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Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen

According to Apple the iPod Nano is the most successful portable music player in history. Up until now the device lacked many of the features found in its bigger sibling. The new generation of iPod Nanos remain smaller, thinner but now include video playback and photo viewing features. To accommodate the new display intensive features the form factor of the Nano is substantially different. Known on the street as the "phatpod" the new Nano is wider and stubbier with dimensions coming in at a boxy 2.75 inches high and 2.06 inches wide. The thickness is reduced to a depth of 0.26 inches, or 6.5mm.

Where to Buy

Apple iPod Nano red
MSRP $199.00
Release date September, 2007
Brand Apple
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Pros & Cons16
Reviews44
Details
Buy It
Competitors10
Comments9
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
43 reviews
62
negative
mixed
positive
28 positive
8 mixed
7 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Ridiculously thin
+29agreedisagree

•
Now plays video with a high quality screen
+20agreedisagree

•
Feels just right in your hand.
+19agreedisagree

•
Good capacity and features for the price
+18agreedisagree

•
good gui
+12agreedisagree

•
Cover flow is awesome
+9agreedisagree

•
long battery life
+7agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Battery still not user replaceable.
+19agreedisagree

•
The backside is very easily scratched.
+11agreedisagree

•
More expensive than competitors with similar features
+2agreedisagree

•
the position of the hold switch is more cumbersome at the bottom
+1agreedisagree

•
The "manual" is a joke
-2agreedisagree

•
Cover flow is choppy due to less powerful processor
-5agreedisagree

•
screen freezes
-5agreedisagree

•
Some units have a crooked screen (~2mm slant)
-6agreedisagree

•
Chubby form factor looks lame
-13agreedisagree


43 people added to this review by submitting or voting on pros and cons. Add your say!
See individual votes »

Details

The Nano's screen at 320x240 is the same resolution as the fifth generation iPod Video and the iPod Classic. At a screen size of 2.0" Apple states that the Nano's pixel density is the highest in the world. All iPod compatible videos and photos are viewable on the Nano and are accessed with the new "Enhanced" user interface. Apple has upgraded the interface to make full use of the extra screen real estate. Now there is more information and graphics displayed when browsing through the music, photo, and video library. The unique Cover Flow navigation system where you "flip" between albums is also a new addition.

Similar to the bigger iPods custom games are supported on the Nano. Three different games are bundled with the device stored in the memory, with more games available for purchase from the iTunes store.

Despite the new form factor the Nano retains the same data connection port making it compatible with all current iPod accessories. Furthermore a new arm band will be released for runners to use with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit.

Apple rates the battery life for the Nano at 24 hours for audio playback, and 5 hours for video.

iPod Nano Versions

  • 4GB version retails for $149 and comes in only one color: silver.
  • 8GB version retails for $199 and comes in five different colors: black, red, silver, blue, and green.

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This report was started September 5, 2007 at 5:00 pm by Omar
with the last edit occurring November 9, 2009 at 3:55 pm by kamil
This page has been viewed 41604 times, with 476 edits by 56 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 4GB - silver

• Apple iPod nano 4 GB Silver (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL

• iPod nano 3rd Generation 4GB MP3 Player - Silver

UPC: 885909164622

EAN: 784090090997

MPN: MA978LLA

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 8GB - black

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (3rd Generation) OLD MODEL

• iPod nano 3rd Generation 8GB MP3 Player - Black

UPC: 885909189571

EAN: 885909189571

MPN: MB261LLA

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 8GB - red

• Apple iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition - Digital player - flash 8 GB - AAC, MP3 - video playback - display: 2" - red

• iPod nano Special Edition 3rd Generation 8GB MP3 Player - Red

UPC: 885909189069

EAN: 885909189069

MPN: MB257LLA

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 8GB - green

• Apple iPod Nano 8GB Green - MB253LLA

• iPod nano 3rd Generation 8GB MP3 Player - Green

UPC: 683728124366

EAN: 683728124366

MPN: MB253LLA

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 8GB - blue

• iPod nano 3rd Generation 8GB MP3 Player - Blue

UPC: 885909188031

MPN: MB249LLA

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen | 8GB - pink

• iPod Nano 8GB MP3 Player - Pink

UPC: 840356967912

MPN: MB453LLA

Competitors

Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen is ranked 2nd among it's competitors.  See the top picks in MP3 Players »
Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen

MSRP  $499.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • WiFi access with Web browsing using Safari
  • Amazing multi-Touch interface
  • Accelerometer detects horizontal or vertical position and adjusts display accordingly
Cons
  • Limited codec support
  • No USB mass storage mode (disk mode) so it can't be used to move data around.
  • Small capacities - 8GB or 16GB
ProSCORE
69 reviews
48
Vote! (17 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 35% vs. vote Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen 65%
Creative Zen

Creative Zen

MSRP  $199.00    Released  September, 2007
Pros
  • Large and clear screen
  • Thin and light
  • Great audio quality
Cons
  • Plastic screen scratches very easily
  • Only Plays video encoded at 320x240 resolution.
  • SD slot doesn't integrate well with player
ProSCORE
24 reviews
67
Vote! (15 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 47% vs. vote Creative Zen 53%
SanDisk Sansa Fuze

SanDisk Sansa Fuze

MSRP  $129.99    Released  April, 2008
Pros
  • Built-in micro SD slot for expansion
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Nice design
Cons
  • Video playback is weak
  • Slow responsiveness when skipping tracks
  • Required proprietary dock connection
ProSCORE
12 reviews
77
Vote! (7 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 57% vs. vote SanDisk Sansa Fuze 43%
SanDisk Sansa View

SanDisk Sansa View

MSRP  $149.00    Released  October, 2007
Pros
  • Great GB/$ ratio
  • MicroSD/SDHC expansion slot
  • Large screen size without being bulky
Cons
  • No DivX support
  • No way to cycle quickly through long song lists.
  • Unable to create/edit playlists away from PC
ProSCORE
39 reviews
67
Vote! (17 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 59% vs. vote SanDisk Sansa View 41%
Microsoft Zune 8

Microsoft Zune 8

MSRP  $199.00    Released  November, 2007

Newly introduced with the 2007 lineup of Zunes are the Zune 8 and Zune 4, flash based players that house all the same features as the Zune 80 in a smaller size. The smaller players support all the same media formats, and contain the same WiFi sharing capabilities and syncing. The screen itself has...

ProSCORE
0 reviews
N/A
Vote! (13 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 62% vs. vote Microsoft Zune 8 38%
Archos 405

Archos 405

MSRP  $170.00    Released  August, 2007
Pros
  • inexpensive personal video player
  • SD Flash slot for expanding memory
  • large, high quality 3.5" screen
Cons
  • very little built-in memory - 2 GB
  • mediocre battery life
  • no built-in speaker
ProSCORE
3 reviews
56
Vote! (11 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 64% vs. vote Archos 405 36%
Cowon iAudio 7

Cowon iAudio 7

MSRP  $250.00    Released  --
Pros
  • Fantastic audio quality
  • Very long battery life (60 hours)
  • Controls are easy after you've learned them
Cons
  • Controls take time to learn
  • Thick for a flash based player
  • Under-powered CPU - doesn't like very high bit-rate files
ProSCORE
3 reviews
73
Vote! (9 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 78% vs. vote Cowon iAudio 7 22%
Slacker Portable Player

Slacker Portable Player

MSRP  $199.00    Released  December, 2007
Pros
  • 4" full screen display featuring album art /reviews, artist photos/bios and visualizations
  • Support for MP3, WMA and video as well as "saved" radio tracks
  • Automatically save and refresh personalized stations via Wi-Fi, Satellite or USB
  • Long battery life
  • Deep playlists
Cons
  • Displays ads, unless you pay a monthly fee.
ProSCORE
11 reviews
67
Vote! (8 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 88% vs. vote Slacker Portable Player 12%
iriver clix gen 2

iriver clix gen 2

MSRP  $169.00    Released  April, 2007
Pros
  • FM Radio
  • Plays video (mpeg4)
  • Excellent audio support (mp3, WMA, OGG)
  • Bright, large display (/w custom background, 2.2")
Cons
  • Difficult to transfer video
  • No cradle
ProSCORE
4 reviews
80
Vote! (9 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 89% vs. vote iriver clix gen 2 11%
iriver E100

iriver E100

MSRP  $150.00    Released  March, 2008
Pros
  • eBook reader
  • Built-in speakers
  • Great audio support
Cons
  • Small screen
  • Screen isn't very good
  • Sound quality isn't as good as previous versions
ProSCORE
7 reviews
44
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen 100% vs. vote iriver E100 0%

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Comments

37 taps
show more
1.  avatar Amanie said:

Ok, so the iPod Nano has gone video. Uh...yeah, I definitely want one!
Sep 06, 2007 12:11pm
2.  avatar aspade said:

I bought this for my gf and it's great other than the fact that the wheel is a little too small for my fingers. lol
Oct 04, 2007 4:06pm
3.  avatar krynsky said:

This is the first Ipod I have owned...I was holding out for a small version like this with a nice color screen that played video. This fit the bill and I love it.
Oct 17, 2007 2:32am
4.  avatar hipotecas said:

cheap, bad service, use-unfriendly, expensive, featureless. GET A SANSA VIEW. BUt its still got tons o fake accessories so its AWSOME right?
Jan 14, 2008 11:34pm
5.  avatar Wolfmaan said:

I currently run Linux Fedora Core, an alternative to your standard Windows operating system. I won an iPod Nano 4gb in a contest.

The iPod's size is very impressive. Very small, and very capable.

The only thing I might recommend for the iPod is the otterbox protective case if you are the rugged Indiana Jones type because you will quickly destroy the unit. http://www.otterbox.com
iPod has a nice, sleek, and relatively easy to use interface, and has excellent sound playback quality, even with stock earbuds.

To make iPod 3rd generation work with Fedora Linux, you have to modify a few internal files in the iPod which took about an hour including learning how to do it and make it work with Linux media players like gtkpod and Amarok.
May 26, 2008 5:27pm
6.  avatar bobparker said:

The video is real clear for how small it is. Looking at Vodcasts gave it an almost 3d effect (the talking body in front of the green screen) with the sharpness. Software/syncing is different from the old 'nano' and shuffle. One of the more intersting points is that each device and desktop-iTunes sort differently (where the capitals go, where digits (1,2,3,...) sort, how it handles throw-away ('the'...) - trying to find pod casts can be a challenge. Overall if you like iTunes, and don't need the whole library in one device - this does the job well after 2 weeks for me as an upgrade to the Shuffle (18 months).
Jun 05, 2008 8:51pm
7.  avatar bruce thom said:

Overpriced and overrated - the Sandisk 8gig is head & shoulders above the 3rd gen nano. Does more for less outlay, accepts generic recharger (the iPod needs a dedicated Apple charger) and generic cases. Easier to download CDs from Windows Media Player. A great con job by Apple
Jul 02, 2008 9:09am
8.  avatar cybernaut said:

I picked mine up through Woot for $ 99 - I just use it for podcasts only.
Oct 01, 2008 4:06pm
9.  avatar bruce thom said:

Overpriced and overrated - the Sandisk 8gig is head & shoulders above the 3rd gen nano. Does more for less outlay, accepts generic recharger (the iPod needs a dedicated Apple charger) and generic cases. Easier to download CDs from Windows Media Player. A great con job by Apple
Sep 11, 2009 1:29am
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Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

wendywallflower

avatar
July 11, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
62
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
3 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • Cover flow is awesome
  • long battery life

Cons

  • The backside is very easily scratched.
  • The "manual" is a joke
  • screen freezes

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Wolfmaan

avatar
May 26, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
62
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
3 cons
trustedtrusted
have ithave it
love itlove it
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • Cover flow is awesome

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • The backside is very easily scratched.
  • More expensive than competitors with similar features

Comments

"I currently run Linux Fedora Core, an alternative to your standard Windows operating system. I won an iPod Nano 4gb in a contest.

The iPod's size is very impressive. Very small, and very capable.

The only thing I might recommend for the iPod is the otterbox protective case if you are the rugged Indiana Jones type because you will quickly destroy the unit. http://www.otterbox.com
iPod has a nice, sleek, and relatively easy to use interface, and has excellent sound playback quality, even with stock earbuds.

To make iPod 3rd generation work with Fedora Linux, you have to modify a few internal files in the iPod which took about an hour including learning how to do it and make it work with Linux media players like gtkpod and Amarok."
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

hero06

avatar
June 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
42
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
7 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • The backside is very easily scratched.
  • More expensive than competitors with similar features
  • The "manual" is a joke
  • Cover flow is choppy due to less powerful processor
  • Some units have a crooked screen (~2mm slant)
  • Chubby form factor looks lame

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

hawks22gk

avatar
April 6, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
3 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui
  • long battery life

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • The backside is very easily scratched.
  • More expensive than competitors with similar features

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

1stade

avatar
April 8, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui
  • Cover flow is awesome
  • long battery life

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fractalhorizon

avatar
January 7, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
100
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
0 cons
love itlove it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui
  • Cover flow is awesome
  • long battery life

Cons

Did not agree with any cons

Competitors

fractalhorizon prefers Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen over Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

coronero

avatar
July 10, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
71
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
2 cons
have ithave it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • The backside is very easily scratched.

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Lawrenceald

avatar
May 5, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
43
negative
mixed
positive
3 pros
4 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • The backside is very easily scratched.
  • More expensive than competitors with similar features
  • Cover flow is choppy due to less powerful processor

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

kayleech

avatar
April 20, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
71
negative
mixed
positive
5 pros
2 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Now plays video with a high quality screen
  • Feels just right in your hand.
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • Cover flow is awesome

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • More expensive than competitors with similar features

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Yale

avatar
July 9, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
67
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
2 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Good capacity and features for the price
  • good gui
  • Cover flow is awesome

Cons

  • Battery still not user replaceable.
  • Chubby form factor looks lame

Competitors

Yale prefers Apple iPod Touch 1st Gen over Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen
Yale prefers Apple iPod Nano 3rd Gen over Creative Zen, Microsoft Zune 8
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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