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Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen

Apple's 4th generation iPod Nano combines the overall aesthetic of the 2nd generation Nano with the functionality of the 3rd generation. The newest Nano, released in September 2008, returns to the long and rectangular formfactor with the thinnest profile yet at 0.24 inches. The screen size is the same as the previous version, although it must be rotated width-wise to get the same dimensions. The major difference, other than the shape, is the curved aluminum shell, which creates a cohesive and smooth unit, front to back.

Where to Buy

Apple iPod Nano 2
MSRP $199.00
Release date September, 2008
Brand Apple
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Pros & Cons40
Reviews19
Details
Buy It15
Competitors6
Comments2
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Pros & Cons

ProSCORE
14 reviews
68
negative
mixed
positive
12 positive
1 mixed
1 negative

[i] How is the ProSCORE calculated?

show me!

Pros:
Do you agree?
•
Ridiculously thin
+17agreedisagree

•
Available in 9 different colors
+16agreedisagree

•
Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
+12agreedisagree

•
Shake to shuffle
+12agreedisagree

•
Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
+11agreedisagree

•
New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
+9agreedisagree

•
updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
+9agreedisagree

•
Engraveable for free
+8agreedisagree

•
Accelerometer can be used for games
+4agreedisagree

•
Better looking than previous generations
+4agreedisagree

•
Many funky colours to choose from
+4agreedisagree

•
Shake to shuffle can be turned off
+3agreedisagree

•
Very light
+3agreedisagree

•
Never skips
+3agreedisagree

•
Excellent battery life
+2agreedisagree

•
No lag at all when viewing pictures
+2agreedisagree

•
Genius mode
+2agreedisagree

•
Extremely portable.
+1agreedisagree

•
great capacity for such a small device
+1agreedisagree

•
good sound
+1agreedisagree

•
handles several popular file formats
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?
•
Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
+7agreedisagree

•
Rounded screen can lead to glare
+4agreedisagree

•
Limited codec support - No FLAC or WMA
+4agreedisagree

•
Non-replaceable battery
+4agreedisagree

•
scroll wheel is of lower quality than previous generations
+3agreedisagree

•
No FM Tuner
+3agreedisagree

•
Can be controlled only through iTunes
+3agreedisagree

•
No WiFi
+2agreedisagree

•
Shake to shuffle isn't always picked up
+2agreedisagree

•
Accelerometer feature can't be turned off
+2agreedisagree

•
Apple advertises 12 to 16 hours, but the device needs recharging after 6 hours.
+2agreedisagree

•
difficult to navigate/transfer files without itunes
+2agreedisagree

•
finger prints prone, need to clean every time u touch it
+2agreedisagree

•
user manual is not in detail. no information on initial charging etc
+2agreedisagree

•
NEED TO BUY SOFTWARE: In order to enable the cooler features - like syncing photo albums automatically, etc..., you need to purchase or own iLife (iPhoto specifically) 4.03 or better. If you have PC, you have to buy Adobe Photoshop Elements.
+2agreedisagree

•
created to be used as part of a closed system - iTunes, Apple music store and iPod
+1agreedisagree

•
You MUST buy a case/shell for this device.
+1agreedisagree

•
Very fragile.
+1agreedisagree

•
Requires upgrade to iTunes 8 with significant hardware requirements
0agreedisagree


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

Details

New Features

  • "Shake to Shuffle" - the Nano now has a built-in accelerometer which responds to shaking and randomly shuffles your music to a different song
  • Games - New games, made especially for the nano will be available through the iTunes store and will take advantage of the built-in accelerometer
  • Portrait mode - You can rotate your nano width-wise to view photos and videos, which gives you a 2-inch widescreen display
  • Cover Flow - Album art comes to the forefront with a new way of browsing albums (similar to the iPhone)
  • Genius Playlist - Apple makes playlists for you, based on your existing music library, creating music that flows together

iPod Nano Versions

  • 8GB version, $149, available in all 9 colors
  • 16GB version, $199, available in all 9 colors

Color options

This generation is being dubbed nano-chromatic because of its extensive array of colors including: silver, gunmetal, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red and pink.

Submit a link

This report was started September 12, 2008 at 3:32 pm by Amanie
with the last edit occurring Thursday, 6:59 PM by Yale
This page has been viewed 2959 times, with 300 edits by 24 contributors.
See the full report history »

Buy It

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Orange - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (4th Generation) LATEST MODEL

• iPod nano 8GB MP3 Player - Orange

UPC: 085909259209

EAN: 718908000458

MPN: MB754LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Orange - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Orange (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909278091

EAN: 885909278053

MPN: MB911LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Green - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Green (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909259601

EAN: 718908000748

MPN: MB745LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Green - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Green (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909278480

EAN: 885909278442

MPN: MB913LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Black - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909260805

EAN: 718122066193

MPN: MB754LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Black - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Black (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909279524

EAN: 885909279487

MPN: MB918LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Yellow - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Yellow (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909260003

EAN: 784090091635

MPN: MB748LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Yellow - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Yellow (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909278879

EAN: 885909278831

MPN: MB915LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Pink - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Pink (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909277445

EAN: 885909277407

MPN: MB907LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Silver - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Silver (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

• iPod nano 8GB MP3 Player - Silver

UPC: 885909240883

EAN: 885909240883

MPN: MB598LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Silver - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Silver (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909276660

EAN: 885909276622

MPN: MB903LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Purple - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Purple (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909258802

EAN: 0181010000973

MPN: MB739LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Purple - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Purple (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909277834

EAN: 885909277797

MPN: MB909LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Blue - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Blue (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909258000

EAN: 718908000618

MPN: MB732LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Blue - 16GB

• Apple iPod nano 16 GB Blue (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909277056

EAN: 0885909277018

MPN: MB905LL/A

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen | Pink - 8GB

• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Pink (4th Generation) OLD MODEL

UPC: 885909258406

EAN: 784090091598

MPN: MB735LL/A

Competitors

Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen is ranked 1st among it's competitors.  See the top picks in MP3 Players »
iriver e50

iriver e50

MSRP  --    Released  January, 2009
Pros
  • stunning brushed aluminum enclosure
  • small size and very discrete
  • affordable pricing
  • FLAC and OGG support
  • unbelievable battery life
Cons
  • capacities only up to 8GB - behind Microsoft and Apple which both carry 16GB models
ProSCORE
1 review
83
Vote! (3 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen 100% vs. vote iriver e50 0%
RCA Lyra Slider SL5008

RCA Lyra Slider SL5008

MSRP  $99.99    Released  January, 2009
Pros
  • affordable price
  • simple and easy to use for those uninterested in more complicated devices
  • capacity that rivals the top players portable flash memory devices
Cons
  • slider is cheesy - it is an MP3 player not a phone
  • nothing special compared to much more advanced players from other manufacturers
ProSCORE
1 review
60
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen 100% vs. vote RCA Lyra Slider SL5008 0%
RCA Lyra Slider SL5016

RCA Lyra Slider SL5016

MSRP  $119.99    Released  January, 2008
Pros
  • affordable price
  • simple and easy to use for those uninterested in more complicated devices
  • capacity that rivals the top players portable flash memory devices
Cons
  • slider is cheesy - it is an MP3 player not a phone
  • nothing special compared to much more advanced players from other manufacturers
ProSCORE
1 review
60
Vote! (4 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen 100% vs. vote RCA Lyra Slider SL5016 0%
Cowon iAudio 9

Cowon iAudio 9

MSRP  $169.99    Released  November, 2009
Pros
  • support for open source formats - FLAC and OGG
  • drag and drop file transfers - no need to install proprietary crapware to access your device
  • stunning OLED touchscreen display
Cons
  • no memory card slot for expansion
  • interface isn't very intuitive
  • old-school design - looks like a no-name piece of crap
ProSCORE
1 review
75
Vote! (0 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen   vs. vote Cowon iAudio 9  
Haier America Rhapsody Ibiza Mini

Haier America Rhapsody Ibiza Mini

MSRP  --    Released  January, 2009
Pros
  • good capacities - starting from 8GB
  • WiFi enabled
  • good video format support
Cons
  • no touchscreen
  • no OGG/FLAC format support
  • limited battery life
ProSCORE
1 review
50
Vote! (3 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen 100% vs. vote Haier America Rhapsody Ibiza Mini 0%
Slacker G2

Slacker G2

MSRP  --    Released  September, 2008
Pros
  • exposes you to good music that you've never heard before
  • can use all of the online functionality for free without a subscription
  • much sleeker than the original device
Cons
  • WiFi connection requires the battery be more than 50% charged
  • syncing Internet radio stations takes a long time, drains battery quickly
  • only available in the United States
ProSCORE
3 reviews
68
Vote! (5 votes)
vote Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen 100% vs. vote Slacker G2 0%

Suggest a new competitor to add to the list of competing products.
If the product hasn't yet been added to ProductWiki, submitting it here will also start the product report.

Comments

7 taps
1.  avatar dialupinternetuser said:

Once again, Apple has a not-worth-buying lower class iPod. I'm gonna have to go with overpriced and LAME.
Sep 23, 2008 9:36pm
2.  avatar Yale said:

I thought it was pretty lame before I went to the apple store and compared it to my 2nd generation Nano. Ridiculously thin, nicer screen (I didn't really notice the roundedness that looks way too evident in the pre-release leaked photos). The better software is just icing on the cake, and to be honest I didn't even look at it too closely. Not too shabby at all.

Would be nice if they built Nike+ into it (who wants to lug around a touch while running?)

Oct 01, 2008 2:46pm
Some HTML is allowed. Your comments remain editable after you post..

Reviews

Sort by: Most helpful  •  Newest  •  Most positive

Yale

avatar
May 7, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
82
negative
mixed
positive
9 pros
2 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Engraveable for free
  • Accelerometer can be used for games

Cons

  • scroll wheel is of lower quality than previous generations
  • created to be used as part of a closed system - iTunes, Apple music store and iPod

Comments

"

I thought it was pretty lame before I went to the apple store and compared it to my 2nd generation Nano. Ridiculously thin, nicer screen (I didn't really notice the roundedness that looks way too evident in the pre-release leaked photos). The better software is just icing on the cake, and to be honest I didn't even look at it too closely. Not too shabby at all.

Would be nice if they built Nike+ into it (who wants to lug around a touch while running?)

"

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Erik

avatar
October 1, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
70
negative
mixed
positive
7 pros
3 cons
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • Engraveable for free

Cons

  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • No WiFi
  • Requires upgrade to iTunes 8 with significant hardware requirements

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

justafire

avatar
May 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
62
negative
mixed
positive
16 pros
10 cons

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Engraveable for free
  • Accelerometer can be used for games
  • Better looking than previous generations
  • Many funky colours to choose from
  • Shake to shuffle can be turned off
  • Very light
  • Excellent battery life
  • No lag at all when viewing pictures
  • Genius mode

Cons

  • Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • Limited codec support - No FLAC or WMA
  • scroll wheel is of lower quality than previous generations
  • No FM Tuner
  • No WiFi
  • Shake to shuffle isn't always picked up
  • Accelerometer feature can't be turned off
  • created to be used as part of a closed system - iTunes, Apple music store and iPod
  • Requires upgrade to iTunes 8 with significant hardware requirements

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

ralli

avatar
May 19, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
63
negative
mixed
positive
12 pros
7 cons

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Better looking than previous generations
  • Many funky colours to choose from
  • Shake to shuffle can be turned off
  • Very light
  • Genius mode

Cons

  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • Limited codec support - No FLAC or WMA
  • scroll wheel is of lower quality than previous generations
  • No FM Tuner
  • No WiFi
  • Shake to shuffle isn't always picked up
  • Accelerometer feature can't be turned off

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

avid

avatar
September 11, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
24
negative
mixed
positive
4 pros
13 cons

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Better looking than previous generations
  • Many funky colours to choose from

Cons

  • Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • Limited codec support - No FLAC or WMA
  • Non-replaceable battery
  • No FM Tuner
  • Can be controlled only through iTunes
  • Accelerometer feature can't be turned off
  • Apple advertises 12 to 16 hours, but the device needs recharging after 6 hours.
  • difficult to navigate/transfer files without itunes
  • finger prints prone, need to clean every time u touch it
  • user manual is not in detail. no information on initial charging etc
  • NEED TO BUY SOFTWARE: In order to enable the cooler features - like syncing photo albums automatically, etc..., you need to purchase or own iLife (iPhoto specifically) 4.03 or better. If you have PC, you have to buy Adobe Photoshop Elements.
  • created to be used as part of a closed system - iTunes, Apple music store and iPod

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Robb Lincoln

avatar
September 20, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
79
negative
mixed
positive
11 pros
3 cons
have ithave it
love itlove it

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Very light
  • Never skips
  • great capacity for such a small device
  • good sound
  • handles several popular file formats

Cons

  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • Non-replaceable battery
  • Can be controlled only through iTunes

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Omar

avatar
March 3, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
82
negative
mixed
positive
9 pros
2 cons

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Engraveable for free
  • Accelerometer can be used for games
  • Excellent battery life
  • No lag at all when viewing pictures

Cons

  • Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
  • No WiFi

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

fractalhorizon

avatar
January 7, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
82
negative
mixed
positive
9 pros
2 cons
love itlove it

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • updated software is a lot nicer than earlier generations
  • Engraveable for free
  • Excellent battery life

Cons

  • Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
  • Rounded screen can lead to glare

Competitors

fractalhorizon prefers Apple iPod Nano 4th Gen over iriver e50, Slacker G2, RCA Lyra Slider SL5008, RCA Lyra Slider SL5016
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

qubiiii

avatar
October 14, 2008
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
60
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
4 cons

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Available in 9 different colors
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Shake to shuffle
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • Engraveable for free

Cons

  • Doesn't charge with older chargers ( you need to buy all new equipment for it)
  • Rounded screen can lead to glare
  • No WiFi
  • Requires upgrade to iTunes 8 with significant hardware requirements

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No

Rat

avatar
September 17, 2009
approved
reviewer
ProSCORE
75
negative
mixed
positive
6 pros
2 cons
love itlove it
have ithave it

Pros

  • Ridiculously thin
  • Accelerometer means you can watch videos in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Returned back to taller, more desirable form factor
  • New voice recorder application when plugging in a microphone
  • Shake to shuffle can be turned off
  • Never skips

Cons

  • Limited codec support - No FLAC or WMA
  • Non-replaceable battery

Competitors

Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
 / 
No
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