New iPods - First Thoughts

Michael Gartenberg | September 13, 2006, 03:49 PM

Some thoughts on using the new iPod Nano and updated services on the 5G. First the nano. I have an 8gb Black one here and it is nothing short of wonderful. The new packaging lets you see the product up front and retailers will love it as it takes up less space which wil let them stock the multiple color skus more easily. The new Aluminum case feels great and sturdy, even though amazingly the nano is even thinner than last years model. Screen is bright and crisp and ipod stuff works as you thnik it well. This os a nice refresh of a hit for Apple.

I don't have a new 5/ unit yet but updated my travel 60gb unit and then downloaded a movie and a few games. Downloading pirates took about an hour over hotel broadband and transferred seamlessly. No glitches or problems. Games are excellent and the ipod makes an excellent platform for casual games. tetris, bejeweled, pacman and vortex all played nicely and the ipod screen was nice and crisp. Wish they would ring this over to the nano.

Fanboys might disappointed that there wasn't a larger screen for movies but i think apple made the right choice and kept even the 80gb pocketable. Overall, a great refresh of the line.