So I bought the hype, gave in like a fanboy, and purchased the 16GB 4th Generation iPod Nano (left image) with the intention of having it replace my 3rd Generation (right image, duh). After paying overnight shipping thinking it would get here the next day, it took almost 2 weeks to finally arrive. From China, no less. Good thing I didn’t purchase cargo shipping. After playing with the 4th Gen for about a week, I can now compare the two with accuracy and proficiency.
Positives of the new 4th Gen iPod Nano:
- Sleeker, slimmer, lighter design
- Improved storage capacity
That’s it. Everything else pales in comparison to its 3rd Gen sibling.
Negatives of the new 4th Gen iPod Nano:
- Significant loss of battery charge due to Cover Flow always being engaged
- Inability to power off or control the accelerometer
- Inability to turn off Cover Flow (affects battery power)
- No longer compatible with 3rd party devices to recharge battery
- Glass design more susceptible to scratching
Is the addition of the accelerometer and Cover Flow absolutely necessary? They are nice features, but if you have no control over them, they significantly reduce the life of your battery as the day goes on. If you flip the Nano 90 degrees, Cover Flow is activated, which means that if you place the Nano in your pocket, sit down, exercise, etc. Cover Flow is engaged and you no longer have access to the click wheel’s volume, play/pause, forward, backward features. Sometimes it will stay stuck on Cover Flow even when you turn it upright and not return for several seconds. These little differences are immediately noticeable. Hopefully, Apple will resolve this with a software update. I encourage those of you who feel the same way I do to submit this suggestion to Apple. The more people do so, the more likely this will happen.
If you watched the press release earlier this month, you’ll remember how much Steve Jobs gushed over the iPod Nano’s vast ecosystem with the addition of 3rd party accessories and players. What better way to neglect that ecosystem by no longer making the iPod compatible with them? When connecting to such devices as Bose sound and docking systems, car chargers, car attachments, at-home listening stations, and even some power adapters, you will now receive the following message: “Charging is not supported with this accessory.”
I think the 4th Generation iPod Nano is a backward step in the Nano’s evolution. My opinion? If you are happy with your 3rd Gen, don’t make any changes. In fact, you can buy refurbished 3rd generation iPod Nano directly from Apple online. $99 for the 8GB version & $79 for the 4GB model. They will be in brand new condition and come with a full one-year warranty, unlike what you may find on Craig’s List or eBay.
