comparison of higher capacity flash memory/solid state iPods versus the current costs.
As much as I love my iPod Brick (which just died, may it rest in peace), I don't know how willing I would be to spend $400+ dollars on an iPod with similar storage, just because it's not a platter.

[chris975d]

I'm not saying reduce the storage capacity. I'm saying replace the hard drive with flash memory. Then even if they don't add features it's more worth the price to pay that much for something that really is nothing more than an mp3 player and extra hard drive.


This is exactly what I'm saying. But, I think we are at least 2 years away from getting the cost of 128Gb of flash storage low enough that the cost of a 128Gb Classic/new Nano/whatever you want to call it could match that of the current Classic. We may see something similar to an "old Nano" resurface in a couple of years to replace the Classic, once those costs are low enough.

[getstuff4less]

@goobot

Waiting for an accessory to make it actually wearable as a watch.

Somebody HAS to do it.

http://img.skitch.com/20100905-jj9b12dhkd75w745p8fftwn69x.jpg

For now. (http://www.modenawatch.com/product.sc;jsessionid=19D10001744D0AC9ACF57CFE9DAB2880.qscstrfrnt04?productId=53)

Please note: the 18mm bands work well to make your iPod nano 6 a watch!

[zkhrhm]

...such a mistake it's sold out all over Boston. Spent 5 hours trying to get one instore (Apple and BestBuy) today.

[billysea]

I got to see it in person today.

It gave up so many features (videos, camera, coverflow, speaker, games, calender, alarm clock, notes etc) and trade in a touch screen.

I would say it's worth it if the touch screen benefit/streamline the interface, but the new interface they have for the Nano is just ugly with icons simply borrowed from the iPhone/Touch that don't really match the Nano screen. Searching songs and moving around menu are in fact harder to do than in the past.

The reason why the iPhone/Touch has a touch screen because it has Apps that use them. For the Nano, it's just there for the sake of being there and actually does nothing to improve the interface/experience - especially when you try to navigate a touch screen during exercise use. It has multi-touch but there is nothing in the device that uses it except rotating the screen (something that should be done through accelerometer instead).

The only good thing about it is that it's cute, and that's all Apple needs to seduce millions of people to buy it. I admit I was attracted to it too before I get past the 'oh wow so cute' stage.

[zkhrhm]

I got to see it in person today.

It gave up so many features (videos, camera, coverflow, speaker, games, calender, alarm clock, notes etc) and trade in a touch screen.

I would say it's worth it if the touch screen benefit/streamline the interface, .

But it totally does! I went to see it in person too. The touch screen interface (21st century) replaces all the functionality of the click wheel (20th century) and then some [I guess except for knowing where your controls are without looking, for those who need that]. Having used an iPT since its inception, and with an iPad, I totally dig touching my music and controls. Using the radio on this thing is all kinds of awesome. Scrobble that dial!

I can see how some people might not like the small screen [it's nano size], and its lack of physical controls but apart from that, the functionality issue seems moot to me. I've never had a shuffle. I've always used my iPT at the gym with no negative impact whatsoever on my workout. The nano has even less things to worry about. And that will be it's biggest selling point. More functions + touch than a Shuffle, but without the unneeded apps of a Touch [ie for those who don't need email, video, apps etc, just their music/podcasts/audiobooks to go. Um, like me].

There is a reason why there is a full iPod line-up and not just one iPod (anymore) -- so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle. If the nano isn't for you [I mean the generic 'you' here], then move on. Get the iPod that does.