Product Review: 16GB IPod Nano Fourth Generation

Early September 2008, Apple did what thousands had been anticipating, and they launched a new line of iPod Nano's - the fourth generation of the model. This new iPod is has a new design and larger screen, and comes in capacities up to 16GB.

If you're looking at purchasing an iPod for the first time, or if you think it's time to update your current iPod, then read on. Below is a review of the new Apple iPod Nano fourth generation, it's new features, design, and screen, as well as complaints that current owners have about the device.

Body

The body of this device is unlike any other iPod Nano. It features tapered edges, a design that makes it fit in with the Macbook Air. The body of the device is incredibly thin, and the special tapering at the edges makes it appear even thinner than it is - it measures in at slightly less than 1/4" in thickness.

The device is now available in nine different, bright colors: black, gray, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and magenta. The colors are bright, and are reminiscent back to the days of the iPod Mini.

The screen is larger than it has been on any other Nano, and it runs nearly edge to edge on the device, following the tapers of the design. The click wheel is the same as it has been for many generations now, and the headphone port is located at the top.

Features

The fourth generation iPod Nano features the ability to play videos, a follow up feature from the third generation device. It supports H.264 and MPEG4 file video types, both of which are Mac friendly and cross platform. It also supports pictures in the following formats: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG, and Mac PSD. Audio support includes: AAC, DRM AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless format, WAV, AIFF, and Audible audiobooks.

The device features a 2" LCD display that is illuminated with an LED backlight, which allows for a long battery life. The screen resolution is at a fairly high 320 x 240 pixels. Battery life is rated at 24 hours for audio playback, four hours for video playback (which isn't as good as some other players, but still very nice).

Sound Quality

Sound quality is as it is with any other iPod. Not top of the tier, but certainly very good.