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iPod Nano

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iPod nano
ManufacturerApple Inc.
TypeDigital audio player
LifespanSeptember 7, 2005-present
MediaFirst generation: 1, 2 or 4 GB Flash
Second generation: 2, 4, or 8 GB Flash
Operating systemiPod nano 1.3 (first generation)
iPod nano 1.1.2 (second generation)
CPUPortalPlayer PP5021-TDC (first generation)
Apple ARM (second generation)
Display1.5" LCD
176×132 resolution
InputClick wheel and hold switch
ConnectivityUSB 2.0
FireWire (charging only)
Power340 mAh lithium-polymer battery

The iPod nano is Apple's fourth digital audio player combining features of both the iPod shuffle and iPod. It was introduced on September 7 2005,[1] replacing the iPod mini, which was discontinued on the same day. The replacement of the mini took Apple-related websites and the press completely by surprise since, although there were rumors about a new flash memory-based iPod, there was no prior notice of the popular mini being discontinued.

Work on development of the new design of the iPod nano started only nine months before the launch date.[2] The iPod nano has more flash memory storage than is used in the iPod shuffle and has a miniaturized version of the color screen and click wheel found on the full-sized iPods. The screen also has a higher resolution than the old grayscale iPod, allowing one more line of text than the mini's screen. The battery and other internal parts were also reduced in size. The surface of the click wheel is slightly textured, allowing greater tactile feedback for out-of-sight operation.[2] Unlike other players in the iPod family, the iPod nano has a headphone-out situated in the bottom right of the player.

First generation

Size comparison of a first-generation iPod nano and standard-sized mouse.

Advertising emphasizes the iPod nano's Italic textsssmalllll size

it is 1.6 inches (40 mm) wide, 3.5 inches (90 mm) long, 0.27 inches (6.9 mm) thick and weighs 1.5 ounces (42 grams). Its stated battery life is up to 14 hours. The screen is 176 x 132 pixels, 1.5 inches (38 mm) diagonal, and can display 65,536 colors (16-bit color).[1]

Instead of the hard disk used in other iPods, the Nano uses a flash drive. With no moving parts besides the click wheel, the iPod nano is immune to skipping because of this change.

Features

The iPod nano works with iTunes on Mac OS X or Microsoft Windows (third-party software is available for platforms that Apple does not support). It connects through the same proprietary dock connector as the third-generation iPod, the fourth-generation iPod, and the iPod mini, using a USB 2.0 port on the user's computer. Although it uses the same connection as Apple's FireWire iPod Cable and can charge its battery over FireWire, the iPod nano does not support synchronizing over a FireWire connection. The iPod nano includes a stop watch and a multiple time zone clock function. There is also a combination lock feature that makes use of the click wheel to lock the iPod, and serves to secure the user's calendar and contact information. It was also the first iPod to include a new lyrics screen, modifiable using iTunes.

Colors and pricing

The nano was launched in two colors (black or white) with two available sizes: 2 GB (roughly 500 songs) for US$199 and 4 GB (1000 songs) for US$249[1]. On February 7 2006, Apple updated the lineup with the 1 GB model (240 songs) sold at US$149.[3] Apple also released some accessories, including armbands and silicone "tubes" designed to bring color to the nano and protect it from scratches, as well as a combination lanyard-earphone accessory that hangs around the neck, and avoids the problem of tangling earphone cords.

Black first-generation iPod nano.

Endurance

Testing by technology-enthusiast website Ars Technica has shown that even after being sat on, dropped by a jogger, dropped four times from a car moving at various speeds, then being driven over twice by said car, and finally dropped from nine feet onto concrete, the unit's screen was damaged but it could still play music. The unit finally stopped playing music after being thrown 40 feet into the air and landing on concrete.[4]

Nike+iPod

Nike+iPod, released May 23 2006, is one of the many accessories designed specifically for the iPod nano. The advantages of the Nike+iPod is to sync information including the distance traveled, running pace, or burned calories to the Nike+ website.

On October 19 2006, new features were added to the Nike+ website, including the ability to name runs. Forums were also added, allowing users to meet and challenge other runners, ask questions, and give feedback.

Nike+iPod is compatible with all iPod nanos, regardless of generation.

Electronics

The iPod nano uses general-purpose integrated circuits (IC) instead of smaller, low cost custom developed chips, possibly to reduce time-to-market. This design, however, increases the number of electronic components and increases the cost. Japanese engineers estimated the component cost of the 2 GB nano as between JP¥22000 and JP¥27000 (US$185-US$227), which is high compared to the retail price of JP¥21800 (US$183). The cost of 2 GB NAND flash memory is about JP¥14000 (US$118). Apple also opted for the 0603 (0.6 x 0.3 mm) surface mount technology which was just beginning widespread use in mobile phones in 2005.[5]

Consumer reactions

File:Ipod nano box.jpg
The first generation iPod nano packaging.
The size of the package was reduced 50% with the introduction of the second generation.[6]

The initial consumer response to the iPod nano was overwhelmingly positive and sales were heavy.[7] The nano sold its first 1 million units in only 17 days, helping Apple to a record billion-dollar profit in 2005.[8]

Apple's release of the iPod nano as a replacement for the iPod mini was viewed by many as a risky move.[citation needed] The mini was not only Apple's most popular MP3 player, it was still the world's best-selling player up to the end of its lifespan; and sales of the mini did not appear to be slowing down. Steve Jobs has argued that the iPod nano is a necessary risk since competitors are beginning to catch up to the iPod mini in terms of design and features, and believes the iPod nano will prove to be even more popular and successful than the iPod mini.

Within days of the nano's release, some users reported damage to the nano, suggesting that the LCD screen had become so scratched that it was unreadable, even when the backlight was on. Many have reported fine scratches on their nano caused by microfiber cloths. Other owners reported that their nano's screen cracked with no provocation.[9] On September 27 2005, Apple confirmed a small percentage ("less than 1/10 of 1 percent") of iPod nanos shipped with a faulty screen and agreed to replace any nanos with cracked screens, but denied the iPod nano was more susceptible to scratching than prior iPods.[10] Apple started shipping iPod nanos with a protective sleeve to protect them from scratches. In October 2005, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple, with the plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for the device, legal fees, and "unlawful or illegal profits" from sales of the iPod nano. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim that the devices "scratch excessively during normal usage, rendering the screen on the nanos unreadable, and violating state consumer protection statutes".[11] Similar lawsuits were later filed in Mexico and the United Kingdom.[12] Some commentators such as BusinessWeek's Arik Hesseldahl have criticized the lawsuits. Hesseldahl dismissed them as "stupid" and suggested that they benefitted "no one but the trial lawyers," but also suggested that Apple could have avoided litigation by offering "full refunds on unwanted nanos" instead of charging a re-stocking fee and lengthening the return period from 14 days (when purchased through Apple retail or online) to 30 or 60 days.[13]

Criticisms

Unlike previous iPods, the iPod nano does not synchronize or connect over FireWire. Also, the lack of the remote connector found on the top of many previous models means that a number of third-party accessories do not work with the iPod nano. However, manufacturers have adapted and now primarily utilize the dock connector port. The 1st generation iPod nano did not support voice recording, although the 2nd generation functions with third-party recording attachments. It does not function with either Apple's iPod Camera Connector or other camera connectors from third-party manufacturers.[14]

Second generation

The second generation iPod nano. Shown is the 4GB blue model.
The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition is available in 4GB and 8GB varieties.

On September 12, 2006, Apple updated the nano line. The second-generation nano features scratch-resistant, brushed aluminum casing like the earlier mini's design; the multiple color choices (green, silver, black, pink, blue) mirror that of the mini as well. However, unlike the second-generation mini, the button labels do not match the color of the nano. Instead, they are gray, like the first-generation mini. The second-generation nano features "a brighter, more vibrant display",[15] a battery life upgrade (from 14 to 24 hours), and doubled storage options with the new two, four, and eight-gigabyte models (compared to the previous one, two, and four-gigabyte models). The new iPod nanos also support gapless playback of audio files, a new search option, and a 40% brighter screen. A reduction in pricing was made, with the entry level 2 GB at US$149, a 4 GB model for US$199, and an 8 GB model for US$249. The 2 GB model is available in silver only. The 4 GB is available in green, blue, silver, pink, or red. The 8 GB model is available in black or red.

On October 13 2006, Apple announced a special edition iPod nano Product Red, with a red exterior and four gigabytes of storage. For each red iPod nano sold in the United States, Apple donates US$10 to the Product Red initiative, while retaining the regular price of US$199.[16] On November 3 2006, Apple introduced an eight gigabyte model, due to "outstanding customer demand", while also retaining the US$249 price point of the black model with an equally large storage capacity.[17]

Colors and pricing

Model Color Price
2 GB Silver US$149
4 GB Silver / Green / Blue / Pink / Red US$199
8 GB Black / Red US$249

Endurance

Ars Technica conducted similar tests on the second generation nano as they did on the first generation. In their tests, the screen did not last as long; although the nano kept working, its screen was damaged after one hard drop on concrete. A subsequent trip through a washing machine also failed to kill it, although it did require two days to dry out before coming fully back to life.[18]

References

  1. ^ a b c Apple (September 7, 2005). "Apple Introduces iPod nano". Apple press release. Retrieved 2006-12-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b Lev Grossman (September 12, 2005). "Stevie's Little Wonder". TIME. Retrieved 2006-10-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Apple (February 7, 2006). "Apple Unveils New 1GB iPod nano at $149". Apple press release. Retrieved 2006-12-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Jacqui Cheng (September 11, 2005). "iPod nano". Ars Technica. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ Hirotaka Itoh (December 2005). "Looking Inside iPod nano, Game Boy Micro". Nikkei Electronics Asia. Retrieved 2005-12-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "Apple and the Environment". Apple.com. Retrieved 2006-10-22.
  7. ^ Michelle Myers (September 10, 2005). "Apple store buzzes with Nano fever". CNet. Retrieved 2005-09-15.
  8. ^ Daniel Drew Turner (October 11, 2005). "Apple Hits $1 Billion in Profit for 2005". eWeek. Retrieved 2006-01-03.
  9. ^ Larry Angell (September 25, 2005). "iPod nano screen complaints abound". iLounge. Retrieved 2005-09-27.
  10. ^ Jim Dalrymple (September 27, 2005). "Apple responds to iPod nano screen concerns". Macworld. Retrieved 2005-09-28.
  11. ^ Kasper Jade (October 21, 2005). "iPod nano owners sue Apple over screen issues". AppleInsider. Retrieved 2005-10-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ "Nano lawsuit goes international". BBC News. November 8, 2005. Retrieved 2006-05-10.
  13. ^ Arik Hesseldahl (October 27, 2005). "iPod nano Lawsuits: Who Wins?". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2005-11-08.
  14. ^ Horwitz, Jeremy (September 7, 2005) "Super First Look: Apple Computer iPod nano". iLounge.
  15. ^ Apple (September 12, 2006). "Apple Introduces the New iPod nano". Apple press release. Retrieved 2006-12-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Apple (October 13, 2006). "Apple Announces iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition". Apple press release. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
  17. ^ Apple (November 3, 2006). "Apple Announces New 8GB Model of iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition". Apple press release. Retrieved 2007-01-07.
  18. ^ Jacqui Cheng (September 17, 2006). "iPod nano (second-generation)". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2006-10-21.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to iPod nano.
Wikinews has related news:
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