first take Apple's second generation iPod Nano looks and feels better than the original, and comes in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions.
As expected, Apple announced the second-generation iPod Nano, and, yes, it does have a maximum capacity of 8GB. That brings it in line with the current market rate--before today, the 4GB iPod Nano cost as much as larger players such as the 8GB SanDisk Sansa e280. Well, here's Apple's retort, and while the new Nano still doesn't play video, it is much improved in many ways, including the price, which gives you twice the gigabytes for the same price. The 2GB model will cost AU$219, the 4GB AU$299, and the 8GB AU$380.
The second-gen iPod Nano looks and feels better. Its body is now made of anodised aluminum, rather than the scratch-prone polycarbonate of the original. It's also thinner, believe it or not. Five new bright colours bring us back to the iPod Mini days: silver (2GB/4GB), green (4GB), pink (4GB), blue (4GB), and black (8GB)--thinner, more durable, and colourful.
What's more, you get up to a rated 24 hours of battery life now, plus gapless playback of audio files (like in the new 5G iPod and iTunes 7). Other features include instant search by first letter, the "new and improved" headphones, and a 40 percent brighter screen. Even the iPod Nano packaging is improved, with 52 percent less volume.
So, in addition to the boost in capacity, the new Nano is all about improvement: improved durability, sleekness, and battery; some wish-list features such as gapless playback; and of course, an array of colour choices. While the value of this model isn't as great as for the AU$499 80GB iPod (and you can get the much thicker but more feature filled SanDisk for a similar price), the thin design and incremental improvements should continue the Nano's claim as the world's most popular player. We will update our opinion once we get our hands on one.
For more from Apple's announcement, read our first takes of the updated 5G iPod, Shuffle and iTunes 7.
Apple iPod Nano (2nd generation)
Company: Apple
RRP: AU$219
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