The 3rd Generation Nano is Here!

Apple, in its constant quest to finely hone that creative edge and keep it in the front of the multimedia pack, unveiled its 3^rd generation iPod a few weeks ago. In keeping with the smaller is better mantra that most multimedia manufacturers have subscribed to, Apple has whittled down the nano to a few credit cards thickness, made it a bit squarer, though with rounded edges, and added a brilliantly colored 2" screen with 204 pixels per inch. The result is a 4 or 8 gig sized little hot rod. While watching video or TV on a 2" screen seems a bit may be a bit tough on the eyes, the option is there and it is in vibrant color. Apple has made the nano much more intuitive to use, with search features, calendar and alarms making the grade for ease of use. The standard connections remain the same, so all of the little gadgets you have purchased for your old nanos will seamlessly integrate into your new and improved 3^rd generation lifestyle.

The 1^st and 2^nd generation nanos, while functional and mildly aesthetically pleasing, are quickly surpassed by the 3^rd generation. Newer colors, the rounded edges, a more user friendly interface and an easier search feature all bring the new nano to lofty heights that only ipod owner could have only dreamed of. A link up to display iPod video, photos and shows onto a TV is available, even having a countdown timer and a gallery of photos in the queue. Battery life is drastically improved as well, with Apple claiming 24 hours of music or 5 hours of video playback. I have come close to the claims, with 18 hours of music and a little video thrown in for kicks. Not bad for a battery that Apple makes! Apple also added three games to the software, so if the video and music get boring, there are other options.

The few downsides, and they are picky by even the heartiest of iPod detractors, is the sometimes slow performance of the screen when using the Coverflow application and the still easy-to-scratch back side. Apple has not changed the brilliant metal backside, keeping it relatively to still find fingerprints and scratches. A few minor software issues still pop up, but in the end, she is a sporty little minx. A few scratches on her back just make her all the hotter.