Apple iPod nano (4th gen) review

Apple iPod nano (4th gen) Review

Reviewed by: Donald Bell

Reviewed on: 11 September 2008

The fourth-generation iPod nano also adds the same tilt-sensor found in the iPhone and iPod touch, which allows for some interesting control tricks. Giving the iPod nano a vigorous shake, for instance, puts the music player into shuffle mode. Causal shaking caused by running or exercising isn't enough to trigger the nano's shuffle mode, and you can always deactivate the shake-to-shuffle feature under the iPod's setting menu or by engaging the hold switch.

The new tilt sensor is also useful for activating the iPod's Cover Flow music view when turning the device on its side (a feature nicked from the iPhone). The iPod nano also flips the orientation of video playback depending on which direction you prefer to turn the screen. Lefties rejoice! Unfortunately, we found it a little confusing to use the iPod's scroll wheel controls while holding the player sideways for video playback. You get accustomed to it, but it seems like an inelegant design solution coming from an interface-savvy company like Apple.

Apple makes it easier to make voice recordings on this model by allowing microphone input through its headphone jack. You'll have to shell out for an Apple-approved headset, however, because our tests so far show that even iPhone-compatible headsets (Monster Beats, Etymotic HF2) won't work in this manner, while Apple's bundled iPhone headset worked like a charm.

The earbuds bundled with the fourth-generation iPod nano are unchanged from previous models and do not include an inline microphone, either. Apple plans to begin selling compatible headphones with inline controls and voice recording microphones in October of this year.

A single, seamless section of aluminium wraps around the nano's entire body

An unprecedented feature found only on the fourth-generation nano is the capability for vision-impaired users to hear menu, selection and playback information read to them in a synthesised voice. You can enable this feature through iTunes, which generates the synthesised voice information and transfers it to your iPod nano.

Before you run off to buy a nano for everyone on your Christmas wish list, consider this caveat: whoever uses the nano (or any iPod) will be required to install and use iTunes. No other piece of software has equalled iTunes in both praise and scorn from CNET's users. Some argue that iTunes is a top-notch media library tool and online music store, while others become infuriated by the software's insatiable demand for system resources and frequent updates.

Whatever side of the iTunes debate you take, know that iTunes 8 is a mandatory install for the fourth-generation iPod nano. If you haven't used iTunes before or haven't upgraded the software in a while, we strongly recommend giving the new software a spin before committing to a new iPod.

Performance
Speed and usability are better than ever, but sound quality and battery life haven't budged. In fact, Apple has lowered its battery life expectations for video playback from five hours to four hours, maintaining the same 24-hour mark for music playback. Historically, Apple's iPod battery estimates tend to be conservative.

Apple doesn't seem motivated to meddle with the sound quality of the iPod or introduce any new sound-enhancement settings beyond its traditional slew of equaliser presets. While the iPod nano doesn't offer the sonic richness and advanced EQ settings of a Sony or Cowon MP3 player, it does sound balanced and should please most listeners.

Like all iPods, the fourth-generation nano supports playback for MP3, AAC (including protected files), Audible, WAV, AIFF and Apple Lossless. The nano still doesn't support WMA music files, but you can always convert your WMA tracks to MP3 within Apple's iTunes software.