iPod News and Reviews

iPod nano Video and Music Player is FAT!

Finally, a fresh new design for the popular Apple iPod nano player. But that's not all, the new iPod nano now plays video on its two-inch display with 320x240 resolution. As usual, Steve Jobs and Apple come up with a product that will sell like crazy this holiday season. And yes, the iPod nano is fat, or wider than previous iPod nanos, but it should be great for watching movies, TV shows and music videos on-the-go.

The new iPod nano video and music player also features Apple's Cover Flow, which allows you to scroll through your entire music collection by album cover artwork using the Click Wheel.  For the casual gamer, iPod nano also includes three games - iQuiz, the entertainment trivia game, Vortex, a fast-paced 360 degree brick-bashing game, and Klondike, the popular solitaire card game, plus more games can be purchased from the online iTunes Store. You'll get up to an estimated 24 hours of audio playback or five hours of video playback on a single charge.

New iPod nano gets new colors and 24 hour battery life

Steve Jobs broke the Apple news today, announcing the new iPod nano will be available in aluminum silver, pink, green, blue and black.  Apple's all-new iPod nano with aluminum body also has 24 hours of battery life and more than twice the music capacity for the same price as the previous generation. The new iPod nano features Apple’s innovative Click Wheel and an even smaller, thinner and lighter design.

“iPod nano is the world’s most popular digital music player, and we’ve completely redesigned it to make it even better,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “The all-new iPod nano gives music fans more of what they love in their iPods—twice the storage capacity at the same price, an incredible 24 hour battery life and a gorgeous aluminum design in five brilliant colors.”

H2O Audio for iPod nano Waterproof Case

Don't leave your Apple iPod nano on the beach when your ready to take a swim this summer. A new waterproof iPod nano case called H2O Audio for iPod nano has been launched to protect your iPod nano in all weather conditions.

"Everyone from surfers, wakeboarders, water skiers, and swimmers to joggers and snowboarders can now strap on an H2O Audio for iPod nano using an armband or swim belt and take their soundtrack into their favourite activity regardless of environmental conditions", said Kristian Rauhala, CEO of H2O Audio.

The H2O Audio for ipod nano case offers a secure waterproof housing as well as impact and scratch protection against water, wind, dust and sand. Price? $79.95

iSkin Slims and iSkin DuoBand iPod nano Accessories

Two new iPod nano accessories have been introduced by iSkin Inc. iSkin Slims and iSkin DuoBand combine to offer a stylish double layer of water, sweat and shock resistant protection for Apple’s iPod nano.

The iSkin slims and iSkin DuoBand are designed specifically for the new iPod nano, the two new products help to protect, transport, and accessorize Apple’s slim iPod nano digital music player during athletic activities.

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The iSkin DuoBand caters specifically to exercise enthusiasts, serving as a portable case for the iPod nano that can be worn stress-free during workouts. Protecting the device with a double layer of polycarbonate and silicone, the DuoBand is completely sweat resistant—perfect for high-intensity aerobic workouts. The one-size-fits-all armband is available in either black or pink, and features a reflective strip to offer protection to users who prefer to exercise outdoors during the evening. Finally, the DuoBand’s outer polycarbonate layer grants the user full access to both the device’s digital screen and click wheel, allowing users to easily change songs or scroll through their music library during workouts.

Available in either a clear or pink skin, the iSkin DuoBand’s inner protective layer is engineered using high-grade 100% silicone, offering an extra layer of shock-absorbing protection to the user’s iPod nano device. For users who want to make a stronger statement, iSkin slims silicone protective layers can be paired with the iSkin DuoBand, allowing individual users chose different color combinations to create customized looks that accentuate their active lifestyles.

Both the iSkin DuoBand and the iSkin slims are slim and lightweight so as to complement the unique aesthetics of the Apple iPod nano device. Additional information about either product is available online at www.iSkin.com for $29.99 each.

DLO nanoTune Handheld FM Transmitter, Radio, and Headphone Amp for iPod nano

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) ,makers of iPod accessories like the TransPod and HomeDock, have introduced the DLO nanoTune for iPod nano. It combines an FM Transmitter, FM Radio and Headphone Amplifier into one convenient unit. The nanoTune’s FM Transmitter allows owners to play their iPod nano’s music in the car, at home, anywhere there’s a stereo. It also adds an FM radio to the iPod nano for on-the-go news, sports and weather updates. Other unique features include a headphone amplifier, an integrated  protective case that doubles as a desktop stand, and a 30-pin iPod connector for use with all existing iPod car chargers and most iPod docks.

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The DLO nanoTune plays iPod nano’s music wirelessly over any available FM radio frequency from 88.1 to 107.9. Drivers and passengers can enjoy iPod nano’s music on their next road trip or commute to work. The at-a-glance backlit LCD conveniently displays the current frequency. The nanoTune works with all existing iPod car chargers to keep everything fully powered. With nanoTune’s integrated desktop stand, users can also set it on their stereo and enjoy iPod nano’s music wirelessly in their house.

With a push of nano Tune’s Mode button, the nanoTune switches to FM Radio Mode - providing instant news, talk, sports and weather updates. The nanoTune is also the perfect companion for the health club or gym where TV audio is often broadcast via FM radio.

Switching to iPod Mode, the nanoTune increases the iPod nano’s volume output by over 25%. This makes listening to the iPod in noisy locations like a train or airplane much easier. The boost also helps out when the iPod nano is being shared with a headphone splitter.

As an added bonus, the nanoTune re-positions the iPod nano’s headphone port to the top of the unit, making headphone access more convenient. Owners can control their iPod nano using the nanoTune’s external controls, including Next Track, Previous Track, and Volume Control.

“The nanoTune might be the only accessory an iPod nano owner will ever need,” said Jeff Grady, CEO of DLO. “In designing the product, we realized that protecting the nano was critical. Then, with a transmitter, FM radio and headphone amp, we were working with an end-all, be-all nano accessory.”

Pricing and Availability: The DLO nanoTune Transmitter/FM Radio/Headphone Amplifier costs $69.99 and is available now. For more info please visit www.dlo.com.

1 GB iPod Nano

Good news for those on a budget. You can buy a 1 GB iPod nano for $149 from Apple that has most of the same features as the 2GB and 4GB iPod nano models. The difference is the 1GB iPod nano holds up to 240 songs or 15,000 photos, less than the first two ipod nanos, but still pretty good for this new lower price.

The 1GB white and black models of iPod nano for Mac or Windows are available worldwide immediately for a suggested retail price of $149 (US), through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. All iPod nano models include earbud headphones, a USB 2.0 cable, case and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows computers.

Apple also announced a price drop for the iPod shuffle 512MB and 1GB models which will go for $69 and $99 respectively.

Apple iPod nano Lanyard Headphones Review

iLounge has a review of the $39 Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano, and though they found the headphones and "rope" design functional, they were not happy with the price tag. iLounge has some good photos of the Lanyard Headphones connected to the iPod nano as well.

Pros: A simple combination of standard Apple iPod earbuds with a white fabric lanyard necklace and a chrome attachment for the iPod nano. Easy to adjust, minimalist design will likely match all users’ fashion needs.

Cons: Surprisingly high price, even by Apple and standard iPod accessory standards. Nothing special about either the earphones or the lanyard.

read Apple Lanyard Headphones for iPod nano review

Review of iPod nano - BusinessWeek

Respected business news outfit BusinessWeek has a review of iPod nano on Business Week Online. In fact they give the Apple ipod nano music player 4 out of 5 stars in the ipod nano review. All together, this is a well done article that might convince you, or not, to buy an iPod Nano.

The Good: Loads of music in a small package, bright color screen
The Bad: Screen prone to scratches, oddly placed headphone jack
The Bottom Line: Excellent new iPod, so light that you hardly know it's there

read BusinessWeek's ipod nano review

iPod nano review

USA Today's Edward C.Baig wrote an iPod nano review, saying "Tiny iPod nano bursts with impressive features."  He was impressed with its size, looks, and features.

iPod nano review Excerpt:

Fast-forward several days. I'm on a plane, using a Nano. Each passenger in my row sported an iPod of his or her own — the traditional full-size model. I couldn't help but notice how they would sneak envious peeks at the tantalizingly small iPod model on my tray. The Nano measures just 3.5-by-1.6-by-0.27 inches.

I was surprised by my own reaction as I glanced back at my row-mates' iPods. Those players seemed so, well, chunky and antiquated. And I say this as an unabashed devotee of the bigger iPods. read more | USA Today

Jon Gales iPod nano Review

Calling himself an "Apple guy and a gadget nut", Jon Gales of MobileTracker shares his opinion about the iPod nano in a review on MacMerc.com where he says, "The iPod nano is the coolest thing I own bar none."

"The minute I heard about the iPod nano, I knew I couldn't look at my mini the same. I actually heard about it later than most of you, since I was on a flight to New York during the announcement. When I heard about it from the Engadget guys at a party that night, I quickly plotted a trip to the SoHo Apple Store the next morning. To my surprise they had no units, but I was able to pick one up at my local store this morning."

read Jon Gales iPod nano review