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Apple iPod nano 2 GB Black (1st Generation) OLD MODEL by Apple Computer
Digital Photo Product DetailsManufacturer: Apple Computer Brand: Apple Edition: Electronics Audio: English (Original Language) Model: MA099LL/A Color: Black Publisher: Apple Computer Studio: Apple Computer Music Label: Apple Computer Product features: - 2 GB model stores up to 500 songs; supports AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC, MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible
- Only .27 inches thin and 1.5 ounces, with a bright color display
- Up to 14 hours of music playback; up to 4 hours of slideshows with music
- Comes with earbud headphones, USB cable, dock adapter
- Compatible with Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
Accessories:
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple iPod nano 2 GB Black (1st Generation) OLD MODELCustomer Review: Truly Awesome !!! Summary: 4 Stars
The 2GB iPod Nano is a truly awesome music media device, it has a very cool and trend setting design, has a color backlit LCD display, plays a variety of digital compressed music file formats including MP3, and can be used to store and view PC files such image files. The circular touch controls and LCD display are intuitive and easy to use. It is fully PC or Mac compatible but not both at the same time since you must format the Nano's flash drive file system to use either PC or Mac. Along with the main device the package includes the very impressive iTunes and Quicktime media software on CD, a set of earbud headphones, a thin fabric based carrying pouch, and a combination USB data and power chord. The internal battery provides up to fourteen hours of music listening.
I recently got one of these 2GB black iPod Nano players as a Christmas gift. If you are new to these devices or unfamiliar with the latest iPod or new MP3 players on the market it is ok because I haven't owned a portable music storage device since having a small Sony Walkman cassette player very many years ago. The advances in micro computer technology over the past decade have introduced a new breed of amazing portable audio/video/storage devices. The latest of these is the flash memory based iPod Nano portable music and photo device. Improvements in flash memory technology have allowed Apple to develop a super small version of their popular iPod brand with no micro hard drive which means no moving parts to break, skip free listening, and extended battery life in an insanely small package. The first question that you might be curious to know is "How good is the sound ?". If you are an audiophile like me I am difficult to please with anything but the best quality but surprisingly this iPod Nano device did not disappoint me. I understand that like most MP3 digital music players the iPod Nano uses a compressed digital source to create its audio signal. You can only expect "near CD quality" from any of these devices and with that in mind don't plan on hearing audiophile sounds coming from these. However, for a tiny portable device you can expect very good sound quality similar to a good computer based sound system.
The included earbud headphones are one of the weakest components in the included iPod Nano package bundle while the iTunes software really surprised me. The problem with the supplied earbud headphones was that after a few minutes of sitting inside my ears they began to physically irritate and hurt my ears. Their sound quality was ok but overall they left much to be desired. Instead of using the earbuds I ended up using a small pair of the old style, over the head and over the ears headphones that came with an inexpensive ($29) portable Sony AM/FM/TV band audio Walkman that I had recently purchased for using at football games. This is only a temporary solution and I will be looking to purchase a high sound quality brand of mini headphones with a similar design as my Sony brand. If the supplied iPod earbuds don't work for you then expect to spend from fifteen to one hundred dollars for a better set of low power compliant replacement headphones that use the mini-stereo jack.
The biggest surprise in the iPod Nano package was the quality of and ease of use of the iTunes software. The iTunes music player along with Quicktime video player is basically Apple's answer to the Microsoft Media Player. If you already own a newer Mac computer running a 10.x OS then you are already familiar with Apple's intuitive design, ease of use, and built in iPod integration. For Windows XP users like me you will be in for a treat. After giving up on playing MP3 and other media formats on my PC I have started listening to MP3 music again. Apple has thought through almost every aspect of their media software and have created one of most impressive programs for the PC that I have used. The iTunes program also nicely integrates with the Apple iTunes website where you may purchase and download thousands of songs for your listening pleasure. Connecting your iPod to its supplied USB connection chord automatically launches the previously installed iTunes software and automatically syncs and transfers your iTunes file and song play list to the iPod device's file and song play list. The Nano's USB chord is the only method used to supply power to recharge the Nano's internal battery. You must purchase a separate USB power adapter ($29) if you want to recharge the iPod without using a computer with a USB port.
One of the biggest gripes about the Nano is how easily its shiny finish and display window scratches and this has actually generated a class action lawsuit against Apple claiming it to be a major design flaw. Apple claims that the scratch problem only effects a small percentage of Nano devices and that the problem is no worse than with previous versions of iPod devices. My suggestion is that you immediately purchase a protective cover or case along with your Nano so that you can protect it from this problem. Purchase a very high quality cover for the Nano such as a protective leather case from Pacific Design ($34.99) or a fully water proof, dirt proof, shock and drop proof enclosure from OtterBox ($39.95). Also, I do not recommend putting the iPod Nano in your pants pocket or along with keys or other gadgets since the color LCD display has been reported by some owners to crack or break under moderate force.
PROS: It is a compact, state of the art, digital media storage, image viewer and music playback device in an unbelievably tiny package It has a trend setting design, great sound quality, no moving parts, sharp and clear LCD color display, decent battery life, and includes the excellent iTunes and Quicktime software for integrating with your PC or Mac. It stores up to 500 songs for 2GB model and up to 1000 songs for the 4GB model.
CONS: It is fragile and scratch prone compared to previous iPods or other MP3 players. Many expensive accessories must be purchased to protect and fully utilize the Nano media device including a high quality protective case, better headphones, and an external power charger. The storage capacity may be limiting for some people. Although it can display images it does not play video media.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Expect to spend at least $100 or more for your extra accessories in addition to the original cost of Apple's iPod Nano package. If you are a previous iPod or MP3 music device owner you may want to consider the 4GB iPod Nano instead. After you invest more money for the essential Nano accessories that extra $50 for the 4GB Nano model to double the storage capacity is going to seem like a bargain. Because of the fragility of this device I would not recommend it for younger children and instead go with a less expensive iPod Shuffle and also take note of my volume level advice. As with any MP3 player users should keep the volume at medium or low settings and try not to use it for much longer than one hour (up to two hours maximum) per day since using music devices such as these with the in ear style headphones for long periods of time at higher volume levels can cause permanent hearing loss (this is especially a problem when using the earbud style of headphones). If you want to use your iPod in loud environments such as when traveling on a train or bus consider purchasing a set of compact noise cancelling headphones. There are also serious safety risks associated with using any music device such as an iPod with headphones while running, biking, or driving a motor vehicle on a public roadway.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Apple's current version of the iPod Nano is one of the most truly awesome music and media players available and its sound quality, design, and software are state of the art but when adding in the extra cost of essential accessories and the device's questionable durability I am only able to give it a value rating of FOUR out of FIVE STARS.
Description of Apple iPod nano 2 GB Black (1st Generation) OLD MODELIncludes: earbud headphones, USB cable, dock adapter, & iTunes for Mac and Windows. Apple 2GB iPod nano - Come one, come all and witness the incredible shrinking iPod! With the nano, Apple introduces the latest member of the highly successful iPod family of digital audio players. The nano is aptly named since it's a fraction of the size of it's larger iPod cousins. It has the width of a pencil and comes in at a feather-light 1.5 ounces. For Apple's next trick, they've taken this new diminutive iPod and added all of the features of a regular iPod. You get a bright full color display, Apple's famous click wheel, and up to 14 hours of battery life. With that said, take a peek behind the curtain and be amazed at the rest of what the iPod nano has to offer. Connector for optional dock Stereo Minijack Hold Switch Charge Time - about 3 hours (1.5 hour fast charge to 80% capacity) Audio Support - AAC (16 to 320 Kbps) / Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store) / MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps) / MP3 VBR / Audible (formats 2, 3, & 4) / Apple Lossless / WAV / AIFF Photo Support - JPEG / BMP / GIF / TIFF / PSD (Mac only) / PNG Sync & Charge via USB Cable Adjust audiobook playback speed Create multiple on-the-go playlists Shuffle songs or albums Repeat one or all 20 Equalizer settings Backlight Timer Display Contrast Alarm - On / Off / Silent Sleep Timer Date & Time Display time in menu bar Color - Black Supports - Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later, Mac OS X v10.3.4 or later Unit Dimensions - 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 Unit Weight - 1.5 ounces
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