Buying an iPod Nano

Is the iPod Nano right for you?

There are many options nowadays when it comes to MP3 players. The Apple iPod Nano clearly has its strong suits, but it also has its weaknesses. It is not for everyone, though many are in love with their Nanos and rightfully so.

Pros

• Size: There may be smaller music players out there, but the iPod nano is by far one of the thinnest. The pictures that you see up on the internet do not give it justice, because the Nano is a mere 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inches and 1.5 ounces. Apple CEO Steve Jobs has been quoted as saying that this tiny music player is "impossibly small" and "magic."

• Storage: The iPod nano makes use of solid-state flash memory. What this means is that there are no moving parts, and as a result, the tunes will not "skip" in the way that a CD player would if you happen to jostle it. You may find other portable music players that have higher storage capacities, but these typically make use of miniature hard drives instead -- including the iPod Video, for example -- and as such, have moving parts.

Note: There are three versions of the iPod Nano available. They are all functionally identical. The only difference is the amount of storage they contain. The 1GB (240 songs) Nano is $149; the 2GB (500 songs) is $199; and the 4GB (1000 songs) is $249. These prices are from the official Apple Store (U.S.)

• Interface: The menu system in the iPod Nano is identical to previous generations of Apple's audio player. You'll find the same "Click Wheel" here as well, although a slightly smaller version of it. Despite its smaller size, the Nano's click wheel is just as easy and efficient to use as its bigger brethren.

• Display: The full color display on the iPod Nano is crystal clear and absolutely beautiful. The colors are vibrant and the resolution is crisp.

• Battery Life: The Nano can last 14 hours on a single charge, given ideal conditions. Excessive fiddling through the menu and leaving the backlight on will obviously reduce this figure, but this iPod still goes on strong for most of your day, even if you have it playing the entire time.

Cons

• Fragile: The iPod Nano is not suitable for people who tend to drop things, and it is definitely not appropriate for younger children. Unlike the virtually indestructible iPod Mini before it, the Nano is incredibly delicate. As such, it is important to take great care when handling your Nano.

• Scratches: The face of the iPod Nano, especially the glossy black version, is prone to scratches. It doesn't take much to mar the mirror-like finish on this audio player. It is in your best interest to purchase some form of protective case for your iPod Nano if you plan on keeping it in as pristine a shape as possible.

• Size: One of the Nano's greatest strengths is at the same time one of its greatest weaknesses, depending on the owner. Because of its incredibly thin design and small size, it is easy to forget that you have it in your pocket, for example. Jump into the pool, or put your pants through the wash, and you have essentially flushed $200 (or more) down the toilet.

• Screen: Although I have not personally experienced this problem, there have been reports that the screen on the iPod Nano can unexpectedly freeze or easily break under normal use.

Where to Buy an iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is very popular, and as such, there are many avenues you can take to acquire one.

Retail Stores

The most obvious route is to run into your local electronics store. Most big box stores -- like Best Buy or Walmart -- will carry Apple products, and most likely will have iPod Nanos in ready supply. You can sometimes find deals, coupons, and such to lower your purchase price, but expect to go through the usual song and dance with the salesperson when it comes time for him/her to pitch the "protection plan."

Online Stores

If you prefer to avoid face-to-face contact and are comfortable with online shopping, online stores may be a better option. You can buy directly from Apple via the Apple Store, as well as online retailers like Amazon.com. Most websites offer free shipping if you purchase a certain amount, and generally the iPod Nano is expensive enough to take advantage of those offers.

Auctions and Classifieds

The least expensive option is also the most risky. You can probably pick up an iPod Nano on eBay or other online auction and classified sites for a substantially cheaper price than that of more conventional means. Bear in mind that used Nanos may have problems that the seller is not mentioning, and "new" ones being sold online through shady retailers may either be stolen or illegitimate. Buyer beware, as always.

A Final Word

Not everyone needs 4GB of storage space, so don't be tempted to buy a higher capacity music player just because everyone else is or it seems more "worth it" to do so. If you know that you can be a bit of a klutz, you may want to consider a sturdier player because hardy the Nano is not. The Nano does not come with much included in the box (just a dock adapter, USB cable and headphones), so you may need to invest in a protective case, armband, or other accessories -- these quickly add up and Apple knows it. There are many, many accessories available for iPods.

Generally speaking, if you want a fairly high capacity music player in a sleek, small package, the iPod Nano is a good choice.